Help with choice for new telescope purchase

drewster0c · Joined: 25 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

Which is best for teenage son's first telescope:
Bushnell Northstar 5" Motorized GoTo Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope 127mm 788850

Meade DS-2130LNT 5.0" f/7.7 Computerized Refracting Telescope w/ LNT, AutoStar & SmartFinder - 20133

Meade ETX-90AT Astro Telescope, ETX 90 AT GOTO Autostar Controller , Tripod

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2005 12:18 pm Post subject:

Hi

The ETX-90 AT will have the best software and GOTO package, as well as the best mount and I would also rate it's optical quality a bit ahead of the others. Down the road, if your son moves up to a bigger scope, this one will make the best backup/travel scope.

The DS2130 and the Bushnell 5" have larger apertures and therefore more potential for astronomy. Pretty much a toss up here, though I prefer a Mak like the Bushnell to a small reflector such as the 2130.

In short, all are good scopes and will do very nicely as a beginner telescope.
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