Bintel branded scope anyone use one?

[WilliamAPorter]

Hey Peoples of IIS,

been lurking around for the past week or so.
As it is im enjoying the plefora of information you all posses.
Im currently using a skywatcher heritage76 to view what i can from liverpool in sydney.
Originaly from the country so I know how beautiful a clear dark sky can be, the prospect of again being able to look upon a dark sky but this time with a decent scope is well... extremly attractive.

so push comes to shove. Im keen to get along to a "star party" and am currently in the process of negotiations with the better half about coming along to IISAC2010 (I am unable so far to enflare an intrest in the night sky).

I think its time to upgrade from my midget scope and get some apature.
so Ive been looking at bintel(brought and eye peice and they were super helpfull).
Question is are there bintel branded scopes decent and would any one buy one?

the scopes im looking at are:

1: https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

2: https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

so what do you guys think?

Thanks for reading muchly appreciated
William

[Rockah]

Hi William

A few things:

1. Yes, go to a star party as that will give you the best idea of what your next scope should be.

2. Bintel scopes are re-branded GSO (Guan Sheng Optical) scopes. A Taiwanese brand that a lot of people seem to like. I've never used a scope of their's personally, but I have some accessories from that brand and they're quite good.

3. The URLs you provided will go straight to the bintel homepage and not the products. It's an annoying thing that Bintel does on their site - the best way to link is to go to the page that has a listing of their products, then right click on the image and open it in a new window or tab, then grab the URL

[Paddy]

I don't know which scopes you're looking at, but the Bintel (GSO) 12" that i had before I upgraded to a bigger scope was very good. Most people seem to have a similar positive experience with Bintel/GSO dobs.

[erick]

Hi William

I have had a Bintel 8" dobsonian-mounted reflector and a Bintel 12" dobsonian-mounted reflector.

As far as telescopes go, when used for observing, you get a great performance/dollar ratio. You can buy the equivalent scopes cheaper, unbranded from other Australian suppliers. I understand that Bintel give you the added assurance of each scope being checked before sale. Also, if you are within reach of one of the two Bintel shops, they will be more than happy to advise or respond to any issues that might arise. Or their telephone service is good as well.

I was very happy with my two Bintel scopes as entry points into this hobby. They are made to a price point, so, if you are mechanically-minded, you will soon see lots of little improvements that can be made to improve performance. But many are very happy with the product as supplied. Over time, you will probably want to invest in a few additional items - collimation tools, eyepieces, maybe some heating to resist dew formation.

But we need to see which scopes you are interested in and also to know what you want to do - observe or (gulp!) photograph!

[stephenb]

Welcome William,

BinTel are re-badged GSO - there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and very well regarded as first, second or third telescopes. As Eric said, best dollar vs. aperture. You will have no issue with them - easy to use, perfectly good optics. Go for at least an 8" Dobsonian, but if you can stretch to a 10" even better. I have have 2 BinTel Dobs, 2 other scopes using BinTel/GSO mirrors. I know many people who use their BinTel Dob tube on an equatorial mount for imaging.

Remember the best scope for you is the one you use the most.

Regards,
Stephen

[seeker372011]

I have a Bintel 10 inch dob
love it

between you and me-shh don't mention it to anyone or there will be a flaming war here- I personally find the views better than some more expensive (read Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes of equivalent aperture) telescopes

[WilliamAPorter]

Hey peoples,
Rockah
I was looking at the 8" and the 10" bintel dobs.
Most definatly just the visual aspect, prehaps photography down the line.
Im less than an hour from bintels glebe shop so aftersales support would be useful in the short term.

Im leaning towards an 8" at the moment to keep costs down but its only an extra $250 for the 10".

Im hopeing to see an 8" and 10" at a starparty to get a feel for them.

okay im sold on bintel Woot. now to find that starparty.

Thanks all for the input:hi: