We've always gone to observatories at night to view special stuff and we've gone places like the Carribean to see comets better or view different constellations. Now we need to get a good telescope for our personal use. It will be for our son's 14th birthday and because I plan to spend several hundred dollars, it will likely be his only present. Who has knowledge of telescopes and can direct me to a good one for under $600 or in that vicinity? If there's a big difference between say $500 and $2000 with nothing in between, we'll stick with the lower price and upgrade when he gets to college if he's still bent on Astronomy. I'm checking websites about them but I'd love to hear from anyone on the DIS with experience. I know there are all kinds of lenses and magnifications. I'm finding it confusing. Is there 'Telescopes for Dummies?"