Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?

My grandson, age 9, wants a telescope for Christmas. He's kind of a
nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with
it. His folks are involved and will help him. His only problem is that
he can be somewhat impatient and gets frustrated at times.

Anyway, I have read most of the post on this and a couple of other NGs
for the past couple of years on beginner scopes. It seems like either
the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the
right choice.

Can anyone offer in simple language why they would choose one over the
other?

Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? Price
is not a big concern. If the XT8 is really better for a kid and the
extra power won't just be harder to handle, I'd get the XT8.
Otherwise, one of the smaller ones.

All comments and suggestions appreciated.

I will also get him 1-2 of the books and accessories recommended here.

I see that Orion is offering a Bonus Accessory Pack with the XT6 and
XT8. See

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=238462&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=

and

http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=241007&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=9&iProductID=241007

Can anyone tell me if I would need anything in addition to whatever is
in that package?

Thanks

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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?
    ... nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with ... for the past couple of years on beginner scopes. ... the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the ... Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?
    ... nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with ... the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the ... Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? ... I see that Orion is offering a Bonus Accessory Pack with the XT6 and ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?
    ... nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with ... the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the ... Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? ... I would suggest a detour and buy your grandson binoculars. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?
    ... nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with ... for the past couple of years on beginner scopes. ... the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the ... Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Starter scope for 9 year old: StarBlast or SkyQuest?
    ... nerdy kid who gets into something are really spends a lot of time with ... for the past couple of years on beginner scopes. ... the Orion StarBlast or one of the Orion SkyQuest scopes will be the ... Then, if it's the SkyQuest, should I get the XT4.5, XT6, or XT8? ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)