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Reflector Telescopes

Reflector telescopes use a mirror instead of a lens to gather light, which makes large apertures far more affordable than the equivalent refractor. The three Newtonians here ride on equatorial mounts, so you can track a target smoothly as it drifts across the sky. They cost $149.99 to $219.99.

These are equatorially mounted tubes. If you want the same mirror design on a simple rocker box instead, with considerably more aperture for the money, look at our Dobsonian telescopes.

What to look for

1

Mirror size is the whole point

A 114mm or 134mm mirror gathers far more light than a refractor at the same price. That light is what turns a faint smudge into a recognisable galaxy or nebula.

2

Equatorial mounts track

An equatorial head aligned to the pole lets you follow a target with one slow-motion control instead of two. It is the reason these suit longer observing sessions and basic imaging.

3

Collimation is normal

Newtonian mirrors need occasional alignment. It takes a few minutes with a simple tool and is not something to be nervous about.

4

Add a solar filter for daytime

A front-mounted filter turns any of these into a safe white light solar scope. Never fit a filter at the eyepiece end.

Recommended reflectors

All three current models, ordered by aperture.

Best value

National Geographic NT114CF 114mm CF Reflector

The cheapest way into real light gathering. A carbon fibre finish tube on a simple equatorial head.

$149.99
 Best starter EQ

Explore Scientific 114mm Newtonian with Equatorial Mount

A proper equatorial setup at an entry price. Good for learning to track and for first attempts at lunar photography.

$199.99
 Most aperture

Explore Scientific 134mm Newtonian with Equatorial Mount

The largest mirror in this range. Noticeably brighter views of star clusters and the brighter galaxies.

$219.99

Reflectors and solar observing

Lunt Solar Systems does not make a reflector, and a Newtonian is not the natural choice for the Sun because the open tube heats up and the image degrades. For safe white light sunspot viewing you can fit a front aperture filter. For hydrogen-alpha prominence and surface detail, a dedicated Lunt solar telescope is the right tool and starts at $995.99.

Lunt Solar Telescopes Lunt Solar Filters Lunt White Light Solar Wedge Dobsonian Telescopes

Common questions

What is the difference between a reflector and a Dobsonian?
The optics are the same Newtonian design. The difference is the mount. The scopes on this page use equatorial heads that track the sky on one axis. A Dobsonian uses a simple rocker box, which is cheaper and lets you buy a much bigger mirror for the same money.
Do I have to collimate a reflector?
Yes, occasionally. Transporting the scope can nudge the mirrors out of alignment. Checking and correcting it takes a few minutes and makes a visible difference to star images.
Can I photograph through these?
For the Moon and bright planets, yes. For long exposure deep sky imaging you would want a heavier tracking mount than the ones included here. See Mounts & Stands.
Can I use a reflector on the Sun?
Only with a full aperture filter fitted over the front of the tube. Even then, a Newtonian's open tube develops heat currents that soften the image. A Lunt solar telescope is designed for the job and shows detail no filtered reflector can.
Which one should I buy first?
The Explore Scientific 114mm at $199.99 is the balanced choice. If you want the most light for the money and do not need tracking, a 6-inch Dobsonian gives you far more aperture.