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Old 03-05-2013, 07:12 PM
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The Mekon (John Briggs)
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bowral NSW
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Quote:
Originally Posted by narky View Post
I'm less astronomer and more a 12 year old at heart.

If he has a great interest in astronomy/space/something similiar I'd certainly recommend the dob as its the best way to check out the sky for the price.

But if he just wants a telescope because he thinks they're cool, I'd recommend a refracting telecscope.

They never need maintenance/alignment and they can also be used in the daytime to check out anything.

My 12 year old neighbour has zero interest in checking things out at night, but he bugs me almost every weekend if he can borrow my scope to see what the neighbours down the street might be doing.

(I should add, i bought the refracting telescope for pretty much the same reason). Daytime usage is a big bonus

Cons, not much light collecting on a refracting scope. I can't see nebula (which you can make out pretty clearly on a 8" dob), but great for viewing planets/moon.

This is the best advice posted so far. Sorry but an 8" Dob is not always the right choice for a budding young astronomer.
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