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Key Features
There are several different kinds of optics that telescopes use. Refractors are standard telescopes. They are often bigger and more expensive than other types, but have the potential for the best, unobstructed images. Reflectors use mirrors to display the image. While these are generally smaller and cheaper devices, some image quality is lost. Catadioptrics are also relatively small and cheap, and use both lenses and mirrors.
On most astronomical telescopes a lower powered 'finderscope' with a wider field of view than the full telescope lets the user quickly locate the object to be viewed.
Telescopes can come either handheld or as a mounted device. Of the mounting type you can buy either equatorial or altazimuth telescopes. Altazimuth are more intuitive and better for beginning star-gazers. If you are looking to attach a motor or clock drive, or do long-exposure astro-photography, equatorial mounts are necessary.
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