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Old 29-12-2009, 01:14 AM
ColHut (Colin)
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ColHut is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 266
Apparently high prices charged by some of our retailers here in Australia

I happened to be cruising the web and noticed the following "specials" at an apparently major telescope supplier in Australia:

"Bushnell 114mm x 900mm Reflector with Real Voice Ouput to tell you about the wonders of the heavens. This telescope automatically finds objects for you, taking the hard work out of locating and identifying celestial objects. "
The price after "saving" $200, was $849. I was most surprised.

I noted also a "Sky-Watcher 102mm refractor telescope with 1000mm focal length. Excellent choice for serious astronomers." The price after "saving" $320, was $949. Again I was most surprised.

I would be most cross if I had paid that much for either scope, especially as the latter was available elsewhere for $599 in one case, (and at $795 at a more expensive store).

I would not recommend the former at a fraction of that price, and note they are available elsewhere for about $530, and a couple of years ago National Geographic was quitting lots of them for about $350.

I do not doubt that there is a 'list price' somewhere from which these nominal values are derived - I do think that is way too much considering what else is out there from other very well known retailers. I accept that the market will bear whatever price it does. However, anyone new to astronomy might be disappointed with the results they get for the money expended.

regards
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