School me on telescopes

[Icky]

With this planetary alignment thing starting soon I wanted to get a telescope for my 5 year old and me. Last time I had a telescope was 30plus years ago. I'll spend the extra money if it means getting something that will last and tell me what we're looking at.

 

[Crazyhippy]

Sky Map from the app store is ultra useful.

Other than that, Im still rocking a manual scope, so not much help.

 

[Go-Fly]

With this planetary alignment thing starting soon I wanted to get a telescope for my 5 year old and me. Last time I had a telescope was 30plus years ago. I'll spend the extra money if it means getting something that will last and tell me what we're looking at.

This is on my bucket list. When we turn off the lights here on the mountain, you can't see your hand in front of your face unless the moon is up or the stars are out. What type are you looking at? I want a self tracking, run off a laptop, can see the planets type. The Pic is what it looks like outside 7:16pm tonight. If you look hard you can see the snow.

 

[CoolCruzin]

I have a Manuel type . It’s fun for awhile.
If I were to buy again I buy something that can track .
It’s hard to keep it on spot as the earth is rotating.

 

[lbhsbz]

I have an Orion Starblast reflector telescope that does pretty good....although, they've evidently shut down as of last year, so that's not helpful.

First few pics in this thread are thought this telescope.... https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/astronomy-at-the-river-this-weekend.201239/

 

[Dog]

I have done a little research on this recently. I had decided on Celestron 4, 5, or 6SE. From research it is not the best for asrtophotography if the is something you would be interested in.

NexStar SE Computerized Telescopes | Celestron

www.celestron.com

The new Zwo Seestar all in one "smart scopes" are supposed to be nice and user friendly.

Seestar S50 All-in-One Smart Telescope - Discovery Astrophotography with ZWO ASTRO

The Seestar smart telescope is a compact body that integrates a telescope, electronic focuser, dedicated astronomy camera, ASIAIR, alt-azimuth mount, dew heater, and filter wheel, all weighing only 2.5kg. For a beginner telescope in astronomy or for an experienced astrophotographer, this...

www.zwoastro.com

The always recommended forum for research and questions.

https://www.cloudynights.com/index

These are some recommended stores to purchase from in the community.

Telescopes | Eyepieces & Telescope Accessories | High Point Scientific

High Point Scientific is a leading retailer of quality telescopes and accessories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced astronomers alike. Celestron, Meade, and Tele Vue are a few of the industry leading brands High Point carries.

www.highpointscientific.com

Mile High Astronomy - Denver, Colorado Telescope Store

Telescopes, Binoculars, Mounts, and fun and inspiring astronomy resources for Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountains. Shop our online store for the best telescopes, astrophotography equipment, and more.

milehighastro.com

 

[Icky]

I have done a little research on this recently. I had decided on Celestron 4, 5, or 6SE. From research it is not the best for asrtophotography if the is something you would be interested in.

NexStar SE Computerized Telescopes | Celestron

www.celestron.com

The new Zwo Seestar all in one "smart scopes" are supposed to be nice and user friendly.

Seestar S50 All-in-One Smart Telescope - Discovery Astrophotography with ZWO ASTRO

The Seestar smart telescope is a compact body that integrates a telescope, electronic focuser, dedicated astronomy camera, ASIAIR, alt-azimuth mount, dew heater, and filter wheel, all weighing only 2.5kg. For a beginner telescope in astronomy or for an experienced astrophotographer, this...

www.zwoastro.com

The always recommended forum for research and questions.

https://www.cloudynights.com/index

These are some recommended stores to purchase from in the community.

Telescopes | Eyepieces & Telescope Accessories | High Point Scientific

High Point Scientific is a leading retailer of quality telescopes and accessories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced astronomers alike. Celestron, Meade, and Tele Vue are a few of the industry leading brands High Point carries.

www.highpointscientific.com

Mile High Astronomy - Denver, Colorado Telescope Store

Telescopes, Binoculars, Mounts, and fun and inspiring astronomy resources for Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountains. Shop our online store for the best telescopes, astrophotography equipment, and more.

milehighastro.com

That got expensive quick

 

[Dog]

That got expensive quick

I saw in your post that it was for you and your 5 year old but didn't really take that into account. Here are some recommendations you might like to research.

Best Telescopes for Kids & Families Our recommended telescopes for kids and families are high quality instruments that will grow with your child's interest. Many are easily portable for camping trips and other adventures. Computerized and Wi-Fi enabled telescopes like the Celestron Evolution series are perfect for the tech-savy.

 

[Dog]

That got expensive quick

This looks interesting also but it says "pre-order"

ZWO Seestar S30 Telescope Review & How-To Use | High Point Scientific

For years, astrophotography has been plagued by expensive and complicated gear that has kept the joy of imaging the stars just out of reach. That is, until now. Learn more!

www.highpointscientific.com

 

[AzMandella]

That got expensive quick

It's just like boats . You can go down the rabbit hole quickly . I started with a cheap 4in refractor for a year or so . Then moved up to an Orion 8" reflector . Had that for two years and then bought a Celestron CPC 11" GPS Scope . I used it for years until I got tired of having to break it down for travel and setting it up . I traded it in for a Celestron HD 8" scope that I still have and a handful of Tele Vue eyepieces .
I would recommend something like this to start with .

PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope | Celestron

www.celestron.com

It will be good for planetary and some galaxies and nebulas . Has an manual equatorial mount for easier tracking .

 

[FROGMAN524]

This is on my bucket list. When we turn off the lights here on the mountain, you can't see your hand in front of your face unless the moon is up or the stars are out. What type are you looking at? I want a self tracking, run off a laptop, can see the planets type. The Pic is what it looks like outside 7:16pm tonight. If you look hard you can see the snow. View attachment 1466124

Where abouts?

 

[Maw]

I've had this pretty much basic Newtonian 'scope for 15 years or so, ignore the fact that it has "Advanced" in the name. Zero problems over the years and pretty good performance in the hands of a rank novice (me). Way above the needs and capabilities of a 5 year old, but they grow fast and learn faster.

Advanced VX (AVX) 8" Newtonian Telescope | Celestron

www.celestron.com

 

[Icky]

I guess when I made the i'd rather spend more money comment I didn't realize how advanced all this stuff was.

I was thinking something like this

StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ | Celestron

www.celestron.com

Now I need to do more research, I should've just ordered one on Amazon with the highest reviews for 200$ Everytime I go on celestrons website I see and more options

 

[TPC]

We went through the telescope phase with the kids and it was good fun.

Like scopes for your firearms - some only look the part.
Ya can’t spend too much on one.

 

[Go-Fly]

Where abouts?

Mt. Mazama in Oregon. We're about 5000ft, 8000ft on the top.