Reddit mentions of Celestron Mars Observing Telescope Accessory Kit, Get Ready to See Mars!

Hello :-)

Awesome!

> but if there is a great scope for just a little more than that,

A 6" dobsonian would cost $280, but you can often get one refurbished:

• https://www.telescope.com/Orion/2nd-Orion-SkyQuest-XT6-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/rc/2160/p/102341.uts?refinementValueIds=4566
  
  Otherwise, the Skywatcher 6" has better accessories (finder, focuser, eyepieces), but it's not as common in the US (currently more expensive too).
  
   
  
  > Onesky
  
  Still, the onesky has two main advantages: Portability and it shows a larger maximum field of view (easier to get oriented when starting out).
  
  There's also the Zhumell z130. It costs the same and is very similar, but it's solid tube has some contrast benefits (stray light isn't as big of an issue, thinner secondary struts)... Just it's not quite as portable anymore (and you can make a cardboard shroud for the OneSky).
  
  Otherwise the 6" doesn't require a table, shows more / handles more magnification.
  
   
  
  MOAR PWR
  
  Anyway, either telescope will need at least one more eyepiece for planets.
  
  Do not buy a set (overpriced, mediocre).
  
  6" dobsonian
  
  
• -> 6mm = 200x magnification (but not a short plössl with too short eye-relief); (Similar to http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/dobson8eyepieces1200.png)
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Tosuny-1-25inch-Telescope-Eyepiece-Multi-Coated/dp/B07RLS8KX1
  
  
• https://aliexpress.com/item/Teleskop-Okular-von-1-25-Ultra-Weitwinkel-Okular-6-MM-66-Deg-Multi-beschichtet-Teleskop/32805977303.html
  
  For the OneSky,
  
  
• http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/130-650-high_3.png
  
  
• https://aliexpress.com/item/Neueste-1-25-zoll-SWA-58-Grad-4mm-Planetary-Okular-f-r-Sternenteleskop-Okular-f-r/32823985645.html
  
  Budget instead:
  
  
• While I don't usually recommend budget barlows (they reduce the contrast, so aren't ideal);
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Observing-Telescope-Accessory-Ready/dp/B07DGRZ6P1/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?keywords=celestron%2Bmars%2Bobserver%2Bkit&qid=1569434332&sr=8-1-fkmr3&th=1
  
   
  
  Other stuff:
  
  
• A good guide is key. E.g. "Turn left at Orion". Apps are great to find stuff, but a good guide actually teaches you how to observe, what to expect.
  
  
• (and A dim red light (Even a $1 bike tail light) to preserve night vision.)
  
  
• Binoculars! Even some cheaper ones. Their wider field of view makes it easier to find things, already show some deep-sky objects. And generally a lot of fun.
  
  
• If OneSky: Box/Ikea Bekväm or similar. small Fishing stool. If 6" dobsonian: Height adjustable chair perhaps.
  
   
  
  Clear skies!
  
   
  
  //Edit: There's also an option to get a Maksutov, if he focuses on traveling with it and using it as spotting scope during the day. For $250 that will limit the aperture size though :-)