Okay, this is not a rehash of the refractor versus reflectors versus all the other telescope designs. This is a more personal and intimate reason for liking refractors. Fact is, I just like refractor telescopes, especially small, high quality refractors. Maybe it's because a refractor was my first telescope, but mostly it's because small refractors suit my go light, keep it simple lifestyle. At this point in my life, living off a bicycle as I do, there is simply no room for large telescopes or complicated and fragile telescope designs. If I can't thow it in a pack and carry it on a bike or over my shoulder, a telescope is not going to see much use. To get to even a marginal observing site, I have to walk or ride to a park, several blocks away. Even when I use a telescope on my patio, it is typically a grab and go proposition. Long live the refractor.