Binoculars or Telescope?

Question

This is for an very amatuer astronomer and his very young daughter...what do you recommend and why?

Answer 1

I have both.

I end up using my binoculars more than the telescope.

I have seen it recommended that you start with binoculars, by many publications, and 'experts'.

Don't skimp on the quality of the binoculars, though. I have yet to see any 10x50 (or better) binoculars that were worth it, for under $100 (on sale, too). Stars should look like sharp points, not fuzzy, or blurry, and in both eyepieces, and they should be able to be brought into *sharp* focus. A tripod mount on the binoculars is a 'plus'.

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Answer 2

A decent first telescope will cost 10 to 30 times the cost of a good pair of binoculars. If you are just starting off, realize that you may look up for a while and then lose interest -- overcast skies on too many night, cold, other personal involvements, and so on.
$3,000 or $4,000 for a long-term telescope is simply the beginning. There are also many accessories that you will want to acquire as you go along. If you get into astrophotography you will certainly spend at least the same as for the telescope, for example.
Start off with a good Planisphere, which is a star chart that allows you to locate and identify the stars overhead in you hemisphere at any time of year. When you are able to identify the various constellations, and name many of the individual stars you see, you will have some idea how involved you want to be with astronomy. In the meantime you can be saving your pennies to start purchasing the equipment you really will want to have.
If there is an astronomy club in your area, see if they have open observation nights. The members will be more than willing to offer advice as to your needs.
Keep track of your observations with a small log book of some kind. This will give you some comfort on the overcast nights.

Answer 3

I recommend both. But if one has to come first, a good pair of 7x50 binoculars.

The reason is, binoculars make it a lot easier to find things and you can scout out the sky with them and view vast starfields.

When you do buy a telescope, make sure it's a quality one. Not a department store one. Read up on telescopes before you buy and check out your local astronomical society or magazines like Astronomy or Sky and Telescope.

Answer 4

Definitely a small telescope. You will need at least a 50 Power scope to start to see the Rings of Saturn. Binoculars would be good for looking at star clusters like the Pleiades.

Answer 5

A good resource to start with for information on the subject is magazines on astronomy and can be purchased at most major book stores! These magazines will help you in making an educated decision, on what it takes to become an Astronomer, and lot more good stuff!