
But with the right tools and practice, it will only take you 10 mins or so. In cases of larger reflectors, this could be every time you move it to a new location. The bigger the objective in the reflectors, the more regular the need for collimation.

#Reflector vs refractor telescope images how to#
I wrote about this in How to Collimate a Dobsonian. Reflectors need collimating more than refractors. Making sure to store the telescope properly will help avoid unneeded cleaning. Reflectors have mirrors that might need cleaning and aligning from time to time. I wrote about ‘astigmatism’ a type of aberration in refractors, the causes, and the solutions. The presentation of aberrations will depend on the quality of the optics and design of the telescope in both types.

What easily sets them apart: In the reflector the finderscope and seating for the eyepiece sit at the front (or the top), while in the refractor, these are at the back of the telescope tube (see images below). Let’s start with how to tell the difference between refractor and reflector telescope types at first glance. Obvious difference between reflector and refractor Whereas the larger aperture builds, reflectors 6″ upward, are a great choice if you’re wanting to concentrate on deep-sky objects such as the Messier catalog that include star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. Apochromatic refractors are also well-suited for astrophotography.Īccording to Terence Dickinson, author of numerous astronomy books, reflectors 4–8″ can perform well for viewing the Moon, planets, and other bright objects in the night sky. Apochromatic refractors can be used for deep-sky observing, but may not provide as much contrast or detail as larger reflector telescopes.
