Hobbies And Interests
Refractors
Refractor telescopes consist of a long tube supporting two to three lenses of glass. Many amateur astronomers prefer refractors for planetary and lunar observing because of their sharp optics and excellent contrast. However, refractors tend to cost more than other designs, and also require large, expensive mounts to support them.
Reflectors
Reflector telescopes use a combination of two mirrors to capture light and direct the image to the observer. They excel at observing deep-sky objects, offering breathtaking views of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Although cheaper, reflectors require more maintenance than other telescope designs, including frequent mirror realignment, a process known as "collimation."
Catadioptrics
Catadioptric telescopes combine mirrors and lenses in their design, producing a compact, portable telescope easier to mount than a refractor and requiring less maintenance than a reflector. Although they can be used for deep-sky observation, the narrow field of view catadioptric telescopes provide make them best suited for planetary and lunar observation.