Lightbridge Telescopes

[astronut]

Just after some info for a friend... Where can you buy a NEW Lightbridge scope? Bintel don't seem to stock them anymore.:)

[raymo]

After the financial problems Meade have reportedly had, maybe they don't make the Lightbridge series any more.
I don't know why your friend would want one. I often go out with a couple of locals who have a 10 and a 16.
With my 10" collapsible I'm up and running long before them. The
optics are on a par with each other. The 10" Lightbridge is a pain in the
a--, literally; you have to pretty much sit on the ground to use it, it
is so low slung. I don't have to tweak the collimation every time I
use mine, and at the end of the session I'm packed up and ready to go long before them.
I'm sure many owners love them; it's just my opinion.
raymo

[astroboof]

What Raymo says is pretty much true. Like all budget units the LB needs some work to be effective and reliable. But once sorted out they perform as well as any other Dobsonian. I have a 12" LB that sits around because for 98% of the time my 8" f5 is so much easier to use. I was never that convinced by the gso mirror in my 12", perhaps the least corrected of my three gso mirrors.

If today I were to buy new I'd get a 12" SW from astroshop or somewhere.

[glend]

Look you can always change the mirror if its an issue for you. Get a scope that's easy to use and fit for your purposes, ie it you want to travel with it then a collapsible design is great. GSO mirrors are pretty good compared to many, and many Astro shops retail them as replacement units or for scope builders. Not everyone can afford a Zambuto and most people can't see much difference anyway.

Concerning purchase decisions just be aware that all Skywatcher products now come through Tasco in Sydney, so if you buy it from the Astroshop it will just be drop shipped from Tasco in Sydney and have a road freight component. The retailers all have their own profit margin so shop around, the ones that do the biggest volume usually have the best price. Compare the Astroshop price with the delivered price from Andrews and you may be surprised at the savings. Just my 2 cents.

[JimsShed]

Just asking for a friend hey John? :D

[JimsShed]

Looks like only USA and Canadian dealers have any reference to them, like Agena and BHPhoto. Even Ebay all point to US dealers.

[astronut]

Yeh, it is for a friend. I've had my 12" LB since they came out in 2006.

Many mods later, and i wouldn't part with it. Well corrected mirror, and the images whether planetary of DSO have always been excellent.

So, just trying to find someone that still sells them, new. :D

[astroboof]

Been burn't ?

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

I know a bloke that has a 10" LB he does not want anymore. We would need to check the condition of it since he isn't a fastidious type, but I can do that for you or anyone else.

Cheers

[astronut]

Thanks Geoff, But he is after a 12" :)

[rustigsmed]

just saw this in the classifies
not sure you can nab them new
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=139353

[kittenshark]

We (Sirius Optics) have some LightBridges on the way here and yes, Meade still makes them. We have an 10" and 12" on the way. From what I've seen I'm sure it'll be a fantastic alternative to the other dobs on the market. Saw some videos on it and it seems to slide beautifully on its base with proper bearings, has cooling fans on the back of the pri mirror, and travels happily. Got all sorts of accessories for the LBs in the shop to upgrade the little itty bits as well like knobs and springs.

[ha421]

Hello, Adelaide Optical Centre sells them, at least that's what their web page says. http://www.adelaideoptical.com.au/1005_dash_05_dash_02/Meade-LightBridge-10%22-Truss-Dobsonian/pd.php