Astronomy Telescope for Teenage Beginner

[probably chalk]

First off an apology because I suspect this is not an uncommon question at this time of year. But, a quick search hasn't found anything recent.

Can anyone suggest a telescope for a beginner in the £100 pound range?

Cheers

[Zad]

Like the deceptively titled "Telescopes?" thread just down the page

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Yes, search really is that bad!

[probably chalk]

Blimey it really is isn't it? I don't use it all that often (I mostly come on here to talk about Porsches and play Mornington Crescent).

Thanks for the link.

[marksx]

Skywatcher Heritage 130p. About £140, simple to use, and punches far above its weight.

[FellowPazzini]

I've just ordered one of these with the hope it'll do the job. There was a cheaper version with the same scope but from what it sounds it's worth the extra muller for the stand it was on. Don't get me wrong I have no experience and wouldn't be able to compare it with others but it does seem to be around your price range. Try adding the moon filter also.

A friend notified of this deal today which seems a cracking price but I couldn't find any reviews and struggled to even find the exact model so I'm a bit duious to say the least, hopefully some here has had some experience with one as I am cutious for that price.

Hope that's helped a little

[Daxed]

At that budget seriously consider binoculars.

So much more useable and flexible.

A useful telescope with any sort of quality optics doesn't start at that price new.

Lots of people get frustrated by the limitations of the kit and it ends up where it belongs, in the cupboard.

Superb binoculars can be had well inside your budget, ideal for astro use and also have the advantage of being fully useable during the day.

Taking mine outside now, for a gander at Saturn, looking great in the pre-dawn sky.

[marksx]

The Celestron above should be quite good. Avoid scopes like the groupon ones though!

[probably chalk]

Thanks all.

We've gone with the Celestron scope mentioned above. Wouldn't have had a clue without your help.

[jmorgan]

Need some handy software as well.

http://www.stellarium.org/ (FOC)

Another handy site below, best to log in, it is free, and set your location. You really need to set your location correctly for Stellarium as well.

http://www.heavens-above.com/

Celestis is very good but needs patience to get to grips with it.

http://www.shatters.net/celestia/

[VxDuncan]

Adli currently have a £75 Dob that's probably a good start compared to binos.

Would also have them use google skymaps on Android as it's actually quite a good way of learning your way around to begin with.