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Old 31-05-2007, 06:06 PM
ausastronomer (John Bambury)
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shoalhaven Heads, NSW
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mwill76 View Post
Thanks for all the replys!

Ok so I take it from the posts so far that 'refractors' are the better option (at least in this case) over 'reflectors'?

Thanks for the links also, good to have a look at prices etc, I couldn't find many sites when I googled this afternoon!

M
No that is completely incorrect. With young children they need the "wow factor" at the eyepiece to keep up their interest in the hobby. In this regard the largest telescope they can comfortably handle will provide the greatest wow factor. A larger reflector will always clearly outperform a small refractor. Further a small refractor, which shows pretty dim images, on a less than stable mount will only succeed in frustrating them and driving them away from the hobby.

As some have already suggested a 6" to 8" dob would be a perfect choice. It is a telescope he will grow into, not out of.

CS-John B
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