Need advice on a telescope for a 6 year old.

My son will be turning 6 next week, and for his birthday I'd like to get him the best telescope I can within my price range and more importantly his age range. He's shown an interest in astronomy for a year or so now, so I think he's ready for one. I'm hoping to keep this between $80-$100. I'm not sure what that will get me, but I don't have unrealistic expectations of seeing rings around Saturn with it.

I also need something that can be found at a local store since I don't have much time to have it shipped, unless it's a really killer deal. I've heard Mead is about the best for beginners, but I have no idea what to "look for" in a telescope.

Any advice, help, suggestions are openly welcomed, and greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time.

MisterJackson

 

[Yossarian]

If he's 6 you could tape some pictures of stars on the end of a cardboard tube and save some $$$

 

[fatbaby]

You will not find a good telescope under $100.

Either save it up or invest in some nice binoculars.

 

[focusyn]

i think the discovery channel store has lower-end telescopes for that range. i don't think they're that good, but if it'll get your son familiar with the instrument i'm sure it'll be a worthwhile investment.

 

thanks pipboy....any more (better) advice?

 

[Analog]

OK, I was faced with the same situation with my girl. She was 5 at the time, and I wanted to nurture her interest in the heavens. After testing several telescopes, cheaper ones where you have to almost touch your eyeball to the eye piece to see anything, she found my spotting scope to be the best and easiest to use. I use my spotting scope for wildlife, and target practice (>100 yards). It has an angled eye piece and came with a tripod. At the highest power, the full moon is bigger than the field of view. Anyhow, I bought it from midway usa, the most reputable hunting/shooting outfit that I know of. Here's the link:

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/496707

Product #: 496707
Manufacturer #: CE1236X50
Our Price: $51.97 Sale!
Compare at: $79.95 You save $27.98!
Sale Expires: Aug. 3, 2003

I personally don't think you can go wrong at this price. I'd like to hear about other's opinions.

EDIT: The optics on mine were very good, we could see crater detail on the moon clearly.

 

[shekondar]

Originally posted by: fatbaby
invest in some nice binoculars.

 

[hevnsnt]

Originally posted by: PipBoy
If he's 6 you could tape some pictures of stars on the end of a cardboard tube and save some $$$

lol

 

Thanks yellowfiero....anyone else have a take on "spotting scopes". Are they just as good?

 

[BigSmooth]

Overstock has some cheap telescopes. No idea as to their quality, though.