Reflectors
No design delivers more aperture for the money than a Newtonian reflector. A mirror is cheaper to make well than a lens, has no chromatic aberration whatsoever, and scales to sizes that would be impossible in glass — which is why almost every large amateur telescope is a reflector. David Astro carries reflectors in Canada, from fast imaging astrographs to large visual Newtonians, stocked in Canada and shipped worldwide.
The trade is collimation and a coma corrector. Both are manageable, and we will be straightforward about what each telescope actually needs.
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Askar N160 f/3.6 Newtonian
160mm Aperture Parabolic Mirror f/3.4 Corrected Focal Ratio with Included 0.95x Corrector 544mm Corrected Focal Length Carbon Fiber Tube Construct...
View full detailsCelestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope
114mm (4.49") Newtonian Reflector optics 1000mm focal length (f/8.77) Fully computerized Alt-Azimuth mount NexStar+ database with 40,000 celestial...
View full detailsCelestron Advanced VX 6" Newtonian Telescope
150mm (6") Newtonian Reflector 750mm Focal Length (f/5) Advanced VX Computerized Equatorial Mount 30 lb Instrument Load Capacity NexStar+ GoTo wit...
View full detailsCelestron Advanced VX 8" Newtonian Telescope
200mm (7.87") Newtonian Reflector 1000mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio Advanced VX Computerized GoTo Equatorial Mount 30 lb Instrument Payload Cap...
View full detailsCelestron Astro Fi 130mm Newtonian Telescope
130mm (5.19") Newtonian Reflector 650mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio Integrated WiFi for Smartphone/Tablet Control SkyAlign Technology for Fast, ...
View full detailsCelestron AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope
114mm (4.48") Newtonian Reflector Telescope 1000mm Focal Length (f/8.77) Manual CG-2 Equatorial Mount with Slow-Motion Controls Includes 20mm (50x...
View full detailsCelestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
130mm (5.11") Newtonian Reflector Optics 650mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio CG-3 Manual German Equatorial Mount 345x Light Gathering Power Includ...
View full detailsCelestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD (Motor Drive) Telescope
130mm (5.11") Newtonian Reflector 650mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio CG-3 Equatorial Mount with Slow-Motion Controls Included RA Motor Drive for ...
View full detailsCelestron ExploraScope 114AZ Telescope
114mm (4.5") Newtonian Reflector 1000mm Focal Length (f/9) 265x Light Gathering Power Manual Alt-Azimuth Mount with Clutch Total Kit Weight of 6.7...
View full detailsCelestron FirstScope Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Telescope
76mm (2.99") Newtonian Reflector Fast f/3.95 Focal Ratio for Wide Views Includes 15x and 75x Eyepieces Ultra-Portable 4.3 lb Tabletop Dobsonian Mo...
View full detailsCelestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
130mm (5.12") Newtonian Reflector with Parabolic Primary Mirror 650mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio Computerized GoTo Mount with 40,000 Object Dat...
View full detailsCelestron Omni XLT 150 Telescope
150mm (5.91") Newtonian Reflector with a Parabolic Primary Mirror 750mm Focal Length (f/5) Omni CG-4 German Equatorial Mount StarBright XLT Optica...
View full detailsCelestron PowerSeeker 114EQ Telescope
114mm (4.49") Newtonian Reflector 900mm Focal Length (f/7.89) Manual German Equatorial Mount with Slow-Motion Controls Gathers 265x More Light Tha...
View full detailsCelestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
127mm (5") Newtonian Reflector 1000mm Focal Length (f/7.87) Manual German Equatorial Mount Light Gathering Power: 329x Human Eye Highest Useful Ma...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer 12" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope
305mm (12") Newtonian Reflector Optics 1500mm Focal Length (f/4.9) StarSense Explorer App-Enabled Telescope Guidance Gathers 1895x More Light Than...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ 114mm Smartphone App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
114mm (4.48") Newtonian Reflector with Parabolic Primary Mirror Fast f/4 focal ratio for wide, bright fields of view Uses patented StarSense Explo...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ 130mm Smartphone App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
130mm (5.12") Newtonian Reflector with a Parabolic Primary Mirror StarSense Explorer app uses your smartphone for real-time object locating 650mm ...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ 150mm Smartphone App-Enabled Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
150mm (5.9") Newtonian Reflector Optics 750mm Focal Length (f/5) StarSense Explorer App-Enabled Navigation 30x & 75x Magnification with Includ...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope
130mm (5.11") Newtonian Reflector with Parabolic Primary Mirror StarSense Explorer app uses your smartphone for real-time sky recognition 650mm fo...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope
114mm (4.5") Newtonian Reflector optics 1000mm focal length (f/9) Patented StarSense Explorer app guides you to targets Manual alt-azimuth mount w...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope - 10"
254mm (10") Newtonian Reflector Optics 1200mm Focal Length (f/4.7) StarSense Explorer Smartphone-Enabled Navigation Altazimuth Dobsonian Base with...
View full detailsCelestron StarSense Explorer™ Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope - 8"
203mm (8") Newtonian Reflector Optics 1200mm Focal Length (f/5.9) Patented StarSense Explorer Sky Recognition Technology 841x Light Gathering Powe...
View full detailsExplore Scientific 10-inch f/5 Hybrid Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope
254mm (10-inch) Newtonian Reflector Optics 1270mm Focal Length Fast f/5 Focal Ratio Portable Hybrid Truss Tube Design Dobsonian Base with Altitude...
View full detailsExplore Scientific 114mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Equatorial Mount
114mm (4.5") primary mirror gathers ample light for planets and bright deep-sky objects Fast f/4.4 focal ratio provides expansive, wide-field view...
View full detailsNewtonian Design and What It Demands
A parabolic primary and a flat diagonal secondary. Simple, efficient, and with two characteristics you have to work with rather than around.
- Focal ratio and its consequences: Fast Newtonians around f/4 give wide bright fields for imaging but demand precise collimation and a coma corrector. Slower f/6 to f/8 designs are far more forgiving.
- Coma: Off-axis stars take a comet shape, inherent to a parabolic mirror and increasingly obvious as focal ratio drops. A coma corrector is effectively mandatory below f/6 for imaging.
- Collimation: Mirror alignment shifts with transport and temperature. Fast scopes need checking each session; slower ones hold for weeks.
- Central obstruction: The secondary mirror reduces contrast slightly. Imaging Newtonians use larger secondaries to fully illuminate a sensor; visual designs minimize them.
- Cooling: A large mirror stores heat and produces a boundary layer that softens detail until it equalizes. Rear fans reduce the wait considerably on Canadian nights.
- Dobsonian mounting: The most practical way to support a large Newtonian for visual use, at a fraction of an equatorial's cost.
Why Choose David Astro for Reflectors
A reflector is excellent value provided you are set up to maintain it, and we would rather tell you that beforehand.
- Collimation expectations set honestly: We tell you how often your specific focal ratio needs checking and recommend a tool that matches, so it is a two-minute routine rather than a chore.
- Coma corrector specified with the tube: For imaging Newtonians we supply the corrector and its spacing alongside the telescope, since the field is unusable without it.
- Focuser assessment: Stock focusers on fast Newtonians often cannot hold an imaging train squarely, and we will say when an upgrade is genuinely required.
- Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty and verified authenticity, with service in Canada.
- Ships from Canada: Large optics delivered domestically with no duties or brokerage fees.
Reflectors in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions
- How often will I need to collimate?
- An f/4 imaging Newtonian benefits from a check every session. An f/6 visual scope typically holds alignment for weeks unless transported roughly. It takes about two minutes once you are practised.
- Do I need a coma corrector?
- For imaging below about f/6, yes — corner stars will show obvious coma otherwise. For visual use at f/5 and slower most observers are untroubled, though a corrector does improve the edge.
- How long does a mirror take to cool?
- A 200 mm mirror moved from a warm house to a Canadian winter night typically needs 45 minutes or more. A rear-mounted fan blowing across the mirror face reduces that substantially.
- Are reflectors good for planets?
- Yes, given aperture and good collimation. A well-collimated 200 mm Newtonian shows excellent planetary detail; the central obstruction costs a little contrast that extra aperture more than repays.
Considering a Newtonian?
Tell us whether it is for visual or imaging and we will specify the tube, corrector and tools. Canadian stock, worldwide shipping.