which is best

[EddieDog]

OK, new thread, same reason. Looking for beginnner and her dad. Two scopes: Skywatcher SW80AR AZ4 v Skywatcher SW102 short focal lengh and larger aperture and slow-mo controls. Technically, the shorter one will have lower f ratio and with larger ap higher magnification. Suggestions please

thanks
Eddie

[Allan_L]

You already said it, always go for the aperture, and the slo mo controls are a bonus.

They are both alt az, which is friendly for a beginner, but the 102 looks like a better mount (from what I can see).

Remember, magnification is nothing without the aperture to let in enough light to "see".

But they are both refractors!
And for that matter, they are both sold as terrestrial scopes!

Everywhere you will be advised that the best starting scope delivering biggest aperture and least expense will be a Dobsonian. Do your friend a favour and go with the flow. Go Dob.

[EddieDog]

Thanks Allean, but I think a dob is a bit big for the 6 year old and her dad. Ease of use and storage is, I think, currently the premium. When Next I see him I will put it to him. I Know dobs are popular but there are still restrictions, space etc.
Eddie

[Gem]

Orion SkyScanner 100mm Table Top Telescope - $199 Bintel

It is a small dob, and much easier for a 6 year old.

If you aren't going to go a small Celestron GOTO (which I would recommend), then go a small dob like this. 100mm isn't big. It is easy to handle. Easy to understand.

Aperture isn't always best (despite what others say!). Portability is best. If the kid is doing the carrying and setting up, see the scope firsthand to see if they can handle it.
Out of the two options you gave - go with what the person setting up can handle.
:)

[EddieDog]

I appriate your comments, and looks better than the 76mm model. being f4 it is fast, and 4" ap gives max power of 200, though I doubt that at that power you will get good vision. But is there compromise being short focal lenght?

Eddie