What is the best telescope for a Christmas present?

Question

I really want to get a telescope for my sister's Christmas present. I want the best quality I can get for my money (under $200).

So far I have this in mind...

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21049-127EQ-PowerSeeker-Telescope/dp/B0007UQNKY

She'll be using it to look at the stars. I would love to get a telescope that is inexpensive, with great quality, and added accessories.

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend this telescope for a number of reasons including poor optical design and a mount which is both complicated to use and very unsteady. Also I wouldn't recommend buying a telescope from Amazon, when you have the option from buying from an online telescope store, which will provide you with help and service Amazon cannot.

You will do much better buying a better quality scope from a legitimate telescope dealer such as Orion:
http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=starter_scopes

I'd particularly recommend the first two scopes illustrated. These are much better quality than the Celestron, and come with everything your sister will need to get started.

Answer 2

I don't entirely agree with the first responder. While a pair of high-quality binoculars are great to have, the Celestron you are looking at is a fine starter telescope. I've owned several Celestron 'scopes and have had few complaints.

Answer 3

Celestron is a good no-nonsense brand. Their telescopes functional and marketed to a more serious audience. You rarely see them advertised at some ridiculous power level, nor provisioned with a bunch of useless lenses. They also, offer a wide variety of scopes and accessories, so there are plenty of bits and pieces around, if you ever decide to change anything. Many of their scopes are made by Synta which also produces very similar scopes for the Orion, and Vixen brands..

Answer 4

You can buy 60mm good quality starter scopes for under $150. Just look around. Meade, Celestron, Orion and a few others generally make the best starter telescopes.

Answer 5

If you stick with established brand names such as Celestron, you should get your money's worth. Meade, another well-known brand, has a $299 scope selling for $199 (see source).

There are better Celestron prices at the second source listed below. I do not know anything about the dealer, pro or con.

Answer 6

If you are going to spend less than $200, I believe you should buy something such as a pair of 10X50 or 12X50 (with a tripod adapter) Nikon binoculars.
A decent starter telescope is going to cost about $450.

Answer 7

It's a decent first scope

The equitorial mount, while professionally desired, might be a little overwhelming for a beginner unless they've used scopes before.