Beginners’ Guide to Telescopes

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Parts of a Refractor

Polar axis (point it at the Pole Star)

Finder or star-pointer

Focuser and eye-piece

Optical tube assembly (OTA)

Mount

Tripod stand

Tripod braces and Accessory Tray

Counterweight

Slow-motion control for declination (Dec.)

Slow-motion control for R.A. (right ascension)

Dewcap and Objective Lens

Latitude adjustment lock

Declination (Dec.)  lock or clamp

R.A. lock or clamp

Latitude scale

Tube mounting rings

‘Star Diagonal’

> Introduction

> Overview

> Choices: Types of telescopes

> Differences: What to consider

More on image quality

Telescope strengths & weaknesses

Mounts strengths & weaknesses

> Costs: How much will you pay?

Scopes with non-computerised mounts

Scopes with GO-TO or PUSH-TO mounts

> Using it: How to set-up and use

> Useful links to more information

> Back to Flamsteed Astro

Parts of a Refractor