What is a small, medium or large Telescope?

[White Rabbit]

I always read in magazines that this or that can only be seen in a medium size telescope or a large telescope but what are the categories

4" to 8"= Small
8" to 12"=Medium
12" and up Large?

It sounds like a stupid question but one mans small can be another mans big .

[ngcles]

Hi White Rabbit & All,

Hmmm ... vexed question. I think you're gonna get quite a few different answers on this because there is no formal definition or even broad consensus. I try not to use these terms (so far as possible) in my articles for that very reason. This is my take on it -- with "overlaps" and an extra category.

15cm (6") is the largest small telescope or alternately the smallest medium-sized 'scope.

30cm (12") is the largest medium-sized 'scope or alternately the smallest large 'scope.

50cm is the largest large 'scope or alternately the smallest huge 'scope.

+50cm is huge in anyone's language.

Best,

Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T

[Starkler (Geoff)]

To my mind a small telescope can be 'big' if its heavy and cumbersome to set up.
My definition relating to portability.

Small scope = grab and go

medium scope = can be transported and set up by one person without undo grunting or risk of muscle/back strain.

big scope = requires two or more people to move and set up safely.

[Roger Davis]

Hang on, it depends upon the telescope! An 8" Refractor is a big momma, but an 8" Reflector is average. So:


Reflector S Refractor S
3", 4", 5" 6" 40mm 50mm 60mm 70mm 80mm

Reflector M Refractor M
8" 10" 12" 90mm 100mm 120mm

Reflector L Refractor L
14" 16" 150mm 180mm 200mm

Reflector XL Refractor XL
20" 22" 220mm

Reflector XXL Refractor XXL
24" and up 250mm and up

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by White Rabbit

I always read in magazines that this or that can only be seen in a medium size telescope or a large telescope but what are the categories

4" to 8"= Small
8" to 12"=Medium
12" and up Large?

It sounds like a stupid question but one mans small can be another mans big .

An 8 inch refractor is not small!

I kind of like Starkler's definition too...

[OneOfOne (Trevor)]

If you are going to move the scope, I agree pretty much with Starkler too.

But if it is going to be kept setup then Roger is probably on the money on an inch basis.

[rider]

This is a Quantum Physics problem.

The size of a given scope varies according to the observed phenomina

see emperical examples below:

when discussing my scope with my wife, it is extremely small and inadequate, and needs replacing,

It is the perfect size when discussed with another owner of the same scope,

the scope becomes huge and macho when discussed with my non-astronomer workmates,

I refuse to enter discussions on scope size with Obsession and SDM owners because it gives me a phycosis and scope envy

Rider

[White Rabbit]

Ah good, I'm not the only one that is confused. I thought it was some well guarded secret, and I see that if it is I'm not the only one not in the know.

[JimmyH155]

Originally Posted by rider

This is a Quantum Physics problem.

The size of a given scope varies according to the observed phenomina

see emperical examples below:

when discussing my scope with my wife, it is extremely small and inadequate, and needs replacing,

It is the perfect size when discussed with another owner of the same scope,

the scope becomes huge and macho when discussed with my non-astronomer workmates,

I refuse to enter discussions on scope size with Obsession and SDM owners because it gives me a phycosis and scope envy

Rider

You're quite right, Rider - only too true. Especially with the wife, it is always small, and it is amazing how cheap all the accessories are - like zoom Hyperion EP only $50, clock drive for my 120 mm refractor - well it comes free in cereal packets - doesn't it??? As for the Argo Navis for the Lightbridge, well it is only the same size as a small radio - can't be more than $100 Lucky she never reads bank statements

[Rodstar (Rod)]

An interesting aspect to this discussion is the way in which our consideration of what is large changes as larger and larger scopes become commercial available to the mainstream user. 20 years ago an 8 inch reflector was quite large. Nowadays it is considered a starter's size because you can get one for $400!

[Jen]