Comments on: Is the diameter of an astronomical telescope same as its aperture or primary mirror? http://www.telescopebuyingguide.com/blog/is-the-diameter-of-an-astronomical-telescope-same-as-its-aperture-or-primary-mirror/ Thu, 17 May 2012 20:55:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: singletrack65 http://www.telescopebuyingguide.com/blog/is-the-diameter-of-an-astronomical-telescope-same-as-its-aperture-or-primary-mirror/comment-page-1/#comment-1424 singletrack65 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:02:12 +0000 http://www.telescopebuyingguide.com/blog/is-the-diameter-of-an-astronomical-telescope-same-as-its-aperture-or-primary-mirror/#comment-1424 The diameter is always of the mirror on a reflector or the front element on a refractor. Aperture is a relationship between the diameter and focal length, so a 10-cm scope can be a different aperture depending on magnifiers. Also, bigger isn't always better. If you're in an area with a lot of light pollution, a larger scope will actually make it worse. A better quality 10-cm scope is preferable to a lower quality 15-cm one. If you're looking for one, avoid metal tripods. Wood tripods reduce vibrations dramatically (great for viewing, vital for astrophotography) The diameter is always of the mirror on a reflector or the front element on a refractor. Aperture is a relationship between the diameter and focal length, so a 10-cm scope can be a different aperture depending on magnifiers.

Also, bigger isn’t always better. If you’re in an area with a lot of light pollution, a larger scope will actually make it worse. A better quality 10-cm scope is preferable to a lower quality 15-cm one. If you’re looking for one, avoid metal tripods. Wood tripods reduce vibrations dramatically (great for viewing, vital for astrophotography)

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