[CDKPhil]

I have just spent a whole lot on a mount and OTA. I thought about buying direct from the US but for the amount of money I have spent, I want someone in Australia to be accountable. I purchased my equipment through Bintel (who have been great). The difference in price once you calculate GST, Customs, and Freight was not much different. I bought some Televue Ethos lenses as well. I was going to get them through OPT but the price worked out the same with Bintel. If you are buying Celestron products that is a different story. There is only one importer for Australia and they seem to want to make a whole lot of money for nothing.
I like to support local business even though the products are from the US, at least I will have local support as well as the internet. It is a shame that there are no Australian manufactures of high end amateur astronomy gear. except for Argo Navis.

Cheers
Phil