Beginner telescope for a kid

MR.C

MR.C

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Hi all.
I need advice. Was considering getting a telescope for my kid, and was looking at this 2:

Takealot has been having daily deals, today it's this for R599.
Check this out on takealot, http://takealot.com/og/v1/PLID38678418

Yesterday this was for R399, but now R499
Check this out on takealot, http://takealot.com/og/v1/PLID38678417

I was leaning towards the R599 that's on a daily deal today.

Celestron is a brand that I know and seems worth it.

Any advise or opinions ?

Thanks in advance.
 
I have used these small Celestron telescopes before. They are good cheap fun.

If you want to nit-pick then there is noticeable chromatic aberration, although this is only likely to be an issue for a more experienced user. They do not include tracking, although this is a good thing for a beginner since they do not need setting up before use.

The R599 scope looks like the best deal since it comes with three eyepieces and a Barlow lens. The other one comes with two eyepieces. The eyepieces are like camera lenses, you can carry on using them if you decide to upgrade.
 
These are only really useful for looking at the moon and planets. They're basically useless for any dim objects like nebulae and galaxies due to their small aperture.
 
Thanks for all the help.

@Hamster PM replied
 
Cheap ones are a waste of time / disappointing. Source: had one as a kid
 
I'm a keen amateur astronomer. My instinct is to agree with HavocXphere - small, cheapies really aren't good for much more than peering at the moon and maybe seeing the rings of Saturn.

My scope is a 12-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain.

Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck!
 
My kid is turning 11 next week. Was thinking it'd be better to get him something cheaper and see his interest level and dedication. If he breaks something it's not a big loss. If he takes to it in a big way, I can upgrade after.
 
MR.C said:
My kid is turning 11 next week. Was thinking it'd be better to get him something cheaper and see his interest level and dedication. If he breaks something it's not a big loss. If he takes to it in a big way, I can upgrade after.
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The stars will remain stars.
 
I have seen people walk down this road many times and they all make the same mistake by rushing out to buy a cheap telescope. We always advise youngsters that want to start out to go to to the meet of a local astronomy club. There you will get expert advise and will be able to look through every type of scope . Then you make up your mind on what you want to buy. I will rather suggest that you buy a second hand scope of Gumtree or OLX. With expert assistance you will find a much better telescope for your money. They danger is that with a cheap telescope you may make them loose interest in this wonderful hobby. If you are in a Cape Town please look up Orion Observation Group on Facebook. We do public stargazing once a month at the Paarl Taal Monument and will gladly assist.
 
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Marius Reitz said:
I have seen people walk down this road many times and they all make the same mistake by rushing out to buy a cheap telescope. We always advise youngsters that want to start out to go to to the meet of a local astronomy club. There you will get expert advise and will be able to look through every type of scope . Then you make up your mind on what you want to buy. I will rather suggest that you buy a second hand scope of Gumtree or OLX. With expert assistance you will find a much better telescope for your money. They danger is that with a cheap telescope you may make them loose interest in this wonderful hobby. If you are in a Cape Town please look up Orion Observation Group on Facebook. We do public stargazing once a month at the Paarl Taal Monument and will gladly assist.
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Good advice.
 
good info.

up to what is considered cheap or from what price is considered decent
 
HavocXphere said:
Cheap ones are a waste of time / disappointing. Source: had one as a kid
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I'm with Havoc - unfortunately telescopes aren't worth their money in the cheap department, unless your kid is going to play with it like young kids play with cars. If anything, he may be disillusioned and lose interest altogether in astronomy.
 
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