While to the casual observer telescopes might all seem to be alike, those in the know realize that there are big differences between reflecting and refracting telescopes. Differences that were immediately apparent when the reflecting telescope was first conceived. It doesn’t matter if it’s a homemade reflecting telescope or the largest reflecting telescope.
The differences will be apparent in the degree of clarity and image quality in the two very different telescopes. While each type of telescope has its advantages there is no one telescope that is perfect, each type will allow you to see different things.
Optical Construction
The immediate difference between the two types of telescopes is the optical construction of reflecting and refracting telescopes. The names of the telescopes themselves give you a clue as to how these telescopes are constructed.
A reflecting telescope is made up of a series of mirrors that reflects light rays. Reflecting telescopes can be used to view brighter planets and stars in astronomy. A refracting telescope on he other hand is made up of lenses that refract light rays.
The best way to see a wide variety of astronomical sights is to have both reflecting and refracting telescopes. Having both reflecting and refracting telescopes on hand will allow you to see more stars and planets.
Choosing A Refractor
You may decide after considering reflecting and refracting telescopes that the best option for you is a refracting telescope. Choosing this type of telescope will allow you to do daytime viewing. Fitting your refracting telescope with an image rectifier will give you better daytime viewing.
Another plus of using a refracting telescope is that you will be able to see the stars and planets in greater details. A refracting telescope also allows you to see things in greater contrast and you will see higher emissions of light through this kind of telescope. This is a great telescope to start with as will allow you to easily identify familiar stars a it is a brighter telescope than a reflecting telescope.
If on the other hand you decide that between reflecting and refracting telescopes you would prefer a reflecting telescope then this also has other advantages. A reflecting telescope will allow you to see galaxies and nebulae and other lower light objects.
If you would like to start astronomical photography then choosing a reflecting telescope is probably the best option. It really depends on what you would like to use your telescope for.
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