[dbowie (Brenton)]

From a totally novice SCT owner perspective I think Celestron has shot itself in the foot regards the Australian market, I started with an ol dump save Orange tube 1979ish C8 a few yrs ago which I cleaned up and turned out to have really good optics. I salivated for a new C8 even an Edge but was put off by the AU pricing/ disgruntled warranty issues etc. Then to be told by knowledgeable CN members it was probably better optically and build overall than "some" new model OTAs dumbfounded me, Edge excluded of course, my early ignorant purchases of cheap Celestron diags eyepieces etc were a total waste of money. Hence the learning curve. I bought a pristine C9.25 XLT OTA from IIS for $1k and TV eyepieces WO Diag etc QHY cameras Heq5 pro at fair market prices, I was discouraged from Celestron equivalent mount due to electronics issues/ support and forum comments. I now have an excellent visual and AP system that suits my needs at a realistic price, which I could onsell for cost easily. My point being I would have loyally bought all brand new Celestron from the get go upwards of $5K if prices, support and products were up to par with whats available in the US market. So whatever happens better Celestron pricing/ marketing in AUS won't affect me Ive made my choices they lost my new purchase custom already. I hope it helps others. I won't pass judgement on all Celestron products or experience and feel free to pick holes in my comments, regards Brenton