The main difference between refractor and reflector telescopes lies in the way they gather and focus light:
Refractor Telescope:
A refractor telescope uses lenses to gather and focus light.
It typically has a long, sealed tube with an objective lens at the front that collects light and forms an image at the eyepiece.
The objective lens refracts (bends) the light, bringing it to a focus at the focal point.
Refractors are known for providing high-quality, sharp images and are less affected by chromatic aberration when using apochromatic or ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass.
They are generally more compact, low-maintenance, and well-suited for observing celestial objects like the Moon, planets, and double stars.
Reflector Telescope:
A reflector telescope uses mirrors to gather and focus light.
It typically has an open tube design with a primary mirror at the bottom that collects and reflects the light.
The primary mirror reflects the light to a secondary mirror, which then directs the light to the eyepiece, where the image is formed.
Reflectors tend to have larger apertures and are well-suited for deep-sky observations, such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
They are generally more cost-effective for larger aperture sizes compared to refractors.
Reflectors can suffer from certain optical issues like coma and may require occasional collimation (alignment of the mirrors).
Both refractor and reflector telescopes have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your observing preferences, budget, and requirements. It's worth considering factors like the type of objects you want to observe, portability, maintenance needs, and budget constraints when making a decision.