How much is your equipment currently worth?! 2009 - Page 3

Jeffkop (Jeff) · #41 08-09-2009, 10:38 AM

I have voted and without hesitation mention that whatever I have spent I am getting a far better return than powerball or lotto.

(And I am about to spend a bit more too ... oops make that a lot more)

tornado33 · #42 08-09-2009, 12:01 PM

All of my gear except the 300mm lens from Bert would be less than 5K but that beautiful piece of glass is worth more than that. Thats why it resides inside, in a bag with dessicant silica gel, next to my bed, whereas the rest of my gear is stored in the garage, which is itself lined and insulated so everything is kept nice and dry.

When I got my 10 inch scope and mount, Halleys Comet was gracing the southern skies!
Scott

rogerg (Roger) · #43 08-09-2009, 12:07 PM

I always find it interesting that to an amateur astronomer $10,000 is a huge amount, but to an amateur fisherman $10,000 would barely get you a dingy and line, and to a car enthusiast $10,000 is barely useful either. Even a sports enthusiast would spend $5k+ on home theater/TV setup.

Roger.

Starkler (Geoff) · #44 08-09-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerg

I always find it interesting that to an amateur astronomer $10,000 is a huge amount, but to an amateur fisherman $10,000 would barely get you a dingy and line, and to a car enthusiast $10,000 is barely useful either. Even a sports enthusiast would spend $5k+ on home theater/TV setup.

Roger.

I was also going to mention cars and boats, and both have huge ongoing costs that star gazing does not.
It all comes down to where your priorities in life lie. Who's to say that 10k is too much to spend if this is your one true passion and hobby?

If the wife complains, say you want to buy a classic car to restore or a power boat. Then you will experience a real money pit.

g__day (Matthew) · #45 08-09-2009, 03:08 PM

It would be worth considering the re-sale value here. If someone bought $100K of gear - and sold it ten years later for $80K they are probably happy with what their net $2K per annum hobby cost them.

Wouldn't it be nice if there were astronomy loans and large astro clubs offering registered users the ability to lease lease top gear for a few years then return them when you want to focus on other things. I want access to certain gear - I don't feel the compelling need to "own it"!

coldspace · #46 08-09-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerg

I always find it interesting that to an amateur astronomer $10,000 is a huge amount, but to an amateur fisherman $10,000 would barely get you a dingy and line, and to a car enthusiast $10,000 is barely useful either. Even a sports enthusiast would spend $5k+ on home theater/TV setup.

Roger.

So true,

My gear and observatory is worth lots, but no where near my mates fishing boat/gear that cost him over 50K and gets used a couple of times a month if he's lucky.
So my wife doesn't complain about when I spend, besides I am lucky as this is now a family hobby.

Matt.

AlexN · #47 08-09-2009, 03:27 PM

brand new prices all up would be around the 5k mark... a bit more I suppose depending on where you buy... but yeah.. 5k is near enough.

leon · #48 08-09-2009, 03:31 PM

When I met my wife, she knew that i was pretty deep into cameras and astronomy stuff, and we agreed that there would be no questions asked if i traded, sold, swapped my stuff, which i still do today.

The only thing she says is, ( Now what are you selling, buying etc with a smile)

I say its all good Alice,

don't worry darl,

this is a good bargain, swap or what ever.

We have a great relation ship in this regard, and all is well.

My gear is worth quite a bit, but i have to agree with the others, boats, cars etc age and lose value, good glass dose not.

Leon

mac (Matt) · #49 08-09-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz

Aaah, do you want me to help you out with that Matt??

Haha! It's more of a supply problem than a demand problem... telescope suppliers in NZ are few and far between! But if I can save up a bit more money I might order one from Andrews in Oz and ship it over.

Liz · #50 08-09-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac

Haha! It's more of a supply problem than a demand problem... telescope suppliers in NZ are few and far between! But if I can save up a bit more money I might order one from Andrews in Oz and ship it over.

Oh, I am surprised about that matt.
I would think NZ would have a lot of scopes to scoose from .... oh well, hopefully postage not too much for you.
I have bought stuff from Andrews ... no problemo

dugnsuz (Doug) · #51 09-09-2009, 12:16 AM

Re: Original question...
Too frickin' much to be sitting in a shed!!
Doug

Crusader · #52 09-09-2009, 05:41 AM

My recent purchase of the 8SE has put me well within the $5k - 10k bracket, but I think I'll remain at that point for the foreseeable future.

bmitchell82 (Brendan) · #53 09-09-2009, 03:12 PM

slowly creeping, just waiting to get out of uni, then the budget might get a bit healthier

leon · #54 09-09-2009, 04:33 PM

Hey Doug you are not suppose to swear on IIS,

but I know what you mean mate, there are a lot of dollars sitting in peoples backyard,

so we should at least be entitled to one third of the nights being clear.

Leon

Octane (Humayun) · #55 09-09-2009, 05:00 PM

It all just hit home this afternoon. I went and got a contents insurance policy.

Oh, boy. This is nuts! Still, I can't wait for the new toy to arrive.

Regards,
Humayun

DavidU (Dave) · #56 09-09-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octane

it all just hit home this afternoon. I went and got a contents insurance policy.

Oh, boy. This is nuts! Still, i can't wait for the new toy to arrive. :d

regards,
humayun

127ed?:d

Terry B · #57 09-09-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldspace

So true,

My gear and observatory is worth lots, but no where near my mates fishing boat/gear that cost him over 50K and gets used a couple of times a month if he's lucky.
So my wife doesn't complain about when I spend, besides I am lucky as this is now a family hobby.

Matt.

I don't have a boat but 5 years ago my family(2 adults, 3 kids) went on a 4 week holiday to Europe.
I came back about 30K poorer but the family had a wonderful experience. My astro equipment is worth much much less. Good value I think.

TrevorW · #58 09-09-2009, 09:44 PM

Leon I have a similar arrangement with my wife

she asks "what did you buy now and how much"

I say " the bills are paid, so don't ask"

but in all fairness she spends $100 at least a month of beauty care etc but do I say why are you wasting you money for on that

Domol (Domenic) · #59 09-09-2009, 10:32 PM

Being an accountant I know exactly how much I have spent!

This year I'm increasing the budget in line with the CPI, but reducing it because of the GFC, and then claiming a deduction for depreciation.......shhhh don't tell the ATO

dugnsuz (Doug) · #60 09-09-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leon

Hey Doug you are not suppose to swear on IIS,

Leon

I found a frickin loophole leon!!!