Hire or buy - and from where?

[Alasdair]

So, having now got a little less confused about what to look for, I now need to consider where from: not every seller, it would seem, is equally knowledgeable about their stock, or with as good customer service. for example I understand BinTel to be excellent knowledge-wise, but pricey. In fact what I'd really like is to be able to hire a scope or two for a while, so I can find out what best suits my abilities as an observer, and what (and where and when) I want to observe.

Does anybody do telescope hire in Melbourne, do you know?

cheers,
Alasdair

[Wavytone]

Your best bet is to join a local astro society and attend their observing nights where (a) you get to look through some decent telescopes (b) you learn what they can and can't do, and (c) someone knowledgeable knows what to point it at. Better yet you don't need to pay more than the price of membership.

[barx1963]

Alasdair
Best bet is join the ASV (see http://asv.org.au/) and get one of their loan scopes. Not sure what the wait list is like but it costs $60 of which $50 is refunded on return of the scope after 3 months. They are an 8" dob. Also once a member you have access to the dark sky site at Heathcote so you get to use it under really dark skies.

Malcolm

[Alasdair]

I have indeed joined the ASV, but none of the loan scopes will be available until October, such is the waiting list. I don't know anybody else who does telescope hire - Michael's Camera and Video do sell telescopes (they are a Celestron dealer, I believe), and they offer a rental service - but that service doesn't extend to telescopes!

Drat, I say.