I am intending to purchase an ED 127 mm triplet APO refractor to "slowly" move into astrophotography (as slow as the money allows
). I have looked at various models, most of which come out of the same factory in China. I checked out several AUS sites and their prices, but there is very little competion here (and a lot of mark up).
Started looking at the China sites direct, and found Northgroup (North (Nanjing) Instrument Technology Industries Group) as a supplier of ED 127mm (normally sold here under the name of Hioptic and several other brands). Including shipping to AUS their price is still quite cheaper that anything offered locally ($500 to $700 less).
Also located joctech.com (Jinghua Optic & Electronics Co. P/L) who are the makers of Explore Scientific and Bresser brands and probably the Hioptic as well (photos are exactly the same scope). Again a very good price for the ED 127mm CF Explore Scientific. Can't seem to locate a seller in AUS.
Basically my query is, does anyone have any knowledge of either of these companies, and or had, any dealings with them either good or bad. I have seen some reports about Northgroup which indicate they are reasonably reliable (if not overly fast in supply), but little to nothing on joctech. Northgroup does do transactions by PayPal which is good, and I am still attempting to get further info re payments to joctech. So far both companies have replied to several e-mails re product queries (although due to language difficulties they are not quite understanding my questions and I am not sure I fully undersand their replies
)
Clear skies
Rod
