Telescopes for child

mr.grumble · 11-11-2018 10:49pm #1

i'm looking for a telescope for a 7 year old.I'm hoping to get something that we can learn on together and not out grow too soon if he keeps an interest in it.
Would a budget of around €100 be realistic?

uck51js9zml2yt · 11-11-2018 10:57pm

Please don't get cheap and cheerful from a supermarket. It will be dumped in the corner in days.

Something like this is a better option

https://touch.adverts.ie/telescopes-binoculars/telescope/16683922

If your in Dublin, one of the club's does a night in sandymount and clontarf on the paths and is public.
A chance to talk to some people who could advise and let you see through the light pollution !!!

mr.grumble · 11-11-2018 11:33pm

Thanks for info but we're in the midlands .I would prefer to buy new as it's a present from santy. I don't mind paying a bit extra but am a bit lost as to what I should be looking for.

murphyme2010 · 12-11-2018 11:15am

Try Midlands Astronomy club - http://www.tullamoreastronomy.com/pages/welcome.php.

They may have events near you.

Zubeneschamali · 15-11-2018 3:50pm

For beginners, good binoculars are much better than a similarly priced telescope.

....... · 15-11-2018 4:07pm

Id go for Binoculars over a Telescope for a beginner.

These are a nice pair of Astronomy binoculars, are impressive enough looking to be a good Santa present and within your price range too:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003AM87Q4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The only comment I would make is that as the magnification is 25 your hands shake is magnified and for any viewing past a few seconds you need a tripod - but they are not expensive. This one works with the above binoculars:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0000WXD1G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Personally I get a lot more use out of my Celestron 10*50s for night sky viewing as they are small enough to be portable, and the magnification is low enough not to introduce too much shake.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-71257-UpClose-Porro-Binocular/dp/B006ZN4TZS/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

Actually LIDL occasionally do binoculars that are almost as good the the Celestron 10*50s I mentioned above - for 19.99 so maybe get the Skymasters and at a later date get a cheap pair in LIDL for portability.

Back to the Skymasters - you can get them in a bricks and mortar shop but they are usually a lot more expensive than on Amazon. The good thing about them is that if the interest in the night sky fades, they can still be used other than for astronomy. Plus as they are best with a tripod, it helps teach a child about setting up equipment etc..

Best of luck with it!

Mookie Blaylock · 16-11-2018 12:28am

Hi all,.sorry for butting in, but same issue here, my 10yo daughter is looking for a telescope for Xmas.....I see that a lot of you recommend bins as a starter idea... but she has her heart set on a telescope.
Now I'm conscious of the fact that after 6 months, it may go the same way as spinners.. but I was looking at the Celestron's ExploraScope 114AZ & was hoping it would do as a decent beginners for her..or maybe some other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any help

mickmackey1 · 16-11-2018 11:53am

Agree with those suggesting binoculars instead of a telescope, but if she really must have one then this is the best for under 100 -

https://ktectelescopes.ie/starter-telescopes/starter-telescopes-under-250/skywatcher-mercury-607-refractor-telescope.html

Mookie Blaylock · 16-11-2018 4:35pm

mickmackey1 wrote: »

Agree with those suggesting binoculars instead of a telescope, but if she really must have one then this is the best for under 100 -

https://ktectelescopes.ie/starter-telescopes/starter-telescopes-under-250/skywatcher-mercury-607-refractor-telescope.html

I'd probably be willing to spend about double that though if that would get me something a bit better?

djmcsc · 17-11-2018 2:32am

Mookie Blaylock wrote: »

mickmackey1 wrote: »

Agree with those suggesting binoculars instead of a telescope, but if she really must have one then this is the best for under 100 -

https://ktectelescopes.ie/starter-telescopes/starter-telescopes-under-250/skywatcher-mercury-607-refractor-telescope.html

I'd probably be willing to spend about double that though if that would get me something a bit better?

You should take a look at this one which might suit.

https://ktectelescopes.ie/celestron-astromaster-102az.html

But give Ktec a call and they will be able to sort you out. A lot of the astronomy clubs would point you that way as well.

Popoutman · 17-11-2018 1:38pm

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Starter-Telescopes/Starter-Telescopes-under-250/Skywatcher-Heritage-130P-FlexTube-Dobsonian-Telescope.html

The extra aperture will show stuff more clearly, and the mount is more simple and rugged as well. Lots more portable. Will show plenty of detail on the moon and it'll start to show some detail on the likes of Jupiter.

This one might not look as "telescopey" as the smaller refractors, but it is definitely more useful for astronomy, and comes in under your budget.

Mookie Blaylock · 17-11-2018 1:52pm

Thank you all, I do appreciate the help, I'm way out of my comfort zone here

Frunchy · 17-11-2018 2:01pm

You don't even need a binoculars or telescopes to start in Astronomy.
Just get an astronomy app on your phone and learn to identify constellations and other objects.
This is the basic knowledge that's required.

If he finds that boring, then any equipment will likely be a waste of money and will not be used again after the novelty wears off.

mr.grumble · 17-11-2018 4:35pm

i know what is beening said about Binoculars is true but he has his heart set on a telescope..
i've decided to up the budget a bit.i cant post links but would the "Christmas Bundle - Celestron Astromaster 102AZ Plus Accessory Kit" from ktec telescopes be worth getting?

Mervyn Skidmore · 17-11-2018 4:47pm

Popoutman wrote: »

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Starter-Telescopes/Starter-Telescopes-under-250/Skywatcher-Heritage-130P-FlexTube-Dobsonian-Telescope.html

The extra aperture will show stuff more clearly, and the mount is more simple and rugged as well. Lots more portable. Will show plenty of detail on the moon and it'll start to show some detail on the likes of Jupiter.

This one might not look as "telescopey" as the smaller refractors, but it is definitely more useful for astronomy, and comes in under your budget.

This is definitely the best bang for buck. Pretty much no set up time required, steady mount, and takes up very little space. Binoculars are great and all but with this you will see Saturns rings and Jupiters cloud bands.

mr.grumble · 17-11-2018 5:04pm

Mervyn Skidmore wrote: »

This is definitely the best bang for buck. Pretty much no set up time required, steady mount, and takes up very little space. Binoculars are great and all but with this you will see Saturns rings and Jupiters cloud bands.

thanks.
I'm wondering would it be rugged enough for a 7 year old.
He is careful with his stuff, but the extendable bit looks like it might not last long with a child?
maybe get a toy one now and wait until he is older to get a real one?

Mervyn Skidmore · 17-11-2018 5:14pm

mr.grumble wrote: »

thanks.
I'm wondering would it be rugged enough for a 7 year old.
He is careful with his stuff, but the extendable bit looks like it might not last long with a child?
maybe get a toy one now and wait until he is older to get a real one?

No point wasting money on a toy one. If you were thinking that way you could get something like this;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orion-10012-SkyScanner-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B00D05BIIU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542471016&sr=8-2&keywords=orion+table+top+telescope

Smaller, cheaper but will still provide nice views.

The Skywatcher 130 flex tube is a serious piece of kit for €200. I think under supervision there shouldn't be any problems. Just plonk it on a small stool/table, and your ready for viewing.

....... · 19-11-2018 10:27am

That Skywatcher is a fine looking scope.

Pat Dunne · 22-11-2018 11:49am

A set I'd decent Binoculars and a Tripod, not one for a DSLR Camera as they are to flimsy (childwise).

Cianos · 10-12-2018 9:28am

I've been keeping an eye on this thread as I'm also looking to get a telescope, for my 7 year old.

I have a One4All voucher so I was looking on camera.ie who take them - they have this telescope here;

https://camera.ie/products/celestron-firstscope-76-180x

Which would seem to be a good option for a 7 year old, because as I'm sure other parents here would be thinking, there's a high chance it'll be forgotten about quickly enough so the €80 price tag is tempting. However there's no point in getting something rubbish just to save money, so I am willing to spend on something that is way better.

You were recommending the Skywatcher Heritage 130P, and looking at its stats (disclaimer, I know nothing about telescopes), the magnification level seems to be listed as;

Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x26 & x65
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x260

And the Celestron I linked above seems to have a magnification of 180x.

Does this basically mean that the Skywatcher is 260x and the Celestron is 180x, and is that what a layman should gauge as being the difference in quality?

Thank you

Wanderer78 · 10-12-2018 9:33am

Cianos wrote:

Does this basically mean that the Skywatcher is 260x and the Celestron is 180x, and is that what a layman should gauge as being the difference in quality?

Don't get too caught up in magnification abilities, as this doesn't reflect true quality abilities. Unfortunately I'm too long out of the astronomy game to truly advise, but I'm sure the good folks here will do so very well. Best of luck

Mervyn Skidmore · 10-12-2018 9:35am

Cianos wrote: »

I've been keeping an eye on this thread as I'm also looking to get a telescope, for my 7 year old.

I have a One4All voucher so I was looking on camera.ie who take them - they have this telescope here;

https://camera.ie/products/celestron-firstscope-76-180x

Which would seem to be a good option for a 7 year old, because as I'm sure other parents here would be thinking, there's a high chance it'll be forgotten about quickly enough so the €80 price tag is tempting. However there's no point in getting something rubbish just to save money, so I am willing to spend on something that is way better.

You were recommending the Skywatcher Heritage 130P, and looking at its stats (disclaimer, I know nothing about telescopes), the magnification level seems to be listed as;

Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x26 & x65
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x260

And the Celestron I linked above seems to have a magnification of 180x.

Does this basically mean that the Skywatcher is 260x and the Celestron is 180x, and is that what a layman should gauge as being the difference in quality?

Thank you

The difference in quality is the size of the mirror. The Skywatcher can gather far more light than the Firstscope. Magnification is a bit misleading when it comes to telescopes at this end of the market, the best views will be at low magnification. The Firstscope is a nice scope for a child but is overpriced there in my opinion. I have an Orion Funscope for around the same price but has better eyepieces and has a red dot finder to locate things in the sky. The skywatcher heritage 130 is much better but those little scopes are nice too.

TomSweeney · 10-12-2018 9:53am

Popoutman wrote: »

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Starter-Telescopes/Starter-Telescopes-under-250/Skywatcher-Heritage-130P-FlexTube-Dobsonian-Telescope.html

The extra aperture will show stuff more clearly, and the mount is more simple and rugged as well. Lots more portable. Will show plenty of detail on the moon and it'll start to show some detail on the likes of Jupiter.

This one might not look as "telescopey" as the smaller refractors, but it is definitely more useful for astronomy, and comes in under your budget.

Can you hook a camera up to that ? or a mount ?

....... · 10-12-2018 10:10am

Theres an excellent laymans review of the Celestron Firstscope here - I too think its overpriced.

https://10minuteastronomy.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/cheap-scope-review-the-celestron-firstscope/

CiarraiAbu2 · 11-12-2018 11:48pm

https://www.lidl.ie/en/special-offers.htm?articleId=14428

What is the above like for a starter. Thanks

Mervyn Skidmore · 11-12-2018 11:52pm

CiarraiAbu2 wrote: »

https://www.lidl.ie/en/special-offers.htm?articleId=14428

What is the above like for a starter. Thanks

I wouldn't recommend it. At that price the tripod probably isn't great and the mount is more complicated than I'd like as a beginner. The eyepieces probably aren't great either. This is likely to frustrate rather than fascinate.

....... · 12-12-2018 10:07am

CiarraiAbu2 wrote: »

https://www.lidl.ie/en/special-offers.htm?articleId=14428

What is the above like for a starter. Thanks

Some good points to be made about it on this thread:

http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/forum/first-scope-t128963.html

Cianos · 15-12-2018 1:14am

Back seeking more advice...!

I was on to the support people at Ktec Telescopes. I asked for their recommendation for a 7yr old, and they suggested these two;

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Celestron-Inspire-70AZ-Refractor.html

and

https://ktectelescopes.ie/skywatcher-evostar-90-az3.html

These are both around the €200 mark, but this thread also recommended the Skywatcher Heritage 130 which is also €200

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Skywatcher-Heritage-130P-FlexTube-Dobsonian-Telescope.html

Then, I'm wondering is €200 a bit overkill for a 7yr old and should I start with something cheaper like the Skywatcher Heritage 76 which is only €80;

https://ktectelescopes.ie/Skywatcher-Heritage-76-Mini-Dobsonian-Telescope.html

I won't have a chance to test out any of these before purchasing so it really comes down to whether the €200 ones are much much better than the €80 one. She has a general strong interest in science but she's not obsessing about space/the moon etc but I think it's something she would enjoy. So that being said I don't mind spending the extra if €80 is essentially just getting you a glorified toy, and if the €200 ones give a way better experience.

Any further input much appreciated!

Mervyn Skidmore · 15-12-2018 1:24am

This is just my opinion and I'm sure there are others on here that think very differently. I think the mini dobsonion/table top telescopes above are just perfect for getting children interested. There is no set up time, just plonk it on a table or stool and you're ready to go. The 80 euro one is fine for a while but the heritage 130 will show much better views. If you're not really sure that they'll be interested, a nice pair of binoculars is a great gift that they could use for other purposes too.

mickmackey1 · 16-12-2018 12:35pm

Even Patrick Moore didn't have a 200 quid scope when he was 7 :pac:

rolion · 16-12-2018 5:42pm

I don't want to upset you or create polemics...but I never listened to the guys here.
I spent thousands in my first telescope set.
After I had very few great sessions with my son,set now is gathering dust.
The main factor weather and clouds.
When is great to see summer warm nights, it takes half hour to set it up and by then, clouds over and ruining the session doubled by the city lights.
In the winter, great observing conditions but even with a hot glass of red wine, your hands will freeze until you cannot press any buttons...and that in few minutes.

So, a small powerful telescope that has a decent budget, yes go for anytime.

But, for beginning, buy a powerful Celestron binoculars and a tripod. See if interested and do all the learning by "pen and paper" on the celestial map … and then see if he got corrupted by and only then, go for a decent medium size unit. A cheap will disappoint by quality and a expensive will attract discussions with your wife...

Either way, have fun and enjoyable adventure chasing galaxies and clusters...planets will be major point, shocking to see them so nice and close...

Telescopes for child

Comments