Telescope for children

[Ricochet]

20 minutes ago, gary19 said:

Thinking of getting this - https://uk.telescope.com/Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes-for-Astrophotography/Orion-ED80T-CF-Triplet-Apochromatic-Refractor-Telescope/pc/1306/c/1314/sc/1342/p/109925.uts?refineByCategoryId=1342

I think this is a bit of an extravagance for a 5 and 10 year old. An 80mm carbon fibre triplet is a premium small scope mostly aimed at astrophotography. For visual a doublet is going to be lighter and will cool quicker, both of which are probably key considerations if you want to use the telescope as a grab and go instrument. 

[johninderby]

Something like this would be more than adequate and would be a very nice visual scope and would sit nicely on a small alt-az mount.

https://www.altairastro.com/starwave-ascent-80ed-f7-refractor-telescope-geared-focuser-469-p.asp

Edited February 28, 2021 by johninderby

[AlexK]

So sad the Edmunds Scientific AstroScan 102mm reflector is not manufactured anymore. Love it! I gave it to my son when he was 10. Nearly indestructible and a zero hassle to setup anywhere any second you have a mood:

The only comparable in usability thing is a pair of binoculars in your hands (but that's still too shaky in comparison). There is a rumor they are working on the clone and it is still possible to find it used, but at that age if neglected it might retain only a decorative (and DIY) value...

The "Heritage" recommended above is a way more flimsy and harder to setup and use thing.

Edited February 28, 2021 by AlexK