Assessing and Picking Out the Top-notch Telescopes from over 70 Refractor Models
In the realm of deep-sky astrophotography, high-quality refractor telescopes are a popular choice for those with a budget above $1000. These telescopes are renowned for their sharp optics and low maintenance, making them ideal for capturing stunning images of celestial bodies. Here are some of the best options tailored to deep-sky imaging:
### Best High-Quality Refractor Telescopes for Deep-Sky Astrophotography
| Telescope Model | Aperture & Focal Length | Optical Design & Features | Suitability for Deep-Sky Imaging | Approximate Price Range | |-------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | **Askar 80ED f/7** | 80mm aperture, 560mm focal length | ED doublet refractor with sharp ED glass, designed for beginner to intermediate astrophotography | Great for wide-field deep-sky views and imaging; good color correction | Around $1000+[1] | | **Celestron Inspire 100AZ** | 100mm aperture, 660mm focal length | 4-inch refractor on alt-azimuth mount (better suited for visual but can be adapted) | Suitable for planets and some deep-sky objects, but limited for serious imaging without equatorial mount | Around $1000+[5] | | **Celestron Omni XLT 120 Refractor** | 120mm aperture, 960mm focal length | Aperture and focal length may vary depending on the specific model, but this refractor is known for its manageable chromatic aberration for planetary and lunar viewing | A bit awkward to move around and complicated to assemble, but functions well for serious deep-sky viewing and astrophotography with a budget above $1000 | Approximately $1000+[3] | | **HighPoint Refractor Telescope** | 80mm aperture, 720mm focal length | This refractor telescope, priced at $699, has a focal ratio of f/9.8 and is suitable for viewing celestial bodies like the Moon, Jupiter, Venus, stars of first magnitude or brighter, and deep-sky objects | A downside to this telescope is its accessories[4] | Around $700[6] | | **Celestron Advanced VX Series 6'' Refractor GoTo** | 150mm aperture, 1200mm focal length | This refractor is geared more toward imaging and is ranked in the Imaging Refractors category | May be challenging for the included CG-4 mount due to its size, but functions well with a motorized mount[7] | Approximately $1500[8] |
### Key Considerations for Deep-Sky Refractors on a $1000+ Budget: - **Aperture:** Typically 80mm to 120mm or more for refractors in this price range. - **Optics:** ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass or APO (apochromatic) optics preferred to minimize chromatic aberration, important for color-accurate imaging. - **Mount Compatibility:** A robust equatorial mount or computerized tracking mount is essential for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography. - **Focal Length:** Moderate focal length (500mm to 1200mm) provides a good balance between field of view and magnification for nebulae and galaxies. - **Camera Compatibility:** Capable of supporting modern astrophotography cameras, especially APS-C or smaller sensors.
### Recommendations: - The **Askar 80ED f/7** is highly praised for its sharp optics and is well-suited for beginners who want to produce impressive deep-sky images with a dedicated astrophotography setup[1]. - For users willing to consider alternatives to refractors, the **Apertura CarbonStar 200 Imaging Newtonian** offers a larger 200mm aperture, faster focal ratio (f/4), and premium features designed for astrophotography with larger sensors, making it an excellent and often more affordable option for serious deep-sky imaging[2]. - Ensure you invest in a reliable equatorial mount with accurate tracking to complement the telescope for long exposure imaging of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
### Conclusion: For a budget above $1000 and a focus on high-quality refractor telescopes geared towards deep-sky imaging, the **Askar 80ED f/7** stands out as a prime choice for crisp, color-corrected views and beginner to intermediate astrophotography[1]. If aperture and speed are a priority and you are open to a non-refractor design, the **Apertura CarbonStar 200 Imaging Newtonian** offers superior light gathering and is optimized for modern astrophotography sensors[2].
Choosing the right mount alongside these telescopes is crucial to fully leverage their imaging capabilities. The Celestron Omni XLT 120 Refractor can be motorized later on, and the Celestron Advanced VX Series 6'' Refractor GoTo is a refractor geared more toward imaging.
- The Askar 80ED f/7 refractor is widely recognized for its sharp optics, making it an excellent choice for beginners to produce impressive deep-sky images with a dedicated astrophotography setup.
- The Askar 80ED f/7 offers a great field of view, ideal for capturing wide-field deep-sky views and imaging of celestial bodies.
- The Celestron Inspire 100AZ, while better suited for visual observation, can be adapted for some deep-sky objects with its 4-inch refractor, making it a potential choice for dabbling in deep-sky astrophotography.
- The Celestron Omni XLT 120 Refractor, with its manageable chromatic aberration, is ideal for serious deep-sky viewing and astrophotography, particularly for capturing images of planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
- For astrophotographers seeking a refractor geared more toward imaging, the Celestron Advanced VX Series 6'' Refractor GoTo is an excellent option, but may require a motorized mount due to its size.
- Aperture is an important consideration in refractors costing above $1000, with typical apertures ranging from 80mm to 120mm or more.
- Optics play a crucial role in deep-sky astrophotography, and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass or APO (apochromatic) optics are preferred in this price range to minimize chromatic aberration.
- A reliable equatorial mount or computerized tracking mount is essential for long exposure deep-sky astrophotography with refractor telescopes in this budget range.
- The HighPoint Refractor Telescope is suitable for viewing celestial bodies like the Moon, Jupiter, Venus, stars of first magnitude or brighter, and deep-sky objects, despite its somewhat limited accessories.
- For advanced users seeking options beyond refractors, the Apertura CarbonStar 200 Imaging Newtonian, with its larger 200mm aperture and faster f/4, may offer superior light-gathering and be optimized for modern astrophotography sensors, making it a worthy consideration for serious deep-sky imaging.
