10 Best Reflector Telescopes
for May 2023

Reflector telescopes have a rich history, dating back to the 17th century. They are different from refractor telescopes in that they use mirrors to reflect and focus light, rather than lenses. Reflector telescopes have played a crucial role in advancing our knowledge and understanding of the universe. Let's take a journey through history to discover some interesting facts about reflector telescopes.

1608 - The first optical telescope invented by Hans Lippershey in the Netherlands was a refracting telescope.

1668 - Sir Isaac Newton built the first reflector telescope, using a curved mirror to reflect light and creating a clearer image. The telescope was only 6 inches long and used a small, flat diagonal mirror to reflect the image up to the eyepiece.

1733 - John Hadley created the first modern reflector telescope, using an improved design that included both a primary mirror and a smaller, secondary mirror to divert light to a side-mounted eyepiece.

1781 - William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus using his homemade 40-foot reflector telescope. This telescope was the largest telescope in the world at that time and enabled Herschel to make many significant discoveries.

1845 - William Parsons built a 72-inch reflector telescope commonly known as the "Leviathan of Parsonstown". It was the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years and allowed for many significant discoveries in astronomy.

1893 - James Keeler developed a new technique for measuring stellar velocities using a spectroscope attached to the reflector telescope at the Lick Observatory in California.

1924 - Edwin Hubble used the Hooker Telescope, a 100-inch reflector, at Mount Wilson Observatory to make the discovery that the universe was expanding, which ultimately led to the big bang theory.

1990 - The Hubble Space Telescope, a reflector telescope, was launched into orbit around Earth. It has enabled scientists to observe distant galaxies and stars in unprecedented detail and has made many significant discoveries in astronomy, including the age of the universe.

Today, reflector telescopes continue to be an important tool in astronomy, enabling scientists to study objects and phenomena that would otherwise be invisible or difficult to observe. With modern technology, reflector telescopes have become more powerful and precise, allowing for even more groundbreaking discoveries to be made.

One key choice in the design of the product described above is the use of an 8" aperture imaging-optimized f/3.9 Newtonian astrograph reflector telescope. This aperture size and focal ratio are specifically chosen to optimize the telescope for astrophotography, allowing users to capture excellent images of celestial objects. However, the downside of this design is that the telescope may not provide the same level of visual clarity and detail as a telescope that is optimized for visual observation.

Another key design choice is the inclusion of nine internal baffle rings, an extended tube length in front of the focuser, and a flat-black interior to provide maximum image contrast. While this design choice is highly beneficial for astrophotography, it may not be as noticeable for users who primarily use the telescope for visual observation.

The use of enhanced reflectivity (94%) aluminum coatings with a protective quartz overcoat on both the primary and 70mm minor-axis secondary mirrors is another important design choice. This ensures that the telescope mirrors reflect as much light as possible, providing clear and bright images. However, users should be aware that if the telescope mirrors get dirty, they will need to be cleaned in a special way to avoid damaging the coatings.

Finally, the included extension adapters allow for versatility in the types of celestial objects that can be observed or photographed with the telescope. This is a highly beneficial design choice as it allows users to customize their observing experience based on their interests and expertise.

FAQ About reflector telescopes

Q: Which reflector telescope is the best?

A: The answer to this depends on a few factors, such as your budget, level of experience, and intended use. Some popular options for beginner to intermediate astronomers include the Orion SkyQuest XT8, Celestron Astromaster 130EQ, and the Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope.

Q: What is the best 5-inch reflector telescope?

A: Again, this will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some highly rated options include the SkyWatcher S11500 5-inch Classic Dobsonian Telescope, the Orion SkyLine Deluxe Green Laser Pointer, and the Celestron Advanced VX 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope.

Q: Are reflector telescopes any good?

A: Reflectors are a popular choice among amateur astronomers as they tend to offer large apertures at a lower cost compared to refractor or Cassegrain telescopes. They are great for observing faint celestial objects, such as galaxies and nebulae. However, they usually have a longer focal length, making them less ideal for wide-field views and can require more maintenance to keep the mirrors clean and aligned.

Q: What are 4 types of reflecting telescopes?

A: There are four common types of reflecting telescopes: Newtonian, Cassegrain, Ritchey-Chrétien, and Dall-Kirkham. Newtonian telescopes use a parabolic primary mirror with a flat secondary mirror tilted at a 45-degree angle. Cassegrain telescopes use a combination of a primary concave mirror with a secondary convex mirror, creating a folded optical path. Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes are similar to Cassegrains but with a hyperbolic primary mirror and a hyperbolic secondary mirror. Dall-Kirkham telescopes use a concave primary mirror with a convex secondary mirror.

And more, if you want to level up your astrophotography game, you might want to invest in a great imaging-optimized telescope, like the 8" aperture astrograph reflector telescope. Not only does it have nine internal baffle rings, an extended tube length in front of the focuser, and a flat-black interior for high image contrast, but its enhanced reflectivity (94%) aluminum coatings with a protective quartz overcoat in its primary and 70mm minor-axis secondary mirrors provide exceptional visual views from the Moon to the Messier list of celestial objects. Check out our list of the Best Telescopes 2023 (Best telescopes 2023: To stargaze galaxies, nebulas and ...) and the 12 Best Reflector Telescopes Actually Worth the Money (12 Best Reflector Telescopes Actually Worth the Money ...) for more options and expert recommendations on the best telescopes to stargaze on galaxies, nebulas, and beyond!