[thorny (Tracey)]

Wondering if you could help me with some suggestions. I have racked my brain searching the internet and it only seems to confuse me more.
I am wanting to buy a telescope for my 10 year old daughter – she has no experience in telescopes and nor do I.
I want something that will be easy for her to use – basically point and see (if there is such a thing). She wants to be able to see as much as possible obviously but the budget is restricted. I really would prefer not to spend any more then $300 as I don’t know if she will continue to have an interest.
Through my research I think we need to stick to something with a AZ mount – the EQ mounts sound way too technical.
I don’t know about reflector or refractor – I think with a child maybe the refractor purely because it’s easier to maintain.
I have also read that the Dobsonian’s are great but in all honesty she will want something that looks like what she perceives a telescope should look like.


I have just read an article on the IceinSpace forum it is suggested that the SkyWatcher SW708 would be a good beginner telescope and also another was the SkyWatcher 70mm X 900mm on an altazimuth mount but I don’t have a model no. for that one. A telescope supplier has steered me away from both of these and thrown me back to the 6" Dobsonian. (I know it's probably a fantastic telescope but it it just so big)

If you could offer some advice that would be great. Please steer me in the right direction. I just want a couple of suggestions of what one to buy and then I can make the decision.