Australian online astronomy stores

[yagon]

I'm looking at buying my first scope. I've been doing a lot of research, and have found the following online stores in Australia:

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/

http://www.aoe.com.au/

They seem to have excellent prices compared to the local stores that I've visited around Sydney.

Are these stores recommended? Has anyone had a bad experience with either of these shops? How does their service compare?

[acropolite]

I have dealt with Andrews and found them to be very prompt with excellent prices. You should also consider Bintel, who are also in Sydney and online at www.bintelshop.com.au (http://www.bintelshop.com.au). Bintel's prices are very competitive also and they test & collimate their stock before despatch.
BTW welcome to the forum Yagon, a fellow windsurfer (wavesailor?) I see, not many of us round here. I have a 2.5m custom board and quiver of sails to suit, but due to home commitments I haven't been out for a few years....

[janoskiss]

Andrews & Bintel are based in Sydney so you can visit them in person as well. I'd go with Bintel. Actually, the website is not up to date (ditto Andrews) and Bintel now has some even better deals than on the website.

What sort of scope are you looking at buying, yagon?

[yagon]

thanks for the tip re bintel - i'll have a look at their stuff.

I've just posted another thread in the equipment forum re the scope that I'm looking for - I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[iceman]

Don't forget MyAstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au), another online store (based in sydney area) with very competitive prices and great service.

[yagon]

To acroploite - Yes, windsurfing is my main passion - i try to get on the water once per week, but it's hard to do this and balance my other hobbies.

I also have a slalom board, but I am thinking about getting back into formula racing.

[mickoking]

G,day yagon

I also notice you've got a Maton guitar. I have a Maton MS 503 electric guitar. However, Astronomy is my main interest and the power chord's , riffs and solo's have been neglected of late.

[Vermin]

Just had a bad experience with this mob: www.spaceandastronomy.com.au (http://www.spaceandastronomy.com.au/)

I ordered a book that was indicated as being in stock on their web site at beginning of March. The price was not bad compared to Amazon, so as well as supporting an Aussi business I figured it would be here quicker.

It still has not shown up and they have not answered my last two emails.

Totally unacceptable, I've cancelled my order in writing.

[ving]

i emailed them twice for quotes on EPs and they never got back to me vermin... wonder what the story is?

[janoskiss]

There is a phone number there. Try to ring them.

[ving]

its overseas tho steve! ;)

[janoskiss]

Huh? It's in Brisbane. :confuse2:
http://www.spaceandastronomy.com.au/contact-details.htm

[Vermin]

Yeah, it's an Aussi site, but I can't be bothered chasing them.

[ving]

Qld is OS... another country... geddit? ;)

[g__day]

I like Andrews Communications, I've bought binoculars (15 * 70 and 20 * 80) binoviewers (with 2 * 11mm UltraWide 80 degree eye pieces) and 7.5mm and 9.5 mm ED Low Dispersion eye pieces).

Great value and excellent service - I like Lee alot!

[brightstar]

There is another very good store in Brisbane (and that is not OS) called Sirius Optics (www.sirius-optics.com.au (http://www.sirius-optics.com.au)) and seem to be very competitive with the Sydney Stores plus they post their prices on their web site.