Yes, another newbie needing help on telescope selection!

[Tauntonclaret]

Hi

Thank you for reading this.

Put simply am I best buying a Skyhawk 1145p or Explorer 130p.

It is a Christmas present for my 16 year old who is new, but very keen to astronomy.

Thanks.

Steve

[username]

I would go for the 130p over the 1145. The larger mirror of the 130p means it will last them a lot longer as they'll be able to see more objects

[Tauntonclaret]

Thanks Jim.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I assume a 1145 is a 114mm primary mirror?.

Certainly a mirror of 130mm will be the best option.

[rory]

again only on aperture and not studying all the telescopes atributes,id go big is best route and go 130.

[Tauntonclaret]

Thanks all!

[Qualia]

Both the SkyHawk and the Explorer get favourable reviews but as the others have suggested, I'd also advise on going with the bigger apperture. I think this will be more pleasing for your son and the difference in price is almost insignificant. You'll also need to get yourself a collimating tool (perhaps a Cheshire) for the reflector and although not strictly necessary, I'd also recommend you the book, Turn Left at Orion which will help your son in his stargazing adventures. The most trusting and efficient and after-sales quality astronomy shop I know of in the UK is First Light Optics which comes highly recommended by just about everyone here at SGL.

If you haven't done so already, download Stellarium which is free and by word of caution (not knowing the given situation or degree of understanding), check out the sketches drawn by stargazers. Have a look at what size telescopes they're using and these will give an indication of what your son may be able to see on a given evening's session which as you'll appreciate will be nothing like the beautiful and colourful NASA photos we are treated to, nor those often displayed on supermarket telescope boxes. I think by doing this one avoids untoward disappointment or sentiments of being let down after the purchase of a telescope.

Your son is a very lucky chap (wish someone had done the same for me) and I wish you and your family a peaceful and loving Christmas.

[Tauntonclaret]

Thank you Qualia.

[DOBBY]

Hi Claret... & welcome to the forum

The 130 would be my choice of the 2....

As above.. download http://www.stellarium.org/ (freebie).... hang a small bucket with sand/stones from the 'eyepiece holder' tray to help stabilise the tripod....don't rush to buy extras in the 1st month

[Catweazel]

Hi Steve, another vote for the 130 here; the extra aperture will make a significant difference, for very little increase in cost.

[paul schofield]

+ 1 for the 130p, A great starter scope that will out perform the 1145. The 130p was my first scope and I was very happy with it.

[Tauntonclaret]

Thank you to everyone. 130p ordered today and ready for Santa to bring for son!

[Jaywillis78]

+1 for the 130 as well, looked through my friends one and was very impressed with it.

[bingevader]

No further comment to add really!

The 130p comes up very often here as a very sound 'scope.

I'm sure your son will be very pleased!

Cheers

[chrisfellows]

Im getting a 1145P for christmas and I'd suggest the 130p! haha

Chris

[rwilkey]

+1 for the 130P, a very sound scope and easier to mange than the 114, which I find a bit fidley and a bit shakey.

[Matt Scunthorpe]

Nice choice of scope.

My mum was telling me that her friends son has asked them for a telescope, and they bought him one from Aldi.. God only knows what its going to be like, but im guessing not great.

Your son should be pretty impressed with views through the 130. Wait till Saturn is back around next year, its just a WOW moment. Any interest in Astronomy yourself or is it just your child?

[cantab]

Nice choice of scope.

My mum was telling me that her friends son has asked them for a telescope, and they bought him one from Aldi.. God only knows what its going to be like, but im guessing not great.

Possibly not as bad as some out there. At the start of December they were selling a Nat Geo branded mini dob, along the same lines as the Celestron Firstscope or Skywatcher Heritage 76.

/offtopic

[Matt Scunthorpe]

Ahh maybe im wrong then, i doubt ill ever hear anything more of it, but i imagined a shakey mount and a dodgy OTA, but hey, as long as it gets someone else interested in Astronomy im all for it