Scope for 6yo

[adebear]

I was looking for a scope for my daughter.. she has been interested in the starts since she could walk, point and ask questions...
I was looking at an Celestron ExploraScope one of these as a first scope that would be easy to use and less breakable for her..

http://www.shell-lap.com.au/cgi-bin/...item=SE3510004

has anyone had any experience with these or could recommend something else?

thanks

[erick (Eric)]

Always been fascinated by these little compact reflector designs, but have no direct experience.

Here's what I found:-

http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/...scope-100.html

http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes...rascope100.cfm

I think you should also get the 25mm eyepiece if it only comes with the 8mm.

Don't expect much. Think Moon, Jupiter's Moons, maybe Saturn, some brighter globulars, nebulae. Find someone with tools so it can be collimated.

Also OK for terrestrial spotting? WATCH OUT FOR THE SUN.

Can it be found cheaper? Amazon seems to have no access to stock?

[dannat (Daniel)]

i found the little compact reflectors way too hard to find anything with - it was near impossible...
i would go for a small pair of binos or a refractor on alt/az mount..maybe between 70-90mm...Andrews comm (links section of this site) has both for $129-229.
Or you could order a galileoscope from US for about $50AUs landed to your door - you jst need a photo tripod to put it on...

[dpastern (Dave Pastern)]

Binoculars vote here. Cheaper, and easier to use imho.

Dave

[rmcpb (Rob)]

For not much difference inprice a 6" dob would work ($299 at Andrews). My youngest son used to use my 8" dob when he was 6yo.

This scope would be more future proof than the little one and easier to use I would think.

Cheers

[dannat (Daniel)]

as for binos I suggest really small ones - my kids can only hold about 7x35

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

My son (7.5) has a Meade ETX-125 and my daughter (6) has a Meade DS2080. I still need to set them up for them, but once that is done they can drive them with only a little help.

[TJD (Trevor)]

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

My son (7.5) has a Meade ETX-125 and my daughter (6) has a Meade DS2080. I still need to set them up for them, but once that is done they can drive them with only a little help.

at least get one that has a finder scope and can go on a tripod and if you dont have a scope i would get a dob of some size so you can both use it

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

G'day adebear,

I've seen the little scope you put a link for. It's a nice little scope, but difficult to aim.

I've seen from your other postings that you have an 80mm refractor.

If you are considering a scope for your 6 yo, I'd suggest something that will not only suit her as she grows, but something that will compliment your refractor.

The 6" reflector mentioned by rmcpb would fit the bill, . It very easy to set up, bugger all, can sit quietly in the kids room, and can whipped out at a moments notice for both your daughter and to show the sky to guests, much quicker and conviniently than the refractor. Not much price difference but a better scope overall. The Celestron scope needs a table to sit on, which gets in the way during observing and in the yard.

The 8" would give even better views, but would be too tall for your daughter, for now.

Mental.

[adebear]

Thanks all for your help... looks like I will be going with the 6" dob then...

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by adebear

Thanks all for your help... looks like I will be going with the 6" dob then...

She'll love ya! OK, even more!

[bloodhound31]

Big bino's could be made more manageable for a youngster by mounting them on a paralellogram.

Baz.