Entry level telescope, options?

Bit of a necro here.

I have the same question as OP, cept I'm looking for an entry level one for my mom.

I see Cape Union Mart have a choice of one (for about R1200) and have seen a few others.

I remember someone telling me that the cheap telescopes are so poor that a decent pair of binoculars is probably better.

Anyone have any tips or recommendations of where I can source a decent entry-level telescope locally?
 
I have a Celestron 6 with extra lenses and serial to USB connection if anyone is interested.
Asking R4K
Gauteng Area.
 
hj2k_x said:
That's a lot more than I was hoping to spend :(

I'm looking at more like 1000-1500...
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Ja, I know... I wasn't specifically replying to you.
Just throwing it out there for anyone.
Sorry... I also hijacked the thread.
 
hj2k_x said:
Damn hijackers.
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To be honest the Celestron 6 turned out to be overkill for me.
I paid R6K for it about 5 years ago, and I could never figure it out properly.
You are right to go for a cheaper and easier model.
 
LazyLion said:
To be honest the Celestron 6 turned out to be overkill for me.
I paid R6K for it about 5 years ago, and I could never figure it out properly.
You are right to go for a cheaper and easier model.
Click to expand...

I'd love to take it but I don't have the cash right now :( After the festive season maybe if you don't get a buyer by then.
 
dabean said:
I'd love to take it but I don't have the cash right now :( After the festive season maybe if you don't get a buyer by then.
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OK. There is one person in line so far besides you. Will keep you posted.
 
hj2k_x said:
That's a lot more than I was hoping to spend :(

I'm looking at more like 1000-1500...
Click to expand...

A Celestron AstroMaster. They are refractors which means they are bigger, a tad bit more expensive but they do give you a very good image. I started out with the 70az and it has served me pretty well. With it you can clearly make out Jupiter and four if its satellites, see the ring around Saturn etc. Little to no maintenance as well because they don't have all the moving parts and complications a Newtonian has.
 
Hamster said:
A Celestron AstroMaster. They are refractors which means they are bigger, a tad bit more expensive but they do give you a very good image. I started out with the 70az and it has served me pretty well. With it you can clearly make out Jupiter and four if its satellites, see the ring around Saturn etc. Little to no maintenance as well because they don't have all the moving parts and complications a Newtonian has.
Click to expand...
That sounds promising. I'll have a look to see if I can find any. Thanks.
 
hj2k_x said:
Bit of a necro here.

I have the same question as OP, cept I'm looking for an entry level one for my mom.

I see Cape Union Mart have a choice of one (for about R1200) and have seen a few others.

I remember someone telling me that the cheap telescopes are so poor that a decent pair of binoculars is probably better.

Anyone have any tips or recommendations of where I can source a decent entry-level telescope locally?
Click to expand...

Are you still in Cape Town? Noyes pharmacy in Wynberg\Kenilworth main road specializes in optics in addition to their core services. I bought all of my telescope stuff there. The guy in that section (old guy; I forgot his name) is very knowledgeable.
 
mercurial said:
Are you still in Cape Town? Noyes pharmacy in Wynberg\Kenilworth main road specializes in optics in addition to their core services. I bought all of my telescope stuff there. The guy in that section (old guy; I forgot his name) is very knowledgeable.
Click to expand...
Sweet. Yes I am. I'll try to make a turn there.
 
Hamster said:
A Celestron AstroMaster. They are refractors which means they are bigger, a tad bit more expensive but they do give you a very good image. I started out with the 70az and it has served me pretty well. With it you can clearly make out Jupiter and four if its satellites, see the ring around Saturn etc. Little to no maintenance as well because they don't have all the moving parts and complications a Newtonian has.
Click to expand...
Like this one? https://m.takealot.com/#product?id=PLID29900109&initskuid=27563600&extra=1
 
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