Here is a bit of reading for you:-
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...p/t-43013.html
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...hp/t-8122.html
If you and your son feel like a trip out west, I'm happy to show you a cheap pair of 30x100s so can get an idea of the big binocular approach to stargazing. You can compare smaller binoculars (20x80, 12x60) and the view through an 8" SCT or reflector. Send me a Private Message if you want to do this.