The first and main difference between Dobsonian and Newtonian telescopes is the alt-azimuth mount, obviously, but there are other notable differences, such as the portability of Dobsonian models opposed to ‘static’ Newtonian ones significant differences in the levels of chromatic aberration, and such.Īdditionally, Dobsonian telescopes are best suited for amateur astrophotography and astrology whereas Newtonian models are equally suited for professional use as well. These telescopes are fairly easy to craft due to the availability of the components needed for the manufacturing process, and so they’re often much cheaper than Newtonian models. This type of telescope sits on alt-azimuth mount and sports a simple, straightforward mechanical design. A Dobsonian mount is what classifies it as a Dob, not the reflector telescope tube itself (as above). Originally, Dobson called his invention the ‘Sidewalk Telescope’, as it was basically a tool aiding his sidewalk astronomy calling. ![]() Most sources state that it was invented and designed by John Dobson, after which it was named. In essence, the design of the Dobsonian Telescope, or rather its invention was a long process. Dobsonian TelescopeĪt the opposite end of the spectrum lies the Dobsonian Telescope. Given the fact that certain reflectors use them too, we can say that such models are ‘Newtonian Reflecting’ telescopes. Most Newtonian telescopes use special ‘parabolic’ mirrors. Of course, the main feature of later reflectors, as well as one of the main differences between reflectors and refractors is whether the telescope in question uses a lens or a mirror. However, these two categories are not one and the same.īasically, Newton ‘modified’ one of the earlier versions of the reflecting telescope and instead of a lens he added a mirror for the collection of light. Since we’ve already established that a single telescope can have traits, specs, and characteristics of multiple telescope types, it’s also clear that a telescope can be a ‘Newtonian Reflecting Telescope’. Differences between Newtonian and Reflecting telescopes It would be more than fair to say that he actually even ‘improved’ it. Of course, reflectors weren’t the ‘first and original’ telescopes – refracting telescopes predate them by a couple of decades (six, to be more precise), so it’s highly possible that Newton borrowed from their design. Apart from being singlehandedly responsible for a massive scientific quantum leap after defining and gaining understanding of what gravity is, he invented a contraption that shortly after became the first reflector, or better said, a ‘reflecting telescope’. Newtonian telescope was named after the famous inventor called Isaac Newton. Let’s begin with their actual definitions. Since this vague description of the two doesn’t really answer the question of ‘is there a difference’ between them, we need to delve a bit deeper into detail to get a conclusive, definitive answer. Whilst in comparison, a Dobsonian telescope features slight modifications on the mount. So technically, a telescope can be both a Newtonian and a Dobsonian. Newtonian telescopes are basically ‘reflectors’, which is just a description of the actual optics in the telescope itself. As a matter of fact, a telescope can possess traits of both types at the same time. Both options provide an excellent choice if you’re searching for a budget telescope.Īpart from that, there are also numerous similarities between these two telescope types. Is there any difference between a Dobsonian and Newtonian?įrom a purely constructive point of view, there are several differences between Dobsonian and Newtonian telescopes first, and most obvious being lexical in nature, and the second referring to physical differences in their design. Today we’re going to touch on but a speck of the main telescope categories – Dobsonian and Newtonian. Obviously, the very start line of every astronomer (or astrophotographer) is finding the right telescope. ![]() These two styles of telescope are the Dobsonian and the Newtonian. And of the reflector style of telescope, two of them are going to be the most popular selling worldwide. When we’re talking about the different types of telescopes you can use, then the one that most people know is the reflector telescope.
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