Telescope for a kid

[Speedster]

My daughter has shown a key interest in astronomy for quite some time now and the spotting scope she's been using isn't exactly up to the task. Her birthday is around the corner so I'm considering getting her an entry level telescope for the occasion. I've had a look at some YouTube videos and browsed around Takealot and marketplace to see what's available locally. I can't find too many independent reviews of the options so thought I'd turn to the lovely folks at myBB for some wisdom.

Anyone around here able to shed some light on the subject?

 

[Speedster]

I was looking at something closer to the National Geographic 114/500 but can't find any reviews

 

[Speedster]

Budget?

Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope - Cameraland Sandton

Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope comes with a Computerised Goto Mount featuring an internal battery compartment for power cord-free operation.

cameralandsandton.co.za

Celestron Starsense Explorer LT114 Reflector Telescope - Cameraland Sandton

The Celestron Starsense Explorer LT114 Reflector Telescope is ideal for beginners thanks to the app’s user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials.

cameralandsandton.co.za

Premium Quality Celestron Telescopes South Africa | Online Store

Don't miss out on the wonders of the night sky. See views of the stars with your own Celestron Telescope in South Africa! Available online & in-store.

cameralandsandton.co.za

This guy is not a fan:

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114 AZ Review: Not Recommended - Telescopic Watch

While seemingly promising on paper, LT 114AZ is a let down due to its mount and optics, which don’t allow you to get much out of the StarSense Explorer tech.

telescopicwatch.com

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

I'd say get his top item then... it ships here:

https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BR6G589?&linkCode=sl1&tag=teleswatch-20&linkId=85a5bb2ec15cead43ae3c4bf708ad0a1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The shipping is almost as much as the scope.

You can get a decent sized Dobsonian locally for the total price.

More important than the scope is the mount. Not sure what your budget is, and whether it's going to lead into astrophotography. But stay away from those flimsy entry level ones.

Astronomy Optics

futurama.co.za

 

[Speedster]

I'd say get his top item then... it ships here:

https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BR6G589?&linkCode=sl1&tag=teleswatch-20&linkId=85a5bb2ec15cead43ae3c4bf708ad0a1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Managed to pick up a second hand one of these for a really good price

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Reviewed - Recommended Scope

If you’re buying it for a kid or simply are a little nostalgic, by all means, get the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro.

telescopicwatch.com