Telescope question

[simka2]

I am looking for a telescope for ds9 for his birthday. I know nothing about telescopes. Any ideas on what I should get.

 

He has also asked for a metal detector.

[Riverland]

I recently asked this of my friend who is an astronomy/physics professor. He said that a high quality pair of binoculars was a better investment than most telescopes for youth. He said they are easier to use and much less frustrating.

[I talk to the trees]

Dd got the Astroscan (Edmund Scientifics) for her 5th birthday and we all loved it. It's small enough to be portable, but powerful enough for the images to be interesting. It's also very sturdy and durable. The Astroscan got her so hooked on astronomy that we upgraded to an 8-inch Astro-Tech (with a couple of extra eyepieces) for her 10th birthday. (If she upgrades again for her 15th b-day, we're going to have to upgrade our house. The Astro-Tech and its mount occupy a very large part of my living room!)

[Iucounu]

:bigear:

[GingerPoppy]

I do know this: do NOT buy a kids' telescope. It is simply not worth it, and makes the whole experience not at all fun. They're too cheap and not powerful enough. So, go with an adult version. Also, I agree with the idea that a good pair of real binoculars will get MUCH more use. They're versatile and powerful.

 

And for really good observation of the night sky, go to a star party and use the really big, expensive telescopes that they share there.

[TheHomeScientist]

I agree with the advice to go for a decent binocular first. However, if you must have a telescope, avoid "department store" telescopes. I'd recommend you get a copy of Orion's catalog.

 

http://www.telescope.com/

 

They carry a wide range of astronomy gear. Most of it is Chinese, but every one of their products I've seen is excellent value for the money.

 

For a pre-teen, one of the best choices in telescopes is a small Dobsonian like these:

 

http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Mini-Dobsonians/Orion-SkyScanner-100mm-TableTop-Reflector-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/28/p/9541.uts?refineByCategoryId=28

 

http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Mini-Dobsonians/Orion-StarBlast-45-Astro-Reflector-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/28/p/9814.uts?refineByCategoryId=28

 

The advantage to a telescope rather than a binocular is that the telescope allows you to view the moon and planets, while the binocular limits you to larger objects like star clusters.

[I talk to the trees]

 

The advantage to a telescope rather than a binocular is that the telescope allows you to view the moon and planets, while the binocular limits you to larger objects like star clusters.

 

:iagree:Dh and dd will sit outside for hours making lists of objects they have identified. I usually go inside- especially in the winter!- and tell them to call me if they decide to look at Jupiter or the moon.

[simka2]

I do know this: do NOT buy a kids' telescope. It is simply not worth it, and makes the whole experience not at all fun. They're too cheap and not powerful enough. So, go with an adult version. Also, I agree with the idea that a good pair of real binoculars will get MUCH more use. They're versatile and powerful.

 

And for really good observation of the night sky, go to a star party and use the really big, expensive telescopes that they share there.

 

I live close to the observatory http://www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=115

 

There are just so many stars and planets at night that I really want to get him something for here at the house. Hmmm.....still thinking. :D

[amsunshine]

One of the most important things to look for in a telescope is aperture. Get the biggest aperture you can afford. For a first telescope -- I recommend getting the Orion Starblast or the SkyScanner. They are 4.5 and 4 inches of aperture, respectively. Plus, they are super portable and easy to use. You can go bigger than that, and that would be even better! Orion's 6 and 8 inch telescopes are wonderful, too.

 

In addition to the scope, at a minimum, you will want to get a moon filter and maybe a barlow lens. We have also personally enjoyed our zoom lens, as it is really easy to manipulate and makes transport easier. Zooms are expensive, but we got ours on ebay for less than retail.

 

There are lots of backyard astronomy books that are helpful -- Turn Left at Orion is a good one.

 

Finally, download the free Stellarium software to your computer -- it is so helpful for locating objects in your local night sky. Good to have a look at before you go out with the scope to start scanning.

 

Hope that helps!

 

eta: I see HomeScientist recommended the exact same starter telescopes I did. Sorry for the repeat!

Edited March 16, 2012 by amsunshine

[amsunshine]

I live close to the observatory http://www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=115

 

There are just so many stars and planets at night that I really want to get him something for here at the house. Hmmm.....still thinking. :D

 

Observatories are fun, but it's sooo nice to have something at home, too! We love having ours to just pop out and take a look at the sky whenever we want. We never have to wait in long lines, and there's something really satisfying about locating things in the night sky oneself, as opposed to having someone else do it for you. I'm not knocking star parties -- we love those, too! Just some food for thought....

[simka2]

what about these two? I know they are cheap, but this is for a twin so things get expensive fast. Budget definitely has to be watched. ;)

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21024-FirstScope-Telescope/dp/B001UQ6E4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331929641&sr=8-3

 

http://www.amazon.com/Starwatcher-Compact-Refractor-Telescope-Carrying/dp/B000BY2DJQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1331929783&sr=8-4

[Guest]

One of the most important things to look for in a telescope is aperture. Get the biggest aperture you can afford. For a first telescope -- I recommend getting the Orion Starblast or the SkyScanner.

 

eta: I see HomeScientist recommended the exact same starter telescopes I did. Sorry for the repeat!

 

We just bought this one. My dh and I love it. Kids thought it was pretty neat, too. I personally would not get anything cheaper. We actually bought a Barlow lense (not cheap) to go with ours, as recommended here, as well.

[TheHomeScientist]

We bought a StarBlast years ago. It's marketed as a kids' scope, but I've always been amused when we've taken it to an observing session. We set it up next to our Dob and it'll be surrounded by big Dobs--ones you have to climb a stepladder or at least stand on a step-stool to see into the eyepiece--and yet there's always a line of people wanting to look through the little StarBlast (including the owners of the big Dobs).

[Iucounu]

what about these two? I know they are cheap, but this is for a twin so things get expensive fast. Budget definitely has to be watched. ;)

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21024-FirstScope-Telescope/dp/B001UQ6E4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331929641&sr=8-3

 

http://www.amazon.com/Starwatcher-Compact-Refractor-Telescope-Carrying/dp/B000BY2DJQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1331929783&sr=8-4

That first one looks like utter garbage to me, but I'm not an expert. We get better resolution than the posted samples using our cheap put-it-together Galileoscope.

[simka2]

That first one looks like utter garbage to me, but I'm not an expert. We get better resolution than the posted samples using our cheap put-it-together Galileoscope.

 

Yeah, after reading the reviews I got the same impression. :001_smile:

[Jean in Wisc]

I am looking for a telescope for ds9 for his birthday. I know nothing about telescopes. Any ideas on what I should get.

 

He has also asked for a metal detector.

 

The 1st Q: What do you want? Do you want a starter scope that isn't too expensive but will wet his taste? Or do you want a bit bigger scope that he can use forever....or at least until he has enough of his own $$ to buy what he wants? Do you want to be able to carry it around in the car? Or do you see it being used in the back yard and the big tube type would be just fine?

 

The AstroCam is nifty--smaller and compact. Great for travel. Easier to tote, even to the back yard. http://www.scientificsonline.com/astroscan-plus-telescope.html (Needs to be set on a firm/stable table top).

 

I am a member of 2 astronomy clubs (president of one, lol), and almost every member who owns a scope (or three) owns a Dobsonian--those long tubes with a big mirror at the bottom and no expensive lens. It give the best bang for the money...unless you plan to do astrophotography (but that would be the tele your son can buy with his own $$). The men often have the 10" Orion Skyquest. I have the 8" because it is just a little shorter and a little lighter for my 55yo female body to lug around. They are fairly comparable in what you can see, but my smaller one will see things a little "less" than the 10"--slightly dimmer, slightly less detail.

 

If you want to go with the Dob, you can do a 6" or 4.5", but I'm guessing he will want to step up to a bigger scope sooner if you do that. There is nothing wrong with them...he'll get aperture fever no matter what size he buys (AF=wanting a scope that takes in more light so that he can see MORE and MORE and MORE....astronomer virus). http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Classic-Dobsonians/pc/1/c/12/13.uts'>http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Classic-Dobsonians/pc/1/c/12/13.uts

 

If you want a small one that transports more easily, I don't think that you can go wrong with the StarBlast as long as you have a sturdy place for it to sit (same link as above). It will do you no good to have it on a small table that sways around in the wind or when touched.

 

---------------------------------

 

O.K. I just saw the ones you picked at Amazon. Please, look at

http://www.telescope.com or http://www.optcorp.com/ or someplace that sells telescopes as a business. They can answer questions, help you with the scope once you own it, and intelligently walk you through the process of owning a scope. I really do not recommend Amazon for scopes.

 

I also see that you are looking for something under $100. The Gallileoscope is a fun little scope...doesn't see any more than a pair of binoculars, but it is the shape that a kid wants his telescope to have. :-). That with a tripod will show you some fun things...but it will not introduce you to the night sky for very long, and it is hard to find much in it since it does not have a red-dot finder. http://www.scientificsonline.com/galileoscope-kit.html?gclid=CLfviZ2o-K4CFUrWKgodXXozzQ

 

A pair of binocs on a tripod is fun. You could buy Binocular Highlights and try to find your way around the sky. You can also do the Binocular Messier Program through the Astronomical League http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/LevelObservingClubs.html . I'd suggest you tell your son that if he wades through those and is successful, you will put all your change in a jar from every shopping trip and, over time, you will help him pay for a "real" telescope--like an 8" Dob.

 

Or, at least, that is how it would work in my house. :D YMMV.

 

Jean