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They also often come with a computerized GoTo system, which can take the hassle out of aligning your instrument before you begin observing.Ĭatadioptric telescopes often come with a slightly higher price, too, which is why we haven’t included any of them below - although they do feature in our round-up of the best beginner telescopes. Catadioptric telescopes correct some visual issues with the old-school refractor and reflector models and are usually good for viewing a wide range of objects. Refractors are best for seeing high-magnification targets, such as the moon and planets, while reflectors are usually preferred for low-magnification targets like fainter galaxies and nebulas. There are three types of telescope: reflectors, refractors and catadioptric, the latter of which comes in the form of the Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov–Cassegrain. When you’re trying to pick the best telescope for your family, the first thing to consider is what sort of things you want to see. Magnification: Relationship between the telescope's optical system and the eyepiece. Small focal ratios provide lower magnifications, wide field of view and a brighter image. Short focal lengths offer a wide field of view and a small image.įocal ratio: Also known as the telescope's speed. Aperture: Diameter of the primary mirror or lens, which allows a telescope to collect light.įield of view: Area of sky visible through the eyepiece.įocal length: A telescope's tube length.