Buying from the US?

[Dobbs]

Hi All,

Im thinking of buying an 8' or 10' scope from the US coz i think even after shipping the price will work about a 150 euro less. Also the local astronomy group that I am apart of here in Milan seems to think the optical quality of the US made stuff is better than the european equivalent. (talking meade here)

Has anyone done this before??

Who did you deal with?

What are the pitfalls?

Cheers

Ant

[iceman]

Hi Ant.
What brands are offered in Europe?

[acropolite]

Hi Ant and welcome to IIS, I'm not sure who would be best to deal with but be aware that damage in transit is a likely problem. If the difference isn't all that great I would go with a local dealer.

[casstony]

Saving 150 euros is not worth the potential headaches involved in purchasing a scope from overseas; you won't have local warranty support, there may be shipping damage and unforeseen customs costs.

[iceman]

Can you get GSO brand in Europe?

[cahullian]

I have bought a few things from the US and had no problems what so ever. Although they were small items.

Gazz

[Louwai]

Ant,
I would say, Go for it. Just research the suppliers you intend to use.
If you check everything there should not be any hidden costs. If you were in Australia I could tell you what you would pay for Gov duties etc, but EU, sorry have no idea.
All dealings I have had, the suppliers have packed very well. I have had absolutely no issues or damage when buying from the US.

I buy direct from OPT, Astronomics, Starlight Instruments, Island Eyepiece & Telescope. All very reputable & good to deal with. I'm sure others here can recommend other good dealers.

[Dobbs]

Hi Iceman
Bresser (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-bresser-c-61_67.html)
Bushnell (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-bushnell-c-61_81.html)
Danubia (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-danubia-c-61_83.html)
Geoptik (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-geoptik-c-61_6155.html)
Konus (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-konus-c-61_86.html)
SkyWatcher (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-skywatcher-c-61_85.html)
Tasco (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-tasco-c-61_62.html)
Vixen (http://www.optical-systems.com/telescopi-vixen-c-61_64.html)
Celestron
Meade
Ziel
No I havnt seen GSO anywhere

[iceman]

Why don't you go for a skywatcher dob then?

They are just as good as the Meade. The advantage of the Meade is the inbuilt DSC's, great for finding stuff.
But you can always add an Argo Navis onto your skywatcher later on as well.

[DSO]

You can get GSOs in Europe, a guy in Finland has one, a 12": http://www.ds-sketches.com/eq-gsd300e.html

[Dobbs]

thats what gso stands for :whistle:

[erick]

Yes - but I would think they may be sold with some local brand name?