Reflecting Telescopes Advantages And Disadvantages
Reflecting Telescopes Advantages and disadvantages
What is a good Catadioptric Telescope for a beginner?
I've been using binoculars for a year now and I am planning to get a computerized Catadioptric telescope.
Any suggestions? or should I get a reflecting telescope?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a catadioptric and a Reflector Telescope?
My main goal is to get any Computerized Telescopes which would help me learn more about astronomy
Thank you in advance!
So would be a Orions XT8 good enough for me?
I too started off with binos for a year or so before I purchased a scope. Congrats on the insight to do that. A lot of folks just jump out there and buy a scope that turns into an expensive coat rack sitting in the corner of the room.
For the record, catadioptric are basicaly reflectors too. If it uses mirrors to collect and focus the light, it's a reflector. Catadioptric are hybrids, more or less. But I know what you're asking and you're probably talking about Newtonian Reflector telescopes vs. Schmidt Cassegrain or Maksutov. Newts tend to have a faster f-ratio than catadioptric. This may not be a major consideration unless you plan to branch out into astrophotography. Keep in mind that there are also a lot of good computerized Newts as well. The BIGGEST difference between these are price. Catadioptircs will definitely break your wallet! Take your time and do some good research (including visiting a local astronomy club). One thing to keep in mind (which many people new to telescopes don't consider) is THE MOUNT. The mount is EVERYTHING. Without the stability of a good mount, even a $3000 scope becomes useless.
The other thing I would advise (and I took this path) is to buy a telescope not just for now, but looking ahead to the future. Think about where you want to go with astronomy and make sure you get a scope that will work with you in future endeavors and interests (e.g. astrophotography). ALSO, remember that you will need certain accessories, so DON'T spend your entire budget just on the telescope. A large population of amateur astronomers purchase their scopes on line from places such as telescope.com (Orion site) or telescopes.com (Hayneedle site). Note the latter has an "S" on the end. I can't stress enough the importance of doing some intense research b/c this is an investment you will be stuck with for a while so you need to make a good decision based on your needs and budget. Don't trivialize the value of visiting an astronomy club for help. As do many of the people here, I belong to one and we get people visiting all the time looking for help and advice.
Some folks will recommend a Dobosonian Newt. However, it is a matter of preference and if after you've done your research and prefer a computerized scope....go for it! Whatever is going to give you THE MOST FUN in pursuing this hobby. I don't own a Dobsonian b/c to me it is a royal pain to star-hop and a Dob (in most cases) will not track your object. Someone comes by and bumps your scope or you leave for a long period of time and you are right back to star-hopping tryiing to find your target again. Also, I have branched out into astrophotography which means a Dob is out of the question. But it is YOUR choice and that's why I said to think about, research it and visit an astonomy club. In the end, you just might decide on a Dobsonian, but make your OWN decision based on YOUR needs, budget and interest.
 |
No items matching your keywords were found.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment