Discussions

Does anyone know where I could get a telescope in Brandon? I am needing one for a gift and I know nothing about them... any ideas what I would look for?  
 
Thanks in advance!!

Depends what you're wanting to spend. If it's for a child, something from Canadian Tire/Wal-Mart will likely be good enough.  
Otherwise I highly recommend a drive out to Winnipeg to check out Side Lines Distribution. Johnny is super friendly, helpful and won't upsell you on anything you don't need. I purchased a dobsonian telescope from there for my boyfriend about 4 years ago. It was around $350-$400 and worth every penny. You can see SO much that you simply can't with a cheaper one that anyone could pick up at a big box store. He has plenty more to suit everyone's budget.

Toymaster had one in the $250 price range.  
 
Buy local.  
 
There is an Astronomy group on facebook that might be able to help you.  
 
https://www.facebook.com/BrandonAstronomical/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

Unfortunately your not going to find anything of decent quality here in Brandon. There are a few good Canadian telescope places online. All-Star Telescope in Didsbury is a good place and I have purchased from in the past.  
 
You can find a good 8" Dobsonian reflector for a relatively good price.

http://www.all-startelescope.com  
 
Also here''s a good first time buyers guide for telescopes.  
 
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/types-of-telescopes/  
 
Edited by Trevor B, 2016-12-28 00:31:58

...if they telescope is for an amateur then a good Astronomy book would be a wise choice.  
"Nightwatch" by Terence Dickinson is excellent and there are a few good magazines at Superstore available.  
I buy SkyNews as it is Canadian.  
 
Good luck.  
 
Marpet