Quote:
Originally Posted by eGeezer
I am put in mind of the many children with a budding interest in astronomy who were (are) put off, perhaps permanently, by the gift of a telescope from a well-meaning but uninformed relative. They are taken in by the package's blazing "650 power" claim accompanied by close up photos of Jupiter and Saturn, leading one to believe this $200 60mm (2.4") scope is capable of these views.
In reality, with the best quality optics and best seeing conditions, a scope of this size MIGHT be capable of 120 power. With their plastic lenses, they are lucky to exceed Galileo's original 20 power scope, and with worse results than Galileo's primitive glass lenses.
These would be okay for looking at the moon, and perhaps bringing Saturn or Jupiter from tiny dots to larger dots, if only the included tripod wasn't so flimsy that it shakes when an ant walks by.
The comparison isn't precise, of course, because buying an ereader for someone uninterested in the technology isn't going to stop them from reading.
However, it is an example of how willing well-intentioned but uninformed gift-givers are to blindly spend $200.
|
Too true! That's why a 6" Dobsonian is the most recommended telescope for beginners. Not a huge investment, but should be able to provide stunning views! Those department store scopes can kill the love for astronomy than anything.
Back to reading devices. I think the major point is that you will definitely need to know the person very well to know what their requirements are when it comes to a reader. Making an
informed decision is always the best option.