Buying a 2nd hand newtonian - what to look out for?

[Countryman]

Hi there

I am looking at purchasing a 2nd hand 10" Skywatcher Newtonian reflector with EQ6MNT just like this setup (http://www.astroshop.de/fr/telescope-skywatcher-n-254-1200-explorer-eq-6/p,5029)

Can anyone advise me of the main things to inspect and check over before purchasing it.

All I can think of to do at the time is check that the motor drive operates and cosmetic wear n tear.

I'm comfortable when it comes to buying old cars :D but this is a bit new for me.

Advice... if any?

[MattT]

Hi Countryman welcome to IIS,
Is this scope in Europe? No way would I buy a scope this size from OS, the freight alone would be enormous. So....wait and you can get all this on the Classies right here in Oz or better still get down to your local scope shop and start asking Q's.
Hope this is of some help. I have bought all my scopes and mounts on the Classies here and all have been great. Start by asking more Q's on this forum.

Matt

[barx1963]

I will assume this is a local scope. Firstly, make sure you get a chance to inspect the scope. Do not rely on pictures!!
I cannot help with the mount as I am pretty much a dob user, but with the scope the main things to look for are
- Clean and tidy mirrors (don't forget to check the secondary!! you can do tha by looking in the focuser) a little dust is OK as it hardly affects the image but scratches, thick dirt, missing parts of the coatings, splotches etc are a big no no
- Does the focuser move OK, is there an adapter for both 1.25 and 2 inch eyepieces?
- What eyepieces come with it and are they in good condition. You can hold up an EP to the light (not the sun!!) and check it for cleanliness or aberrations such as scratches or coatings coming away
- Does it have a finder and is it clean and tidy?
- Are there caps for the scope, focuser, eyepieces and finder?
- Any rust or corrosion, especially at the bottom of the tube. This is where moisture runs and collects and can damage collimation screws and springs.

Thats all I can think of for the moment. Price is important. Others may disagree but generally I have found that used gear goes for about 50% of new price unless it is in really pristine condition or something fairly rare.

Malcolm

[Countryman]

Sorry, yes its local from a person just down the road.

Thanks Malcolm, I've noted all those details down and will check them out.

The price is under $700 for the whole set up. Comes with the standard 2" adaptor, viewfinder. Seeing as the mount alone is over $1200 I thought it would be a good buy. Although I really wanted a goto eq6pro.

[Countryman]

Does the eq6mnt track (ie follow the rotation) for astrophotography?

[MattT]

I have the HEQ5 black non goto mount and it tracks great. Don't know if it's good enough for photos but you can upgrade it to a full goto with a kit from myastro shop. For the EQ6 its a bit pricey at $600 more or less. The kit adds new motors and hand controller.