Since the advent of modern astronomy, scientists have come along a long way to build high powered telescopes. The earliest history of the modern telescope can be traced back to 16th century Netherlands. Today telescopes are available in various kinds, dimensions and shapes. The cost associated with each telescope differs widely and depends on the task it will be used for. Normally, astronomers agree that there are only two main types of telescopes. They are refractive telescopes and reflective telescopes.

Refractive telescopes have an optical device which collects light beams and gathers them on a mirror. Conversely, reflective telescopes spread out the ray of light on the mirror's surface. Besides these two major types, there is also a pretty well known type, called a compound telescope. This type actually combines the qualities of the reflective and refractive telescopes. Combining these qualities may not necessarily mean that a compound telescope will be more effective. In theory, all of the three types have their advantages and drawbacks.

One typically thinks of refractive devices when considering telescopes. These have the far end open, and then slant towards the opposite, concealed end. A picture of this type is deeply embedded in our conscience as we have seen it numerous times in our text books. This kind is always available in local stores. The greatest advantage of refractive telescopes is that maintaining them is very easy. The tube is enclosed which keeps the glass surface protected from the outside elements such as heat, dust, and winds. The main disadvantage is that it suffers from chromatic aberration which is a defect that allows the light to form a rainbow around an image. That partially explains why refractive telescopes cannot view distant objects well, since the mirror may produce a dark image surrounded by a light spectrum.

On the other hand, distant plants and galaxies are better seen using reflective telescopes. In renowned astronomy labs all over the planet, you will find these gigantic devices. This type can now be found in more homes and small laboratories, thanks to the special reflective surface. Usually, a reflective telescope acts a light bucket where it traps the beam of oncoming light. It is possible for viewers to make the object look bigger than their normal size by adjusting the objective mirror at the end from the trapped beam. The delicate mirror and other parts of the telescope can be damaged by the elements, thus, maintenance with outdoor use is a hindrance. Maintenance cost of smaller telescopes is not factor that influence most viewers to use their telescopes compared to the huge advantages of using the telescope.

The third type, a compound telescope is commercially available for use and it might be a good starter telescope for novice and beginners alike. By merging qualities of the reflector and refractor, the magnification and view are enhanced. Knowing that, astronomers that are more advanced usually do not use compound telescopes. In addition to the above types, there are more advanced versions such as radio telescopes, x-ray telescopes, and others.

For a beginner, it is suggested to look for a professional telescope outlet and buy after a getting a professional advice from an expert. Familiarize yourself with the local stores that carry telescopes. It is not a good idea to buy your first telescope from a local shop as the telescopes might not be of the highest quality. This is due to the large scale production of telescopes that has led to inferior material quality which in turn poses a significant malfunctioning risk. A professional outlet always provides warranty and guarantees to fix any problems. The cost of a beginner telescope varies from two hundred to twenty five hundred dollars. Because of this, look for telescopes in the over $400 range.