refractor telescopes
What is the difference between a refractor and a reflector telescope?
My son wants a telescope for Christmas, but we're pretty uneducated as to which kind to get. He is 10, but extremely smart and interested. We don't want a piece of junk, but yet we want something good enough to support his interest. Advice??
I'm a big fan of dobsonians (I've got 2) but they're not that good for young children! They're designed to be easy to move and kids tend to hang on to the 'scope and move it when it should be stationary. Not only that, but dobs are undriven, so they have to be moved by hand to follow the object you're viewing- I've yet to meet a 10 year old who can do that. You can obviously get motorised mounts which will track the object for you (more expense!), but I've found another problem with youngsters - some of them look across the eyepiece rather than through it!
I'm passionate about teaching astronomy to children but I'd want to be very sure they could actually use and enjoy a 'scope before spending a lot of money on one.
But let's assume that a telescope is the right thing for your son. Reflectors give you most bang for the buck, but the eyepiece will be quite high off the ground - maybe too high. Decent refractors are a lot more expensive, but the eyepiece is lower down, and when used with a star diagonal (which puts the eyepiece in a more comfortable position) are much more usable for short people. There's a third type of 'scope, catadioptrics, which use both lenses and mirrors. There are some quite affordable ones, but I think the sub $500 ones are too small to give enjoyable views - there's no "gosh wow".
Whichever you choose, please remember that they take practice to use, and you're never going to see things like the Hubble pictures!
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Terra Star 60mm Refracting Telescope with Carry Bag
List Price: $97.99
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Description
"The Meade NG-60 60mm refracting telescope is an excellent first telescope for the beginning astronomer or the casual observer of land or sky. Supplied complete with two eyepieces, a fine achromatic objective lens, a fully adjustable aluminum tripod, and the modern, highly functional Meade NG-series altazimuth mounting, the NG-60 easily surpasses commonly available, lower-quality introductory telescopes...
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Meade NG-70 70mm/2.8 inch Altazimuth-Mount Achromatic Refractor Telescope
List Price: $149.00
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Description
Some of the worldâ?TMs top astronomers got started with a telescope just like this one â?" and so will you. A quality refracting telescope for land or sky viewing. It's perfect for observing the Moon, planets and land objects like mountains, trees and wildlife.
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
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Description
Orion's surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value...
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
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Description
Orion’s Observer 70 EQ combines the solid optical performance of a classic achromatic refractor with a German style equatorial mount. The Observer 70 features very good optics and 36 percent more light gathering power than 60mm beginner scopes...
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Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
List Price: $73.95
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Description
In 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community, which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come...
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Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
List Price: $183.95
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Description
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ 45 - 90X Refractor Telescope. Affordable, powerful, lightweight... the perfect choice for amateur astronomers and backyard stargazers! Proving once again that you don't need NASA's budget to see the stars...
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CELESTRON Powerseeker 50 Refractor Telescope
List Price: $55.95
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Description
The Celestron® PowerSeeker 50 telescope is a great way to open up the wonders of the universe to the aspiring astronomer. It's portable yet powerful with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy.
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Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
List Price: $39.95
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Description
Choosing and Using a Refracting Telescope has been written for the many amateur astronomers who already own, or are intending to purchase, a refracting telescope â perhaps to complement their existing arsenal of larger reflecting telescopes â or for the specialist who requires a particular refractor for serious astronomical applications or nature studies...
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Fun With Telescopes
List Price: $1.99
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Description
Here's a list of the topics you'll find inside: Has The Night Sky Always Fascinated You Since You Were A Child? Do You Often Wonder What Lies Beyond The Dark Expanse Above? Do You Want To Fathom The Mysteries Of The Infinite Universe?Here's a list of the topics you'll find inside: - History Of Telescopes - The Evolution Of The Telescope - Historical Timeline For Telescopes- How Telescopes Work- Buying A Telescope- Finding The Telescope That Meets Your Needs - Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Telescope - Terminology- Astronomy 101- Zodiac Constellations- Andromeda - Build Your Own Telescope- Learn How To Build Telescopes- Make Your Own Telescope- Eyepieces For Telescopes - Why Using A Telescope Building Kit Is Convenient - Learn About Our Universe Using Telescopes- Basic Tips For Using Telescopes- Understanding The Value Of Telescope Lens- Achromatic Versus Apochromatic Lenses In Telescopes- Why You Should Consult A Telescope Review - Read About The 14" LX200R Through A Telescope Review- Learn Why That Telescope Review Of LX200R Raves About It - Tasco 48t Telescope - How The Hubble Telescope Was Almost Never Launched Into Space - Telescope Photos - Space Telescope Photos- Hubble Telescope Photos - Telescope Accessories - Meade Telescope Accessories - Celestron Nexstar 80 Telescope Accessories - Different Types Of Telescopes - Optical Telescope - Galileo's Telescope- Large Binocular Telescope - Reflecting Telescopes - Refracting Telescopes- Smaller Telescopes- The Best Telescopes Out There - Optical Features Of Telescopes - Telescope Mounts- Homemade Telescope Roof Mount - Telescope for Kids - Telescope Advice For Beginners - Using A Telescope - What Your Telescope Can Do- Viewing The Night Sky With A Telescope - Viewing Deep Sky Objects And Comets- Looking at Globular Clusters- Astrophotography- Current Astronomy News For The Sky And Telescope
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Someone with knowledge on telescopes?
Can you tell me which is better: a refractor telescope or a reflector telescope and why? It would be a first telescope for an eight year old child.
Hi there. There is excellant advice from all answers and I love the analogy of SUV and sports car. Refractors are more portable and initial cost less. Binoculars are better for the beginner...period. 10x50s are suggested. Sky and telescope subscription also suggested. They have a monthly star chart and a brief idea of the sky for that month.
I have been an amatuer astronomer since mid sixties, my first scope was a jason 60 mm with 700mm focal length. About 100 bucks. Walmart has a nice one for buck and a half. Stay small till the interest is solid. Email me anytime.
