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hi pike,
unfortunately it isn't that simple and the answer wouldn't be beneficial in deciding what you 'should' get. different scopes provide different solutions for different targets there are strengths and weaknesses for all scopes. and you simply wouldn't get a refractor that has the same aperture as a newtonian for example (but you may get the same focal length).
in short a rough guide would be something like:
wide field (short focal length) = refractor
mid focal length = newtonian
longer focal length (galaxies and close ups) = Ritchey chretien / Schmidt cassegrains.
there are others in between and overlap. generally people either start off with a refractor or Newtonian. it is harder to guide/polar align at longer focal lengths - so it makes sense to start with a refractor or Newtonian (unless you are after planets then you'd probably get a large newt). the usual recommendation is something like a ED80 refractor or an 8" Newtonian.
cheers
russ
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