Kim, I think there are several reasons for the popularity of refractors: they generally have a larger field, they weigh less and they have superb optics. -- Joe --- On Wed, 11/17/10, Kim Hyatt <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
From: Kim Hyatt <kimharch@cut.net> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Opinions on Astro-Tech Refractor To: "'Utah Astronomy'" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 11:22 AM Ann,
I've owned three or four Newtonians, the smallest of which is still my 10-inch, which I put together over 20 years ago. (If you don't count the "80 POWER!!!" 3-inch Gilbert my brother and I shared 50 years ago. If I can find it I may also consider selling it if you're interested. ;-) I also have an 8-inch SCT. Nothing beats my refractor for planetary and double-star observing. Problem is, I rarely set out to do only one type of observing. I'm just not that disciplined. That said, when conditions have been good enough, I've not been dissapointed using my reflectors for planetary or double-star observing; I just can't push the magnification like I can with my refractor. I have also not been dissapointed using my refractor for faint-fuzzy observing. I just know I won't see as much detail or be able to see relatively fainter objects. Just know and accept the limitations of whatever scope you finally choose.
Daniel, the preference for refractors has been a recent phenomenon, one I don't really understand. I bought mine precisely for planetary and double-star observing, but it was relatively inexpensive compared to some I've seen at star parties lately, and I still use my SCT or a Newt for most of my observing. I'm surprised by the change. Anyone know why this evolution? I could understand it if the refractors were inexpensive. $10K buys an awful lot of aperture in a Dobsonian.
Kim
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of daniel turner Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 1:07 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Opinions on Astro-Tech Refractor
Ann:
This list and SLAS in general tends to be "refractor-centric". If you are looking for low weight alternatives to the CPC 11, have Craig at least look at some newtonians. A 130mm refractor is just a 5 inch telescope and the images will not come close to what you see in the 11 inch. An 8 inch newtonian tube assembly from ORION weighs 16 pounds and costs less than $500. The younger members of SLAS with families to support and less room in their smallish cars are using 8 and 10 inch dobs. The views through these scopes are much better than through a 5 inch refractor, they weigh less and definitely cost much much less. I have been looking at low weight alternatives and I like the 10 inch dob because the tube only weighs 27 pounds.
Newtonians and dobs are the way to go for many amateurs. That is unless you really just have to spend a lot of money.
DT
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