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manwiches · 12-04-2019, 07:08 AM

Hey all

My 5 year old son has been asking me for a telescope for Xmas. He loves looking at the stars and moon, and constantly wants to borrow my phone so we can see the Starfinder app I have. I myself am an astronomy enthusiast, and love to look at these just as much as he does.

I've done a TON of research, and want to get something that is somewhat appropriate for him, but also, something that he can grow into as well and that I'd be happy with too.

I have it narrowed down to a couple. I am open to suggestion though.

- Orion Observer 80ST Equatorial Mount - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1
- Celestron Astromaster 76AZ - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1
- Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm EQ Mount - https://www.amazon.ca/Orion-SpacePro...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Some things that are important to me:

- Decent optics, enough to see some of the far planet details (Saturn's rings, Jupiter's spot), and some deep space shots (nebula, star clusters, etc)
- Ease of use, but not so simple that my son will outgrow it, and I will be frustrated. He is a bright kid, and can pick up things pretty easily.
- Sturdy and solid construction/parts
- I'm willing to spend around the $200-250 range

Question:
- Is an equatorial mount too much for my son? I've personally never used one, but from my research, I don't think it's that difficult once you learn it. Or is an Alt/Az a better option?

12-04-2019, 07:08 AM	#1
manwiches Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Oct 2009 Exp:	Looking for Opinions - Telescopes Hey all My 5 year old son has been asking me for a telescope for Xmas. He loves looking at the stars and moon, and constantly wants to borrow my phone so we can see the Starfinder app I have. I myself am an astronomy enthusiast, and love to look at these just as much as he does. I've done a TON of research, and want to get something that is somewhat appropriate for him, but also, something that he can grow into as well and that I'd be happy with too. I have it narrowed down to a couple. I am open to suggestion though. - Orion Observer 80ST Equatorial Mount - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1 - Celestron Astromaster 76AZ - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1 - Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm EQ Mount - https://www.amazon.ca/Orion-SpacePro...NsaWNrPXRydWU= Some things that are important to me: - Decent optics, enough to see some of the far planet details (Saturn's rings, Jupiter's spot), and some deep space shots (nebula, star clusters, etc) - Ease of use, but not so simple that my son will outgrow it, and I will be frustrated. He is a bright kid, and can pick up things pretty easily. - Sturdy and solid construction/parts - I'm willing to spend around the $200-250 range Question: - Is an equatorial mount too much for my son? I've personally never used one, but from my research, I don't think it's that difficult once you learn it. Or is an Alt/Az a better option?