[Rodstar (Rod)]

Greenswale,

I am one very happy SDM customer (see link in my signature).

I did the calculations comparing SDM with Obsession before ordering with SDM, and worked out that SDM was cheaper. I also agree with the comments of several others that the build quality of SDM is clearly superior, having lined up my SDM with another observer's Obsession recently.

A key factor in my thinking was post sales support. Buying such a scope is a big outlay, and how you enforce a warranty, or return a lemon to the US is a real headached (the freight costs to Australia fro mthe US was going to be AUD1400). You also have to pay GST on the purchase when it comes through customs if you buy from the US, so that might help you to understand the cost difference a little better.

SDM deliver to your door without charge in most instances, and Peter Read will give you a personal lesson on its use. I doubt Kreige will jump on a plane and bring his scope to your door!

I understand that Peter may already has some mirrors in stock, so he could probably produce a scope for you in time reasonably comparable to Obsession if the available mirror(s) suit you.

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat off line.