A couple of things i note come up in these threads.
1. Cost is higher because local support and warranty need to be provided. Question why are Scopes from Sky-watcher, Vixen, Takahashi, WO priced much more closely to US prices? Dont they cost more to support here?
2. Import Duty. Only GST applies to amount above 1000$ for any Astronomical equipment or accesory.
3. Shipping from US is expensive. Question Is is really being shipped from China to US and then back to AU? Question again why Sky-watcher, Vixen, Takahashi etc are on par with US retail pricing?
As i said before simple Greed is the only answer. Seriously 20K+ for a Celestron scope, are you kidding. We can get hand made world class optics from Mark for a tenth of that. Bird's Jupiter shot was taken with one sample.
http://www.acquerra.com.au/astro/equipment/13/
And the one Binoscope i looked throug at Kulnura was the best scope i have ever looked though visually the 3d bino view gave it the edge over the SDM larger apperture on the field that day.
Celestron have in there own email suggested that all pricing is in the control of there local distributor. So my advise stay away from Celestron, unless your buying from Overseas. They make good scopes but not worth the local Australian prices. I have great respect for the brand Celestron, as it has a rich history to that name. But i have little tollerance for local distributors that think they are above it all.
Edit: If you do wish to import, I would suggest to look at the SouthernGalactic forums, members get discounted pricing from OPT and they offer freight forwarding services. Other alternatives are PriceUSA who also offer Return insuracnce for a small fee which gives you warranty coverage. SG do import quiet a bit of gear for there hosted remote Observatory services.
Regards
Fahim
PS Still cloudy in Sydney...
