A couple of GSO 12 inch dob questions.

snibor (Mick) · #1 21-07-2015, 04:18 PM

Hi all.
Been out of touch for a while but looking to get back into it all and found GSO 12 inch dob which looks in good condition but it would have to travel by courier a fair way which leads to my first question, how delicate are they because it's going to have a rough ride from what I know about couriers. Also interested to know what others think is a reasonable second hand price for a scope of this type, I see there around $1000 shipped from Andrews, it has this with it.

2" dual speed Crayford style micro focuser 10:1
2" to 1.25" adaptor
Red Dot Finder but no finder scope
Cooling Fan
2" 35mm eyepiece
1.25" 4mm and 6mm Plossl eyepieces
Standard issue I think.

Thanks for any advice,
Cheers from Mick.

glend (Glen) · #2 21-07-2015, 04:50 PM

Andrews has 10% off all scopes this week. So that's $949 - $95 about $855 plus shipping.

Re the used one I sold my 12" GSO dob for around $650 a couple of years ago when it was maybe: 2 years old but had lots of mods. How old is this one? What sort of shape is the base in? The base is chipboard and can swell and delaminate if it has been wet. Any dents in the tube? Hiw has it been stored, inside or in a damp shed? Etc ask questions. The General rule is they depreciate quickly and people rarely get 2/3s of the new price, given a new one is available for $855, I would consider that when making an offer. I won't tell you what to offer, that comes down to how bad you want it.

snibor (Mick) · #3 21-07-2015, 04:57 PM

I saw that glend but unfortunately new is out of my price range. All I have to go on is photos. looks to be good but your right I should be asking more questions. Thanks Glend.

dreamstation (James) · #4 22-07-2015, 03:29 PM

If it's the one on Gumtree, I sent the seller a message a week ago and he said it was 7 years old and is the second owner. He also said "optics fantastic, condition good, smooth action" so take from that what you will.

Hope this helps.

snibor (Mick) · #5 22-07-2015, 03:49 PM

Yes it's on gumtree but he sold it....not to me.

dreamstation (James) · #6 22-07-2015, 04:01 PM

That's a bummer mate. Keep an eye on there though, there have been some bargains on there lately.

The end of last week saw a 10" Sky-watcher dobsonian for $50. Was lucky enough to see it within 2 hours of posting and just happened to be passing through there on the Friday so the lady held it for us.

Gave her a little extra for the kindness and picked up a second scope for my partner.

snibor (Mick) · #7 22-07-2015, 04:43 PM

I don't believe it James,
that was only 45 minutes from here and I didn't see it till the next morning, Ruth said you were picking it up the next day. That post is what started off this hunt, anyway ill just keep an eye out as you say.