Refractor vs. Reflector Telescopes: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between a refractor and a reflector telescope is one of the first decisions a beginner astronomer faces. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, making them better suited for specific purposes. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide which telescope is right for you.


What Are Refractor and Reflector Telescopes?

  • Refractor Telescopes
    Refractors use lenses to bend and focus light. The main lens, known as the objective lens, is located at the front of the telescope.
    • Common Uses: Observing planets, the moon, and terrestrial viewing.
  • Reflector Telescopes
    Reflectors use mirrors to gather and focus light. The primary mirror, located at the back of the telescope, reflects light to a secondary mirror that directs it to the eyepiece.
    • Common Uses: Observing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.

Advantages of Refractor Telescopes

  1. Crisp, Clear Images: Excellent for planetary and lunar observation due to their sharp optics.
  2. Low Maintenance: The sealed tube design keeps dust and debris out, requiring minimal cleaning.
  3. Ease of Use: Simple to set up and operate, making them ideal for beginners.
  4. Durable Build: Fewer moving parts mean greater durability over time.

Advantages of Reflector Telescopes

  1. Affordable Large Apertures: Reflectors offer more aperture for the price, which means better light-gathering capability.
  2. Great for Deep-Sky Observation: Ideal for viewing faint objects like star clusters and nebulae.
  3. No Chromatic Aberration: Unlike refractors, reflectors don’t suffer from color fringing.

Drawbacks of Refractors

  • Higher Cost for Larger Sizes: Refractors can become expensive as the aperture increases.
  • Chromatic Aberration: Some models may display slight color fringing around bright objects, although this is minimized in apochromatic refractors.

Drawbacks of Reflectors

  • Regular Maintenance: Mirrors need periodic collimation (alignment) for optimal performance.
  • Open Tube Design: Susceptible to dust and debris, requiring occasional cleaning.
  • Bulky and Less Portable: Larger reflectors can be cumbersome to transport.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureRefractor TelescopeReflector Telescope
OpticsLensesMirrors
Best ForPlanets, Moon, TerrestrialDeep-sky objects
MaintenanceLowRequires regular collimation
PortabilityLightweight, compactBulkier, especially large models
PriceHigher for larger aperturesAffordable for large apertures

Who Should Choose a Refractor?

  • Beginners looking for an easy-to-use, low-maintenance telescope.
  • Those interested primarily in lunar and planetary observation.
  • Anyone wanting a compact and portable telescope.

Who Should Choose a Reflector?

  • Stargazers interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
  • Budget-conscious buyers seeking a larger aperture for the price.
  • Intermediate users comfortable with basic maintenance tasks like collimation.

Recommended Models

Refractor Telescopes

  1. Celestron Inspire 100AZ
    • Aperture: 100mm
    • Great for lunar and planetary viewing.
  2. Orion AstroView 90mm Refractor
    • Aperture: 90mm
    • Affordable and easy to use.

Reflector Telescopes

  1. Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P
    • Aperture: 130mm
    • Portable and beginner-friendly.
  2. Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ
    • Aperture: 130mm
    • Excellent for deep-sky observation.

Final Thoughts

The choice between a refractor and a reflector telescope ultimately depends on your observing interests, budget, and willingness to handle maintenance.

  • Choose a refractor if you’re a beginner prioritizing ease of use and planetary observation.
  • Opt for a reflector if you want more aperture for the price and aim to explore deep-sky objects.

For more detailed reviews and comparisons, check out our Telescope Reviews section.