![]() The focal length is effectively the length of the telescope itself. The focal length is the distance from the primary lens (in refracting telescopes) or the primary mirror (in reflecting telescopes) to the point where the image is formed (which will differ depending on the types of the telescope). Decent amateur telescopes have an aperture of 3.15” to 16” (80 mm to 400 mm), and some really top-end professional telescopes can have an aperture of 400 inches (10 meters). Apertures are typically measured in mm or inches. This will translate to clearer images, and so we can apply an eyepiece with bigger magnifications. In turn, the more light gathered, the more details that can be seen and the dimmer the objects that can be seen. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope gathers. Reflecting vs Refracting Telescopes: Key Termsīefore we discuss the refracting and reflecting telescopes individually, let us first discuss key terms and/or specifications that are common to all types of telescopes: ApertureĪperture is the diameter of the primary lens (in refracting telescopes) or the primary mirror (in reflecting telescopes). In this guide, we will address those questions and help you decide on the best telescope to purchase according to your needs and preferences.īefore we begin, we will first discuss the key terms and important concepts in telescopes that we’ll use throughout this guide. So, which is better for beginners? Are there any differences in performance? Which are more expensive? Telescopes are classified according to the method of how they focus the image into the eyepiece: refracting telescopes use lenses to focus light, while reflecting telescopes use mirrors. For centuries, there has always been the ongoing debate of reflecting vs refracting telescopes.
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