buying husband/sons telescope for Christmas

martil · Guest

My husband's been wanting a telescope FOREVER. He doesn't think it's a big deal and any ol' telescope will do. I'm finding out that is not the case.

Need to know the best choice for him. He loves to look at the sky at night, so he'd want the ability to see detail. I want a quality product without breaking the bank and sacrificing quality/features.

Choices I've narrowed down to:

Meade NG 70 Refractor
Meade 114 EQ-AST
Celeston FirstScope 76 EQ Reflector
Celeston FirstScope 70 EQ Refracor

My husband is not always a patient man when it comes to learning new technology things. I'm going to need to show him how to set up a reflecting telescope, so it needs to be user friendly. I'm sort of leaning towards the reflector (which is better the Meade or Celeston?), but when my husband thinks of a telescope he pictures a traditional refractor type.

The $159 price tag of the Celeston is the highest I'd want to go.

I want my husband to be able to see all he needs/wants, and not overbuy, yet not underbuy.

Help!

Thanks.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Martil

Of the telescopes you listed the Meade 114 EQ is the largest (114mm=4.5 inch). Since the telescope performance is directly related to telescope size, the Meade 114 EQ would be the best value. All, however, are suitable for a beginner.
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martil · Guest

Thanks opticsplanets.com for the advice.