Mike,The Skywatcher looks a reasonable alternative, with good reviews, as a starter unit. Bewaring wraparounds, it's at
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sky-watcher-130-explorer-5-1-inch-newtonian-reflector-telescope/p1017011 Gerry Winskill On 17/11/2011 16:09, Mike Lucas wrote:
Gerry Probably difficult to beat at that price, but you should be aware of the limitations of this model - useful thread here <http://stargazerslounge.com/archive/index.php/t-124420.html>. As with most things, it depends what your budget is. Have a look at http://www.scsastro.co.uk/ for a good selection and some useful advice. Mike L On 17 November 2011 16:52, Gerry Winskill <gwinsk@xxxxxxx <mailto:gwinsk@xxxxxxx>> wrote: Not my scene but desperation for Christmas present ideas, for our son, triggers the question. Jessops have an astronomical telescope on offer, the 1100-102. Is anyone on the list into astronomy and able to offer any comments? Gerry Winskill