What do I look for when picking out a good Telescope 4 my boy, I want a good one and have up to $100 to spend?

Answer 1

You can see my post under your other question, but if you really are limited to $100 then I recommend buying him a nice pair of binoculars. High quality 7x50's are good.

For future reference, when looking for a telescope you generally want something with a lot of aperture, or light collecting ability. The larger the diameter of the telescope's primary mirror (or lens in refractors), the more light it will be able to collect, the brighter dim objects like galaxies will appear, and the more you'll be able to see.

You also want something with a steady and easily manuverable mount and a few quality eyepeices should be bought if they don't already come with the telescope.

If the telescope is a refractor, it should have some degree of color correction, meaning it should be achromatic or apochromatic.

Whether or not it has features like GOTO, navigation, or some form of tracking is up to you.

Answer 2

You didn't say how old your boy is? There are few good telescopes in that price range, and what they will see is pretty limited. You would be better off buying a pair of binoculars and learn the sky (yes you, not just your son).

Orion Telescopes sells good entry-level telescopes as well as binoculars, some of which are in your price range. DO consider binoculars first, and save your money for a telescope (recommend a dobsonian) in the $200-$350 range. Their website and staff may be able to advise you further.

Answer 3

I'm afraid the best you could hope for is to find a good used scope, maybe a 4-6" dobsonian for that price. Good new scopes are several hundred dollars. Sorry.

Answer 4

One with good weight to it. I knew someone who had big one, but it was really hard to focus on Mars because the thing was so shaky. Because you look so far away slightest movement will push objects all over the place when viewing.

Answer 5

pick a $100 one....