Okay, your last post landed as I was typing the other response! If the Moon is what want, then yes a refractor would be your better bet for sharp contrast. I know I'm going to killed for saying this! Right Daniel?

There are many good refractor out there. And their prices are all over the map. For example you could spend anywhere from $400 to $4000 for a 4". I have a Meade AR-5 which I am delighted with for solar system work. And a Meade LX200 12" GPS for finding faint DSO's. Just avoid any telescope that is advertised as having "598X Magnification!" These are always inferior telescopes, their lenses about as clear as the bottom of a coca-cola bottle. Stay away!

Here is a link to Orion for refractors. Take a look around and see what looks good and within your price range, then come back and ask if anyone has experience with the scope you like:
http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=13

Have Fun,

Dave

• leaning towards the AR-5 - moonnerd - December 3, 2003 - 05:45 UTC
  • Re: AR-5 - filipowski - December 3, 2003 - 18:39 UTC
    • 2" diagonal - moonnerd - December 3, 2003 - 22:18 UTC
      • Diagonal - filipowski - December 4, 2003 - 00:37 UTC
        • okay - 1 more - moonnerd - December 4, 2003 - 03:56 UTC
          • Re: 1 More... - filipowski - December 4, 2003 - 15:15 UTC