VTI Optics is no more

[MortonH]

Noticed a couple of weeks that the VTI Optics website was "down for maintenance". After checking back a few times and seeing no change, I checked the ABN register and it's been cancelled.

It's a shame to see another vendor disappear, especially since VTI was the only local supplier of Explore Scientific eyepieces as well as Pentax XFs.

[dannat]

looks like youll have to start selling ES stuff morton :thumbsup:

[dreamstation]

Despite what products the website had listed, did they even stock ES stuff though? I checked with them on and off for months and they could never give me an ETA on anything so I stopped bothering. Their communication wasn't the greatest, either.

[MortonH]

A couple of years ago I bought a few eyepieces from them and had the opposite experience. A few months ago they said they were having trouble getting stock from ES and it was clear from the website that almost all ES stuff was out of stock. Whether that was the reason for their demise is unknown.

I got some good deals from them, especially on my Pentax XFs, so I'm sad to see them go.

[inertia8]

I had excellent service from him too. He was local to me so I was able to meet up and exchange an eyepiece.

I'd hazard a guess that with the changing dollar and issues with supplier then it's not possible to offer the same competitive deals

[rrussell1962]

Explore Scientific eyepieces are still available from the Australian distributor, Extravision, who are based in Brisbane, have an online shop and also do over the counter sales. I have no connection at all with Extravision, but have bought a couple of items from them in the past.

[AG Hybrid]

Oh yeah. They are going to be missed with their fantastic range of equipment that they regularly had in stock... oh

[MortonH]

I wasn't aware of that. Checked out the website and the prices are ok but a limited range of ES eyepieces and most not in stock.

[Steffen]

If find it sad that another retailer is gone. A while back when I bought from them they had a lot of stuff in stock, and always some specials going. I bought my ES24/68 and my Pentax XF8.5 from VTI.

But I suppose the decline wasn't sudden or surprising, the writing had been on the wall for a while.

[PeterHA]

All,
James from VTI is taking some time off, he is travelling.
He is contemplating future options, a partnership is one of them.
So do not yet declare him gone forever.
I had good dealings with him in the past.
Regards,
Peter