Oldies reflectors, newbies refractors...true?

Got a question on astronomy that you'd wanted to ask? Ask your questions here and see if the old timers can give you some good answers.
Post Reply
User avatar
VinSnr
Administrator
Posts: 2310
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 7:01 pm
Location: Andromeda Galaxy

Oldies reflectors, newbies refractors...true?

Post by VinSnr »

Hi,

I noticed a trend in many astro communities. Most new amateurs would prefer refractors but most oldies would prefer reflectors.

I wonder why the transition?

What about you?
Top
User avatar
kayheem
Posts: 1039
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 9:59 am
Location: Sennet Estate

Post by kayheem »

How about those who prefer catadioptrics? :)
Top
User avatar
acc
Administrator
Posts: 2581
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 11:15 pm
Favourite scope: Mag1 Instruments 12.5" Portaball

Post by acc »

Not true leh... I like refractors too for their clean, diffraction-spikes-free, wide-field views :)
We do it in the dark...
Portaball 12.5"
Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
Top
User avatar
ariefm71
Posts: 2304
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:15 pm
Location: bedok

Post by ariefm71 »

i like them all, reflector for resolution (aperture wins), refractor for wide-field, but if i can only have one scope, it will be a cat (portability and aperture)
Top
User avatar
Tachyon
Posts: 2038
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2005 11:40 am
Location: Bedok

Post by Tachyon »

I prefer refractors for their fuss-free construction (i.e. I'm lazy). Broadly speaking, a slightly miscollimated refractor objective has less adverse effects than a slightly miscollimated reflector. Moreover, aesthetically I prefer the crystal-like lens over the reflective mirror - it's like there's more depth to glass than the superficial mirror. Girls may prefer mirrors though! :-P
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
Top
User avatar
jermng
Posts: 1104
Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 7:09 am

Post by jermng »

One each for me please ... 4" APO, 12" Truss. 9.25" Cat ... (For realistic portability) if not, it'll be a 30" Obsession .... hee hee
Thanks!

HAHA, but if I were to choose one, I would choose a CAT just for the portability to aperture ratio factor. =) But then again, I prefer my refractor when I dun wanna worry bout collimation ...

Oh No!! I can't make up my mind!! hee .... So I guess the trend moves on to a category of pple who can't make up their mind and want everything ... =)
Jeremy Ng
C8, CR-150HD, TMB 80 f/6
Orion SVP Intelliscope, AstroSlew I
Minolta Activa 12x50WA
Top
User avatar
VinSnr
Administrator
Posts: 2310
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 7:01 pm
Location: Andromeda Galaxy

Post by VinSnr »

Maybe the best is own three, one of each design
Top
User avatar
Canopus Lim
Posts: 1144
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:46 pm
Location: Macpherson

Post by Canopus Lim »

I prefer reflectors because they are more value for money per aperture and they don't have chromatic aberration. Also, since I prefer to see stars than planet, reflectors will be better. But for portability the best would be a small apo refractor, haven't got that yet perhaps years later when I'm crazy enough to spend more money on this hobby :)
Top
User avatar
rlow
Posts: 2405
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2003 7:36 pm
Location: Jurong

Post by rlow »

Maybe the best is own three, one of each design
Yeah! Each has its strength & weakness, so how about a big APO for planetary views, a huge DOB for deepsky views, and a medium-sized CAT for quick grab-and-go views!
Top
User avatar
ariefm71
Posts: 2304
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:15 pm
Location: bedok

Post by ariefm71 »

so how about a big APO for planetary views
Top
Post Reply

Return to “General Astronomy”