Opinion on Dobsonian new/ s/hand?

[lisian]

Hi Guys/ Gals,
Just wanting your experienced opinions on the purchase of a new or s/hand 8" Dobsonian.
Does anyone know the quality difference between a s/hand York Optical branded one against a new Skywatcher brand? Both are around the same price.:)

Thanks

Ian:D

[cahullian]

Hi Ian

Not too sure about the quality difference. But most scopes these days are roughly the same quality. I would go for the new scope as you might have a few nasty surprises in store when buying second hand.

I have an 8" Dob from Andrews and find it a pleasure to look through.

No matter what you buy I'm sure you are going to love looking up.

Gazz

[xelasnave]

Get one new from a store that will back you up with help if you need it. But its hard to go wrong with what you have in mind. It will be the first of many so dont get too worried
alex

[lisian]

Hi Gazz
I am just being a bit careful as I am very new to this and this will be my 1st scope purchase.

Hi Alex
I am steering towards the new one but just thought a older one may have been of better quality????

Thanks

Ian:)

[[1ponders]]

I'd say the York Optical one is the standard Celestron Dob similar to this one (http://www.uk-telescopes.co.uk/Starhopper%20Dobsonian%2010.jpg) If so the I think you will find it is exactly the same as the Skywatcher (may even come out of the same factory), though if I'm incorrect I'm sure someone here will correct me :lol:

Have you checked out the Skywatcher prices here at www.myastroshop.com.au or the GS Dobs at www.andrewscom.com.au ?

[janoskiss]

The york one will be an older Synta unit I guess. At best it will be as good as the new Skywatcher. Unless there is something special about the York scope (e.g., locally hand-made mirror), the new scope will be a better option.

[lisian]

Thanks
1ponders & janoskiss
It looks as though the majority ATM rules towards new.
It's just a bit comforting to ask before I leap:lol:

Thanks again

Ian:)

[cahullian]

I agree Ian

I asked about 100 questions before I bought my scope.

[ving]

hi ian :)
if the second hands optics are in perfect nick and the scope isnt really damaged in anyway and the saving is substantial then why not second hand... second hand scope get sold here every day!
theres a 12" on sale for about $700 now i think.

[lisian]

Hi Ving
I agree with what you are saying but the s/hand one I was looking at is only $35 less than the new one in a shop from Sydney:shrug:
I saw the 12" one for sale on here which I think is a very good price:thumbsup: but unfortunately it is out of my price range:sadeyes:

Thanks again

Ian:thumbsup:

[ving]

only $35 less than new? bah! get the new one. the saving isnt big enough. :)

[xelasnave]

When you buy new you get the law on your side via the Sale of Goods act.. if you buy from a shop make some friends who will be there to help ( besides us) . I know how you feel when you can read folk discussing these things it seems easy to make the wrong choice..but tyhe reallity is you are at the start of the game..you will if you stay interested end up with more scopes and find that there is an even better one you want.. dont worry everything will work out fine. Just get out and do it and in 12 months you will be the one offerring buying advice
alex

[astro_nutt]

Hi Ian..definitely the new one..new scope..new optics, eyepieces..etc... read owners manual throughly..put it all togehter..stand back..and have someone take a few snaps of you next to it..then frame them!!!..and don't forget to ask for whatever advise you need!!
Cheers!!