Australian made telescopes?

[Borneogoat]

I'm searching for my first serious telescope ... since that $50 thing I had as a kid. I was about to order a 10" Go to Skywatcher Dob, but I hesitated when I realized I should see what is aussie made before I send my hard earned cash to China. I've found Saxon and a couple Dob makers, but they start around $5K + accessories. Are there any others I should be aware of? I was looking for dobs, but I'm open to anything sub $3K.

[doppler]

Probably not a lot of AU made stuff, some use GSO mirrors and build the rest. Saxon is just Skywatcher with a different badge, I have a Skywatcher 10" dob and am quite happy with the quality. There are plenty of quality second hand scopes well within your budget in the classifieds atm.

[Borneogoat]

I figured the Saxon's were pretty similar. I'm keeping an eye on the classifieds, but most offerings are "pick up only" and nothing in TAS. I'll probably grab a SW Dob, if nothing crops up soon...

[Malcolm]

Cheapest in Oz is Andrews Communications. http://www.andrewscom.com.au/

[Wavytone]

There are a few who will make a custom Dob to order, if you want one, such as Mental4Astro here on IIS. You can either supply your own mirror or have him supply one. He does compact designs and pole scopes, many options possible - but he does not build the heavy old fashioned SDM/Obsession style.

Mentals scopes are better than the cheap commercial grade scopes in several respects as he builds what he uses, too. The downside is you’ll have to wait for it, vs a commercial scope you can take on the day.

[xstream]

http://sdmtelescopes.com.au

If you want the best :)

[RB]

I agree with John.
SDM Excellence !!!

:cheers:

[CJ]

GSO are Taiwanese. No idea what difference, if any, that makes in the great scheme of things economic.
:thumbsup:

[Borneogoat]

Oops, I don't wanna start an international incident!

Seems there isn't much made in AUS except big size/dollar dobs. I'll keep those in mind for a future purchase...

[toc]

I wonder if SDM would make a high-quality OTA of say 10-12 inches much in the same vain as GSO imaging newts?

[Wavytone]

simpler - just buy the GSO product, if that is what you want.

[toc]

So you don't think there would be a noticeable difference in imaging quality?

[glend]

If the OP's budget is up to $3k, that would rule out a SDM.

There is plenty of choice below $3k , whether Dob or Newt. Go through Andrews or Bintel's choice in that price range. Don't forget that Newts will need mounts, and Dobs include the Alt/Az base, so Dobs are a good starting point for many folks.

[Hung]

This is where I buy most of my gear. GSO brands are alright, I hear they are also suppliers to companies like Meade, who re-badge them and sells them at a premium.

[ChrisV]

After afew initial side steps in astro things I'm really liking my gso newt. And it's second hand from one of the reliable IIS fraternity.

[Borneogoat]

Actually, that is what ended up with. I bought a Bintel branded 200mm f/5 Newt with HEQ5 Pro. And she took her maiden voyage last night for the eclipse....

[sil]

If you want to feel better buy from an aussie dealer, scopes and astro gear in australia is expensive with huge markups compred to buying same item overseas. So odds are most of your cash will stay in australia to support aussie retailers and private education for government ministers kiddies. ;p
but yeah aussie made doesnt exist for off the shelf manufactured gear. We dont have the industry here or interest/support from the government for it.

[yoda776]

How did the maiden voyage go with the scope for the eclipse?