DhamR

So I am barking up the wrong tree then, interesting! Time to read some more reviews then I guess... What are the downsides of a reflector like that Heritage? @TerraC I can't see the link here for some reason.

Hi, I've got a 4 year old daughter who's really getting into space, planets stars etc. and I've always been a bit of a nerd about it all (my Lego Saturn V is currently sat next to me and I'm drinking my coffee from a Space Shuttle mug bought at the National Space Centre a few weeks ago). Anyway, my wife and I thought a telescope might be a great Christmas present for the little one (and me) to have a go at in the back garden, see a bit of the sky etc., I'm into photography, but have no illusions or expectations that "our" first scope will be any good for getting photographs (if we properly get into it then maybe I'll look into the clever motorised mounts, but not yet). Worth pointing out I have a very basic lightweight plastic ballhead tripod, but it's franky pretty rubbish and would no doubt really struggle with a scope on it so I'd rather get something specific for the telescope. We go camping a couple of times a year, and my dad lives in the middle of nowhere, so something I can easily pack in the car is ideal. Plus my daughter is 4, so attention span is often short, so something that can be out, used and away again in a short time is good. I don't want to spend a lot, and am wary this is a slippery slope but I would spend a touch more to make the most of the small investment. I was thinking around £200 with the expectation that I might need to upgrade eyepieces fairly soon. So if I say £300 as a top-top budget where I'll be happy with the setup for a little while. Taking all that into account, a lot of recommendations seem to suggest the ST80s as long as you aren't fussed about getting great views of the planets, and don't mind the colour purple. So I've been looking at this, as it seems to come with everything I'd (sorry we'd) need, including the slow adjustment in both axes which I noticed is lacking on a lot of other bundles. https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-startravel-80mm-az3-telescope.html Am I barking up the wrong tree? Would I be better buying the ST80 as an OTA and then the additionals separately? Are there any other accessories you'd recommend with this or any other setup? I'm expecting planet-spotting to be a "make that investment later if/when we get into the hobby more seriously" but if anyone can tell me I can do that in my budget then I'll consider it.