Refractor Telescopes

A refractor telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses an optical lens as its objective to form an image, usually magnified by an eyepiece. The refracting telescope design was initially used in astronomy telescopes, but is also used for long-focus SLR camera lenses.

Refractor telescopes utilise special lenses that make them a good choice for deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae. However, in contrast, reflector telescopes are a little more popular with larger and brighter objects such as the Moon and planets because they use mirrors that provide more sensitivity to all wavelengths.

High initial cost when compared to a reflector telescope. A small amount of chromatic aberration, which is unavoidable (reflector telescopes completely free of this, due to their design) the colours cannot focus at one point. Longer focal ratios can mean that the telescope can be heavy and cumbersome.

Refractor telescopes are ideal for high-quality moon, planetary, star cluster observing - as well as for surprisingly good views of the brighter Messier range, many amateur astronomers prefer the quality of the crisp, clear and high-contrast, diffraction-free images produced by a good refractor.