Beginner telescope for a kid

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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Absolutely this. Rather join a club where they can get to use a real scope. Besides, having knowledgeable people around will help a ton.
 
Marius Reitz said:
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Thanks!
 
Sounds like you have to belong to the Afrikaner Volk
 
crackersa said:
So anyone can pitch up even if they don't have a telescope?
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Hi there. Yes that is correct. You can decide to bring your own picnic basket or get one from the shop and picnic till about 20h00. Then you join us to look through our telescopes. We have between 10 to15 telescopes Look for the Orion Observation Group on Facebook.
 
Thanks @Hamster.
I figured how to use it and got to see the moon nicely on 1 of the few clear sky nights.

In fact, I think I'm getting so good at this, I think I can see 2017 with it
 
MR.C said:
Thanks @Hamster.
I figured how to use it and got to see the moon nicely on 1 of the few clear sky nights.

In fact, I think I'm getting so good at this, I think I can see 2017 with it
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awesome, lol I want to know is who wins the next Durban July please :D
 
MR.C said:
Thanks @Hamster.
I figured how to use it and got to see the moon nicely on 1 of the few clear sky nights.

In fact, I think I'm getting so good at this, I think I can see 2017 with it
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Now go find Saturn :D
 
MR.C said:
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.
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You can see plenty of stuff using a cheap telescope, don't listen to these rich spoilt kids.
Most the interesting planets can be seen using a cheap scope , I own a cheap one and during my time using it i saw Saturns rings , Jupiters red spot.
You obviously can't see deep space objects but to view deep space objects you need to find an isolated location , no light pollution but viewing planets.
You can view planets in your backyard , heck you can view planets on a toilet as long as the telescope is facing the window.

Check loot.co.za , there's so good entry level scopes at affordable prices.
 
Hi Spontaneous Spinach. Please do not take my reply to be confrontational. Can you please clarify what your idea of a cheap telescope is?

No cheap R599.00 refractor is going to see the red spot on Jupiter. You maybe able to see the four moons of Jupiter.

I do agree that you will be able to see the rings of Saturn wil the equivalent of a Celestron 70 mm refractor.

Please note that I am not advising that loads of money be spent. I am advising that with a bit more money you can get a lot more bang for your buck from Gumtree etc.
 
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I don't mind this is open for discussion but I am sorted, thanks to Hamster.
 
Marius Reitz said:
Hi Spontaneous Spinach. Please do not take my reply to be confrontational. Can you please clarify what your idea of a cheap telescope is?

No cheap R599.00 refractor is going to see the red spot on Jupiter. You maybe able to see the four moons of Jupiter.

I do agree that you will be able to see the rings of Saturn wil the equivalent of a Celestron 70 mm refractor.

Please note that I am not advising that loads of money be spent. I am advising that with a bit more money you can get a lot more bang for your buck from Gumtree etc.
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Haha its okay , it's nice to question people when you're a firm believer of something, I own a celestron powerseeker 60az telescope which i purchased about 4 years back for around R700-R800 at makro, R700-R800 is what i believe is cheap , affordable!
I can easy see the red spot on Jupiter , it may not be the sharpest image but you can easily see the red spot.
My entire family viewed it so i can confirm my eyes didn't show me what i wanted to see :/
I even took a few pictures during that time when i was obsessed by the fact I'm actually looking at planetary objects!
Yeah Saturn can be viewed by even binoculars!
In my opinion, it's good enough to see objects at a cheap price.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go the reflector root since I'm itching to view deep space objects
 
Spontaneous spinach said:
Haha its okay , it's nice to question people when you're a firm believer of something, I own a celestron powerseeker 60az telescope which i purchased about 4 years back for around R700-R800 at makro, R700-R800 is what i believe is cheap , affordable!
I can easy see the red spot on Jupiter , it may not be the sharpest image but you can easily see the red spot.
My entire family viewed it so i can confirm my eyes didn't show me what i wanted to see :/
I even took a few pictures during that time when i was obsessed by the fact I'm actually looking at planetary objects!
Yeah Saturn can be viewed by even binoculars!
In my opinion, it's good enough to see objects at a cheap price.
If I had to upgrade, I'd go the reflector root since I'm itching to view deep space objects
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If I ever buy another telescope I'll save up and get a catadioptric
 
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