What kind of telescope for an 8-year-old?

Question

I want to buy a simple telescope for my granddaughter's 8th birthday. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I would not recommend a telescope for someone that young.
The cheap ones are not very good and it doesn't make sense to spend over $300 or more for something at the low end of the good range.

I would suggest a pair of binoculars which you can use at night for looking at the moon and during the day.
you can look at birds or at sporting events. They are much more practical.

Answer 2

Walmart has some simple, cheap telescopes. I definitely wouldn't recommend them for anyone over 12, but under 12? Probably the way to go for now. If she's still interested in 4 years, get her a better one (from Meade or Celestron). I think Walmart sells telescopes by Orion.

One thing of importance - if it comes with a solar filter that goes over the eyepiece (the part you look in), throw it away! The smallest scratch can cause permanent eye damage if used to magnify sunlight. The only safe ones go over the tube, not the eyepiece.

Answer 3

easily binoculars. a solid clever pair of standard newbie Astronomy binoculars are 10x50 ( 10 magnification x 50mm lenses ), with a large genuine and obvious container of view. Binoculars extremely for Astronomy are extra costly than standard terrestrial binoculars yet would be nicely worth it. or you should basically choose for a solid high quality terrestrial pair which may be offered at any solid photographic keep. For 10x50's you will additionally want a tripod exceptionally for an 8 twelve months previous. Having stated all that, in the experience that your son has by no potential appeared on the sky with an optical tool and exceptionally if that's basically going to be for an occasional rapid peek, then actually something will do. A cheapo pair offered 2nd hand from a automobile boot sale for $10 will suffice and in case you will get a pair of 7x30's, they would be easy sufficient to apply and not employing a tripod. That way he gets the relaxing of researching the sky and interior the destiny if interest bites then he would be waiting to rejoice with a extra effectual high quality pair of binoculars.

Answer 4

I really wouldn't recommend a telescope for a child as young as 8, unless she has an adult knowledgeable about astronomy to help her. Even most adult beginners are hard pressed to find anything interesting to look at with a small telescope except for the Moon; you have to know a bit about astronomy to know where to point it. I'd recommend instead a good small pair of binoculars such as these:

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=168141&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=24685

In fact, this kit would make a wonderful present. I got a lot of fun out of binoculars when I was that age.

Avoid the telescopes sold at toy stores and Wal-Mart. These have very poor optics and even worse mounts, and will only lead to massive frustration.

Answer 5

I would get her the largest dobsonian you can afford. Orion makes good ones.

http://www.oriontelescopes.com

You shouldn't get her anything smaller than a 4.5"

If the telescope is outside of your budget, a nice pair of 7x50 binoculars would be good.

By the way, don't waste your money on department store crap. It's overpriced and the quality is so horrible that those telescopes frustrate even knowlegeble astronomers.