Hey,
My dad and I have wanted to purchase a celestron nexstar 8se telescope
for a long time now, but they seem to be very overpriced here in oz at $3000-$4000,
i was wondering if anybody knows of anywhere i can get it cheaper either here in Australia or from overseas.
Have you tried Andrews Communications? They've got the 8se for $1999, and they're in Sydney. You have to give'em a call as they don't do internet orders, or go to their store.
Yep - Ditto to Mental's recommendation - I recall that Andrews also had free PPH on any Celestron scope earlier this year. You can also 'try' the Bintel store to see whether they will match price (although I suspect they would only do this if you are there in person and not over the phone/email).
$3-4k sounds like the prices quoted at the Australian Geographic stores and I am quite certain you could get a better price from most astro shops.
Hi, with the dollar exchange rate, worthwhile having a look at scopes from the US. I recently picked up a one year old 8SE (a rare Fastar compatible scope no less), tripod, standard accessories plus a Celestron branded Pelican hard case for the OTA for less than $1500 which included shipping.
You can get a second hand for around $800 to $900 US easily, but the downside is you don't get a chance to check out the scope before hand. They are a great scope, and with the money saved, you can upgrade a few bits and pieces and maybe even a second hand EQ5.
Cheers,
Bo