[glend (Glen)]

I have been having an email conversation with Sam at ZWO regarding their new product line of lightweight newtonians. I finally received a price for the ZWO305 (12") f5 newt of $1480, which I assume is an AUD price. He indicates they are almost ready for market. No indication yet of shipping charges if purchased directly (which they say I can do). I believe the OTA is going to weigh about 12kg, obviously without a guidescope and other accessories - so it should be end up comfortably within a NEQ6 imaging limit (assuming it is setup to be used for imaging - no secondary or focuser details yet). It's hard to understand where ZWO is positioning this product line in the marketplace, and the optical quality is yet to be determined. You only have to look at local GSO 12" f5 newt pricing to see they are putting a significant premium on these new lightweights. Time will tell.