TheSkySearchers

A friend has asked me for a suggestion for a small reflector under $150. If that price had another couple of zeros I might be able to help but I'm clueless with small reflectors.
Can someone recommend something?
Thanks.

Just browsing around, I would go with this 4.5" 600 mm FL one, it's on sale for $99:

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-37971 ... 1d5a8ed10b

I tried finding out if the mirror is parabolic, but I could not find any information on that. It does not say that a Barlow is included, so I'm guessing it is not a Jones-Bird. Also, the focal length is short enough that it is probably parabolic. Try finding out if you can. A red dot finder and 2 eyepieces are included, if you buy those separately you will pay as much.

Just keep the expectations modest and expect little of the mount. Long ago I bought a similar telescope (Venture RX-7 from Big 5) and found it to be useful even though many here will object. But for that price, hey it was great. I could see the rings of Saturn, the views were crisp. Not bad at all for a dirt cheap grab and go, no complaints here.

Thank you SkyHker. This is perfect.

You may also check the Nat Geo Alt Az one of Explore Scientific, right at your price point:

https://explorescientificusa.com/produc ... eq=uniform

When I see Scott Roberts presenting it, for sure it can't be all bad.

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... &FORM=VIRE

Are they looking for reflector specifically or just a starter scope under $150?

They specified "reflector" and I didn't press the issue.
I've passed on the initial recommendation from Skyhiker and they seem to be satisfied with that.
Thanks for your responses.

Sorry for coming in a bit late here but there is also this capable small reflector. The difference between the two other than the aperture is the mount. The Kohl's product is on a very shaky mount that usually turns people away from the hobby because the view is so compromised by the shaking. Just something to consider.

https://www.telescope.com/catalog/produ ... LcEALw_wcB

Cheers,

Ok I dont know the US market but if you want a cheap small reflector but still good its best to go used , most of these cheap scopes perform poorly due to the mount and people sell them really cheap , but thats for a reason , they are poor and will turn them off astronomy
But a Mak and SCT are also Reflectors , I have a small 90mm Mak on a cheap EQ1 mount and it works well , I got it used for like 30 US and its much better than all the posts here