Telescope Buying Guide

Blue samba asked:


My 7 year old is obsessed with the universe and all it contains. I would love to buy her a telescope for Christmas that will enable her to see stars and whatever else is up there. I’ve looked on ebay but have not got a clue what to look out for. Is there anyone experienced out there who can give me a little advice?

double_oh_sara asked:


I would like to start taking photos of objects like nebulae and planets with a telescope. I know it will need a motorized tracker (or something similar) but apart from that, I haven’t a clue which would be the BEST for a beginner. I don’t have a big budget to go all out, but I’d like a few opinions. Also, what camera would be best? I don’t think at this point I could run out and get a CCD camera, but shouldn’t it be capable with another kind that lets you do a long exposure?