Times are tough for US manuf's it seems

[Bassnut]

Not that ive had much chance to image lately, but im always looking to upgrade, especially now with the oz$ where it is.

Interesting that OPT in the US appears to have dropped RCOS scopes, and they now only list 2 SBIG STX cameras (a whole range of future products just disappeared). I maybe reading too much into this, but it doesnt bode well. The RCOS site has also stopped quoting prices and is now "call" for pricing.

Im a bit of a stuck on RCOS/SBIG fan. Despite increasing competition, I still think you cant beat RCOS/SBIG bullet proof built quality/features/reliabilty if price isnt the 1st priority, although SBIG is starting to look a bit left behind with some specs. I wonder why the STX range hasnt yet got the new guiding features?, its been a while since its anouncement, perhaps the new owners arnt keen to spend money on R&D? .

The industry stalwards look to be suffering IMO. Yes I know the competition are probably creaming them, but its a shame. Its trite to say RCOS/SBIG were "overpriced". Haveing owned both, you can see why you pay over the odds with regular use.They just keep working for years with (not much) grief.

[Alchemy]

Americas in some financial trouble, basically as a nation they're broke, 9-10 % unemployment, double dip recession fears, no doubt the cheaper scopes become more inviting as the purse strings get tightened. Not only that the competition is improving, plus top end products are discretionary spend items and are first off the list.
Imaging chips are common accross so many brands too, it used to be sbig and a couple others, now there's so many to choose from.

Bargains to be had for those that can afford them though.

[h0ughy]

maybe they just cleaned up the site?

[Tandum]

Wasn't sbig sold earlier this year. I only see 2 stx cameras on the sbig website as well.

[Vali x]

i've noticed several deals popping up for different expensive CCD cameras, like SBIG, Mallincam..etc. is either new models being prepared to be launched or you guys are right ! time will tell

[TheDecepticon]

That is not good news, it seems.

Who bought out SBIG? That may tell a story on its own.

[Tandum]

These guys did (http://www.aplegen.com/about.html).

[Bassnut]

Ahha, perhaps more R&D in scientific imaging then. FLI mentioned they are in the feild too, where the real money is these days.

[tlgerdes]

Competitors always make hay with the "we are nearly as good, but half the price". The average punter probably doesnt have the skill to tell/see the difference, therefore price justification when times are tough is always a hard slog.

Is a Mercedes Benz S class/BMW 7 series 4x better than a Holden Caprice? considering thats how they are priced.

Is an RCOS 12" 2-3 times better than a Celestron Edge 12? Is a STL11000 twice as good a QHY11?