Thank you very much everyone for your experienced input. I've already recommended the z114. Good all round scope. Best to recommend scope that also emphasizes wider views. He lives in very dark skies, so I think 100 plus DSO targets rather than just 6 planetary and lunar targets are important to impress on a young potential future astronomer. Planets are cool, but there's much more out there! As for planetary views this will be fine at 100 mag, very comprable to intro 80mm long refractor. Eventually, I could lend him my 76mm vintage tasco if he's serious about plantary. I used to get great views of jupiter. Again, thank you all for your input, but quite overwhelming, since this is my first experience on sl. Its proper ettiquete to end thread?