Hi Tracey
This is quite a confusing time for you isn't it?!
I was in your situation 10 months ago when all I wanted was a simple, basic telescope and I had no clue!
I am a research freak- if there's words out there, I will read it, and that I did - millions of words flooded my head
. I read every review possible. I dug up the internet like there was no tomorrow. Some people get "paralysis by analysis". Uh uh, not me.
Finally, I succumbed (site un-seen, bought on-line, purely by recommendations), *gasp* a 6" dobsonian. My world changed.
I did not expect this scope to perform the way it did, to show me what it did. I was hooked. I cannot give you any views on other scopes, just my experience thus far with dobs (yes, on my second one now; a 10".
There is very, very good reason why dobs are highly regarded as the best beginners scope. They are relatively cheap and give you the biggest apperture for the price. And there is no setting up! It does look big, but trust me, the tube is easy to carry (I should know, I am after all a 5ft 5" featherweight"). I ended up putting mine on wheels, but up until then, iI had no problems at all carrying the base out and plonking the tube into it. If she needs to move it around the yard during the course of the night, without having to dis-assemble the tube from the base, just help her to carry it with the tension handles (there's two, one on either end of the tube). When I eventually put wheels on the base, I used the handle to drag it around - too easy.
You say you have concerns that you're daughter may not be interested in this because it doesn't look like a typical telescope?
Tell her this....
It's a big scope, peoples jaws will drop because it looks that impressive!
If she's serious about viewing deep space objects, this scope
will show it to her. Ask her, "what's more important - looks or performance. If she takes looks over performance, in my opinion, I would have to worry about her dedication. I think you should sort out the priorty list in that department before spending dollars. If she is that serious, she ought to go for the biggest aperture you can afford. The bigger the apperture, the more light gathering capabilities, equals more detail= serious deep sky viewing. The 6" inch dob is considered to be the entry level "serious" telescope. Yes, you will need to learn to collimate, but don't worry, very helpful people at the optical store will teach you. And to be honest, 6" dobs don't need to be collimated very often. In the 6 months I had it, it only ever needed to be done the once when I first got it. Just don't give it a big bump (even traveling in my boot a few times, collimation was fine). Generally, the bigger the mirror, the more often the collimation required.
Normally, I would be hesitant to recommend a dob for a child, however she is 10yrs now, and if she is
that serious, with some help she can use it. But in the near future, this is a scope she will definitely grow into, not out of. Your money spent, will see her through for a long time. Just something to think about.
If storage is an issue, I have mine permanently set up as part of the furniture (pretty, next to a nice palm
). This scope will keep her busy for a very long time, and I bet you too!
Nearly forgot to mention- the base will require assembly first up.
Keep us informed on what you end up getting! We can help and support you further after you buy the scope.
All the best with your decision, Tracey.
Kind regards,
Suzy.
