Orion Skyquest from Indonesia prices..

[Jaybee76]

Hello all,

I have been doing a LOT of searching for an Orion dobsonian. The prices in the 'states are great, but of the few who will ship to Australia, shipping cost is a killer. It appears to come to (approximately) the same total price as if I were to buy one here in Oz.

Then I found this joint in Indonesia...


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A suitable protective carry bag US$42
12.13in. ID Orion Full Aperture Solar Filter US$80
Orion LaserMate Deluxe Telescope Collimator US$52
Black 9x50 Orion Achromatic Finder Scope US$45
1.25in. Orion Variable Polarizing Telescope Filter US$25
Orion Deluxe 6-Piece Optics Cleaning Kit US$12
Orion Beginning Stargazers Toolkit US$22

Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic US$275
Orion SkyQuest XT10 IntelliScope US$345


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These prices seem too good to be true! Has anyone had any experience with a mob called CV. Alam Sutra Jaya? At these prices (cheaper than the US), am I likely to get genuine Orion gear? I know Orion (or the company that now owns them) manufactures their gear in places like China and Indonesia, but is it common to get 'fakes' when buying telescopes?

I had my heart set on an XT8, but with these prices I may be tempted to upsize... I have heard nothing but good press on the Orion dobsonians, but purchasing one here in Oz is WAY too expensive.

It it worth paying for an 'intelliscope', or would a 'classic' suffice (for a complete novice)?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Regards,

Jason

[Space Dog]

Hi Jason, while I have no knowledge of the company you mention from Indonesia, I own a 200mm (8inch) Intelliscope and can recommend it as being suitable for a novice as it can help you find objects much quicker that star hopping.
Some people may disagree but I think it also helps you learn to navigate your way around and identify constellations and objects particularly when you use the Tour and Identify Object options.

With regard to my personal Intelliscope, I did have a problem with the accuracy at first, until I discovered the base had a slight warp in it which caused the telescope to be off target.
I fixed the problem by placing a lazy Susan Bearing (circle bearing race) between the lower and upper base and the telscope is spot on now.

Ric.

[Jaybee76]

Thanks Ric!

[dhumpie]

Hi Jason,

Many of Orion's scopes come from Synta in China. Although good, the Guan Sheng scopes out of Taiwan have consistently better mirros. You should try to get your scope locally and for that I recommend Andrew's Communication. I have dealt with him many times and he is a great guy and his prices are the lowest in oz. Check them out at:

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Hope that helps....

Daz

[Jaybee76]

Thanks Daz, it does help. I have neither heard of nor considered Guang Sheng. How do prices compare?

I will have a look...

Cheers,
Jason

[GraemeT]

^Wot he said. ^ Look up the site for prices.

[ballaratdragons]

hi Jason.

If you have done any reading throughout this site about Dobsonians, or even just scopes in general, you would know of Guang Sheng.

They are better known as GS or GSO.

Their name comes up in almost every thread about dobs or beginners wanting to know what to get.
They are also sold under many other brand names. Bintel call them Bintel, Andrews call them GS, some shops call them Southern Cross, etc.
Their quality is very good.