The classic "refractor" telescope on a tripod is often what most people think of when a telescope is mentioned-like in the image above.
The classic "refractor" telescope on a tripod is often what most people think of when a telescope is mentioned-like in the image above. These telescopes use lenses rather than mirrors to gather light, and require very little maintenance compared to reflector type telescopes, which may require a bit of adjustment, or collimation, of their mirrors every now and again. Refractors tend to be larger and more expensive than similarly powerful reflectors, however, and are often aimed at the higher end of the market, and so for many folks would not make a good first telescope simply out of cost or size. However, if you find a good deal on a refractor, it can indeed make an excellent starter scope! Just don't buy a cheap one at a local store advertising amazing magnifications of 600x. Those are, to be honest, bad telescopes-truly a deal too good to be true.