My experience
I got the older model (non collapsable) 12" Skywatcher from Andrews. Service was great and that was when delivery was free. It's a gem but could be improved on. The straight through finder is a pest and I've swapped the tension handles for some furniture adjusting bolts as I was often knocking the scope off target when looking high in the sky.
At home I use a laser pointer for most of my finding activities (Argo Navis is still a way off yet unless unforseen fortune comes my way). The laser works remarkably well in conjunction with The Sky software.
I've dealt with Bintell on some smaller stuff and have been very impressed with the service, both times I've ordered via the web and had phone calls to confirm that I had the order right (did you really want two of those?).
Once I got settled with the scope I gained the impression that I might have been better served by spending a bit more and getting some of the accessories first up (stuff the GSO has already) but I don't think thats a biggy.
The skywatcher is great for the money and has given me many hours of pleasure. I'm hoping that Skywatcher (or someone else) brings out a retrofit flexitube kit. The idea of being able to shrink a hot water system sized telescope down to drum size for transport is very appealing and feedback so far suggests that the flexitube is rigid enough.
Bob
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