andreas.jordan
21-12-2009, 11:03 AM
Hello All,
A request from my better half to purchase a telescope for my 6yr old son has re-ignited my own interest in celestial observation. Of course I fell for the trap of buying a telescope without actually doing the proper homework first. I do have time to return the thing and purchase something different, however, now I am stuck!
I purchased a StarTracker 127mm telescope from DSE for $238 which based on a number of posts here are almost a complete waste of time. After reading many posts here as well as the 2-part guide on buying a telescope, the best course of action would be to get a pair of binoculars if limited by a strict budget. Of course, I would REALLY prefer to purchase a telescope. From what I've read, a dobsonian 6" would be the perfect entry level scope but of course these are $399 which for serious(ish) scopes this is likely a fantastic price. I see that the Australian Star and Telescope Magazine have a special on a Saxon F1149EQMS for $269 but am not sure if I would really be throwing even more money at something not worthwhile.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to attend a local astronomy club and borrow a scope. However, its my son's birthday on Boxing day and I am fast running out of time. Personally, I'm inclined to ride the inevitable wrath from the wife and buy the dobsonian.
So, after all that I have the choice...
1. Keep the startracker from DSE; OR
2. Return it, purchase the Saxon thats on special (sorry didn't catch the aperture size); OR
3. Go the full monty and spend an additional $150 on a skywatcher 6" dobsonian.
Apologies for the essay style thread.
A request from my better half to purchase a telescope for my 6yr old son has re-ignited my own interest in celestial observation. Of course I fell for the trap of buying a telescope without actually doing the proper homework first. I do have time to return the thing and purchase something different, however, now I am stuck!
I purchased a StarTracker 127mm telescope from DSE for $238 which based on a number of posts here are almost a complete waste of time. After reading many posts here as well as the 2-part guide on buying a telescope, the best course of action would be to get a pair of binoculars if limited by a strict budget. Of course, I would REALLY prefer to purchase a telescope. From what I've read, a dobsonian 6" would be the perfect entry level scope but of course these are $399 which for serious(ish) scopes this is likely a fantastic price. I see that the Australian Star and Telescope Magazine have a special on a Saxon F1149EQMS for $269 but am not sure if I would really be throwing even more money at something not worthwhile.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to attend a local astronomy club and borrow a scope. However, its my son's birthday on Boxing day and I am fast running out of time. Personally, I'm inclined to ride the inevitable wrath from the wife and buy the dobsonian.
So, after all that I have the choice...
1. Keep the startracker from DSE; OR
2. Return it, purchase the Saxon thats on special (sorry didn't catch the aperture size); OR
3. Go the full monty and spend an additional $150 on a skywatcher 6" dobsonian.
Apologies for the essay style thread.