I have the latest model G11 and the Maxxon Motors, and as John G has mentioned it is a refined work of art, and worth every cent i paid for it, and it was many cents, (very happy chappy.)
Must admit, when I bought my G11 with Gemini 3 yrs ago and the Aussie dollar was about 72c compared to todays 84c and I paid the same. I think someone is ripping off the public here. Just my 2c+gst worth though..
I must admit I find the Celestron pricing in Australia in particular very difficult to understand when you compare it with US or Canadian prices.
I understand the impact of exchange rates, GST, customs and shipping costs but when something sells here for 25%-50% more than it sells for in the US even when you take all those factors into account then its more than odd, particularly when there are other brands that manage to sell here for only a bit more than US prices.
I don't know that I would automatically blame the retailers though, as I understand it there is a single Celestron distributor in Australia who sets the retail prices and who has a captive market as Celestron retailers in the US or Canada are not supposed to sell internationally.
Its got to the stage where if I think a product is overpriced compared with overseas prices I either buy directly from overseas if possible or look for an alternative brand.
The only problem with buying OS is if something goes wrong. It would be a real problem trying to correct a lemon mount or scope from a distance. I generally buy OS for things that don't often go wrong--saddle plates, mounting rings and so on. Sometimes you find that you may get an item quicker from OS rather than waiting on an Oz dealer for his new stock to arrive.
Geoff
BTW my GM8 is pretty solid for the gear I have and tracks well---well worth the money. And speaking of money, I paid $4200 about a year ago when the Aussie dollar was lower than it is now. I see its current price is $4179.
