Newbie

[Starseekerscarlett]

Sorry for asking but need help and advice buying a scope for my daughter (8) and something I can use. Just general advice nothing too expensive like a first car any help would be greatful

[Knighty2112]

This might suit an 8 year old, and not break the bank either. Could also use it for daytime views as well if needed (but not of the sun, unless you have a solar filter fitted to it!).

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/256835-man-on-the-moon-telescope/

[Starseekerscarlett]

Many thanks was looking at 2-300 is there any point paying more or is this the best

[Knighty2112]

OK, for that budget you could get something better. This is just a very basic starter scope and will give you pretty decent low to medium power images of the moon and the planets, along with the stars and a few other things too. The stand of this scope is again just very basic, and doesn't work too well when you increase the magnification too well, but for low to medium powers it OK.

These other scopes might be worth looking at too. However, there is no real best starter scope. They all have pro and cons like most things. I prefer refractor telescopes as these are more intuitive to use, especially as a beginner I think, over the other kind of scope that others may plump for, the reflector.

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-evostar-90-az3-telescope.html

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-explorer-130p-reflector-telescope.html

The first link is for a refractor telescope. The second one for a reflector.

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube-dobsonian-telescope.html

This last one is a reflector to, but on a different stand known as a Dobsonian. This is a little like the stand for the refractor in that you move it left or right, and up and down. The second reflector with the EQ2 mount you have to line it up with the pole star to use correctly, so it takes a little time to do this, plus it is not so straightforward to move around on the stand as a simple left, right, up or down moves.

[glynnlondon]

hi starseekerscarlett and welcome.

For a budget of 2 - 300 pounds the skywatcher skyliner 200p dobsonian is highly popular and will give you the most bang for your buck in aperture  ( terms of what you can see ) .

It is one of the best selling scopes in the uk and if the size is managable for you both it could be a good option.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian.html

and a short demo video to give an idea of size and operation.

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi and welcome. A 200 dob is a large tube. I think she'd struggle if she ever tried to use it on her own.

[happy-kat]

A telescope that is quick to take outside and setup is the one that will get used.

I would avoid an EQ tripod or anything that is very long or tall for your 8 year old to use.

Something that encourages use and exploration would be good.

Will you need to take the telescope downstairs to get it outside?

[BritAngler]

+1 for the SW 200 Dobsonian.

Don't forget, 8 year olds soon grow up, then you'd start thinking you missed out if you didn't buy the best 'scope you can first off.

[wheresthetorch?]

+1 for the SW 200 Dobsonian.

Don't forget, 8 year olds soon grow up, then you'd start thinking you missed out if you didn't buy the best 'scope you can first off.

I'm not so sure about this. A big scope too early could be off-putting, and upgrading is fun too.

[souls33k3r]

You certainly can't go wrong with this bad boy

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/az-goto/skywatcher-skymax-102-synscan-az-goto.html

[glynnlondon]

The OP seemed to imply that the scope would be for both of them to use so the dob might be manageable if eg. the viewing area is the garden with no steps involved.

But I do agree if it will be principally used by the young lass including set up and take down ,then a frac on az3 or tabletop dob would be way forward.

[Knighty2112]

Always tricky getting the right size starter scope. To small and you might not get good views at the higher magnifications, and too large and bulky might put off people using the scope with the weight, bulk, and time of setting up any scope. As others have said too it is much better to get some use out of a scope, even if it might be smaller, rather than just gather dust in a corner of a room somewhere, hardly ever used.