Quote:
Originally Posted by PCH
Hi Luke,
and welcome to IIS. IMHO, I'd go the Black Diamond any day. It's a Skywatcher brand scope, which are made (in China) to a good standard. Whereas the AOE is likely to be a rebadged who-knows-what (but possibly Guan Sheng Optical or GSO). GSO in themselves are good, don't get me wrong. But the Black Diamond would be way better.
And thar price is great too! You could pay $1100 for that combination, and I've only looked at one other store, and that was meant to be $100 off !
But many would say get a decent pair of binocs first, and spend some time scanning the skies with them first, - before you shell out serious $$$ getting some kit that may turn out to be a boat anchor, collecting dust in the shed  It's a good piece of advice too and will serve you well in the future.
All the best with this most intriguing (and expensive !) hobby.
Cheers, |
+1
PS. if you can stretch it, Gerry Gibbs Camera House in WA has an offer on just now, a HEQ5-Pro mount with the BD OTA you mention for $1500.
Thats less than some places sell the mount for alone ...