Need advice - beginner telescope!

[BFLYA]

So, Hi all.

I'm looking for a telescope, to be exact, not for myself, but for my friend. She just amazingly loves the nigth sky and the stars and, it's her birthday soon, so me and a couple of friends decided to look for a telescope. She lives in a flat, on 4th floor.. That's just so you know what is the situation with place. I looked already pretty much over these forums already for advice, but I think I need a more specific information. Our budget is about 150 pounds, not more. Anyway, Skywatcher Heritage 100p looked pretty nice to me, the reviews were positive and everyone said it's great for beginners. So, may I try with Heritage or should I look for something else ? Any other suggestions ?

[Daniel-K]

Can't go wrong with the 100p!!

[tarotrocola]

Even if she love the sky and the stars, maybe she does not know what to look with a telescope. Add some book, app, internet info... for example for the night that you will give her the gift.

[Jim Steele]

There is also the 130p flex-tube. Having seen one at my astro club they are great little scopes and can be dismantled into a smaller package for storage ideal for a small flat.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube.html

[nicoscy]

The Heritage along with "Turn Left at Orion" or "Backyard Astronomer's Guide".

[bingevader]

Lucky girl!

Either of the Heritage 'scopes would be fab and easily portable too from the 4th floor.

The 130p will show things to be slightly bigger and brighter than the 100p, but I'd be very happy with either!

[happy-kat]

If you choose A reflector like the heritage 130p do also at the least get a colimation cap.

Software Stellarium is very good and free.

[andyb505]

I have a Heritage 130p and it is very easy to use and can show some great sights.

Andrew.

[Geordie mc]

Another vote for Turn Left at Orion too. It's a great introduction to finding your way around the night sky.

[bomberbaz]

I have the 100p and points to note is no collimation issues as thAt should be set ok from the manufacturer. Eyepieces should be ok as long as she isnt near sighted. A tripod wiuld be very handy to go with this and i got one of these, Ravelli APLT4 from amazon. Its fine as long as its not fully extended. Agreed that get her turn left at orion and down load to pc stallarium. Fonally getcontact details for local astronomy club so she can go along and pick sime brains. Atb, steve.