Tasco 350x60mm Novice Refractor

aparker2005 · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Hello, I'm wanting to get my girlfriend a good beginner telescope for Christmas. She mainly likes looking at stars. I was looking at the Tasco 350x60mm Novice Refractor and wondered if it would be a good choice? I previously ordered the Tasco Novice 402x 60mm Refractor Telescope, but received an email about them being out of stock. I want to make sure to have one in before Christmas, so I was going to go with the 350x60mm. Just wanted to see what you guys thought since I know next to nothing about telescopes. Thanks!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5173

Hi

Since the main factor in telescope size is diameter of the mirror or lens, a larger scope is a better choice if you want a scope that has potential to maintain an interest in astronomy. A small telescope can see exactly the same TYPES of objects as a large telescope, it just cant-see as many of them or as much detail, but any telescope can be used for the moon and planets. A 60mm or 70mm refractor is about the smallest astronomical scope you can buy. If you want to stay with a refractor, I would at least move up to an 80mm model.

Under $100, a better choice is the Bushnell 3" Reflector

For the basics and how to choose a telescope, see my article
How to choose the right telescope
_________________
Thanks for posting with us
Joanie K - Your personal optics expert

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003