What types of telescopes are there? A guide to help you make your choice.

To choose a telescope successfully, it is important to understand that telescopes differ in their design or optical configuration. There are several types of telescopes: Refractors – these use lenses as their optical components. The advantages of refractors include a wide field of view, minimal light scattering, and easy maintenance of the optics. However, they may distort colors. Due to these characteristics, refractors are ideal for astronomical observations in urban areas, where bright city lights cause less interference. They can also be used to observe terrestrial objects, the Moon, and the nearby universe.

The Moon viewed through a telescope.

Externally, a refractor usually consists of a relatively narrow tube, often with a short “tail” at the end that points upward; this “tail” is actually the eyepiece.

Refractor telescope.

The Andromeda Galaxy can be observed through a refractor telescope.

The Pleiades star cluster is another beautiful sight that can be well observed through a refractor telescope.

Reflector telescopes can be identified by the following characteristics: their tube has a much larger diameter than that of refractors, and its width remains relatively constant throughout its length. Additionally, reflectors do not have a “tail” at the end.