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Reflector Telescopes

Newtonian Reflectors

Mirror Size Is the Whole Point

A Newtonian buys aperture cheaply, and aperture is what shows you faint galaxies, nebulae and detail on the planets. Every model here ships on an equatorial mount that tracks, so objects stay in the eyepiece.

3In stock
114–134 mmAperture
$149.99From

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 & Tripods.
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.