Very true. But for those who seek bang for bucks, it seems like good value for me. I'm nowhere near the handyman type so for me my choice was easy, a meade 12" LX200. But once i finally get it set up in that imaginary observatory I keep telling myself about, I will need a scope to attend star parties and school visits. To get something like this would be a bonus. I do agree you get exactly what you pay for, but occasionaly you can get a rose amoungst the thorns!
