skywatcher 10 dob

[chardie]

i see there is a new skywatcher 10 inch dob on ebay for $450 delivered. the problem is it has no base or eye pieces apparently. i am confident i could make a base easy enough or maybe not so easy :) so i am wondering if this is such a good deal. if i need an eyepiece and anything else would the cost of buying what i need out weigh the price of buying a complete unit ?
this would be my first telescope. i was looking at the skywatcher ed 80 or maybe the ed 100 perhaps but then the dob came up in the search results and i was a bit curious thanks for your time

[Allan_L]

Hi Leslie :welcome:
It is hard to tell from available facts.
A full new 10" SW can be had for $899 (with warranty)
As the add says "TUBE ONLY" , does this include the finder scope? ($100 to buy separately)
The two standard eyepieces (Super Plossl 25mm and 10mm) to buy separately would be about $70RRP (but can be had for about half that).

CHECK: Hopefully the two tensioning handles are included for Alt friction adjustment.

Also check that the two eyepiece adapters (hopefully) are included (1.25" and 2")

Tough decision, but the SW10" is a very good instrument(IMHO)

[inertia8]

I too looked at that, considered it, then figured it to be slightly overpriced without confirming the above as per Allan's post.

I always tend to underestimate the cost of building something myself, not including the time take to make it and re-make to my satisfaction!

You need to consider that the bases are laminated and that you will want to build a base that has a similar if not better level of moisture protection.

If, however, you could find a 10" dob base from someone who has mounted their tube onto a tripod etc, then it may well be economical.

[chardie]

ok i sent them a msg asking them various things i guess i'm waiting a day or two for a response lol and i hate waiting :)

would you put it on a tripod for ease of transport like say one site to another or are the other reasons ?

i work part time at the moment so for me i do have some time up my sleeves and maybe getting a bargain as well.
but your right about underestimating the cost of building things yourself. still if i put a cost to everything i did i'd be a miserable soul lol

[rustigsmed]

no base and eyepieces, I would expect a fully functioning dob 10-12" for that price to be honest...

eg http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=130855

[chardie]

i got a message back saying that they had found the base and were now going to sell it as a complete unit. however the add hasn't changed yet if i wasn't waiting for pay day i'd be tempted to buy it now. if however they add doesn't change and pay day arrives i might buy it as i can't see how they can change it before the auction ends

[Akwestland]

Leslie, any ad on Ebay can be changed/amended by dding comments.

I/We (Wife) have made a lot of purchases on Ebay. I assume that this ( http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Skywatcher-Dobsonian-10-TUBE-ONLY-Intense-Price-T2-/221631530082?pt=AU_Cameras_Telescop es_Binoculars&hash=item339a44c462 ) is the item in question. I have looked at the ad and the seller. Their feedback seems ok.
The Item is listed as opened in the shop and assembled. Therefore it is not brand new. They can add to the ad to say that the sale now includes the base. Does it come with any manual/instructions, this needs to be indicated as well. It looks like a good buy (I know zero about telescopes but I do know about Ebay) I would however use Paypal (we do) as there is insurance clauses that may prevent you from losing on this deal if that happens (We do have first hand experience on this as well).

Even though I have not posted on this forum yet hate seeing people getting ripped off. Just my thoughts.

Andrew.