3 or 4 years ago I bought a Celestron 5" Newt and EQ mount that was on sale in Dick Smith's for the ridiculous price of $140. ( I knew I was going to buy much bigger kit in the near future, but at that price it was just screaming to be bought.) It was well engineered and provided excellent views of the moon and planets, and probably the best-value starter scope for kids you could imagine. Best wishes to Mr. Johnson on his way forward.