A binocular is a good idea, I suggest either a cheap model or a very rugged model. It WILL get dropped and knocked out of alignment. Also make sure it can accommodate the small interpupilary distance of the child. As soon as the kid gets their first smart phone, that's the end of interest in binos and telescopes, I'm guessing. Source: Parent of a 26 year old that used to like observing with her dad until she hit jr. high. LOL! On Tue, Feb 19, 2019 at 9:29 AM Daniel Holmes <danielh@holmesonics.com> wrote:
I’d suggest binoculars. Easier to explain how to use, and easier for a kid to understand. Anything on a tripod they are going to want to touch, getting it off the target. If it’s meant to be held, then it gives them something to focus on.
Especially if they are interested in terrestrial things—in a ‘scope, it’s going to be upside down without extra attachments.
Source: parent of a 7 year old. He’s a sharp kid, but he’s still a kid.
Dan -- Daniel Holmes, danielh@holmesonics.com "Laugh while you can, monkey boy!" -- Lord John Whorfin
On Feb 19, 2019, at 8:30 AM, Hutchings, Mat < mat.hutchings@siemens-healthineers.com> wrote:
I would recommend a short f/l refractor, even a spotting scope. A refractor is less fiddley than a reflector and is probably a better choice for such a young child. The short f/l gives a nice wide field of view making it easier to find objects. If a spotting scope isn't selected, then for sure get an image correcting diagonal. That way he can enjoy terrestrial as well as celestial views. In my opinion, the mount/tripod should be as simple as possible.
Mat
-----Original Message----- From: Utah-Astronomy [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman via Utah-Astronomy Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 1:05 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] A child's interest
Here's a question for the group: a friend has a seven-year-old grandson who wants a telescope and loves birds and stars. What's a good recommendation? Thank you, Joe Bauman
Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com
The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club.
To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com
The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club.
To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com
The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club.
To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".