Can't help noticing an awful lot of scopes for sale on IIS lately. I'm guessing a lot of people are cashing in their old gear to buy while the exchange rates are good. Correct ?
I suspect it also may have to do with peoples expectations and what they perceive to see through the scope, only to be disappointed.
This frustration whether it is the lack of colour from objects they are seeing, or planets being just a small dot, stars being no more than pin pricks must be a real downer for some. Not to mention the struggle they find themselves trying to navigate the night sky, especially if you are not prepared to take time out to learn, or alternatively fork out additional dollars for something like an Argo.
Further to this, the lugging of components in/out and the realisation this is not a hobby for early birds, people end up with a reality check and well the rest is history..........
Its a shame when this happens and therefore its important that people come in with realistic expectations, visit clubs, go to viewing nights etc. Wait 6 months or so and see if the interest is still there, before committing some hard earn $$$.
Ok, thats my 2 shillings worth
Norm
PS and if you live in light polluted cities, be prepared to drive out to dark skies.
Also, if you're purely an imager, then it's harder yet.
I was prepared to throw it all away. But, before I did, I went and blew a whole lot of cash on equipment to keep me interested. I'm happy to say that it's worked!
I'm guessing a lot of people are cashing in their old gear to buy while the exchange rates are good. Correct ?
That's my situation - decided to pick up some expensive gear now since I expect our currency to crash this year, due to the perilous state of the world economy. Timing is always a problem but sooner or later something will knock down the house of cards our financial engineers have built, and none of the major economies is in a position to soften the blow this time around.
Pictured is the major new purchase; the ota is planning to put on some pounds at some stage. The Sky Commander is putting up a fight - I may have to read the manual.
Well there is the fact that those who now own an observatory might end up rationalising their scope and camera allotment as you can only use some of the equipment some of the time. Depending how I go I might pass on a few of the scopes I have collected LOL. But then again, One can never have enough cameras…….mounts or scopes….lets face it the weather has been a dampener on astronomy this summer, but look at all the stuff you can do when it clears…and how much you have learnt reading up on doing things!
I'd say the weather would have a big effect,the last few months or longer even,have been particularly bad for astro activities.
also to a lesser degree,the dollar rate has been favourable to change gear.and lastly sometimes people need to rationalise the gear from time to time,which is a good thing to do-sometimes we tend to collect stuff and say "one day........."
But really,i think its all good-equipment can find new homes,and bring joy to new owners,and sellers can move on to other areas etc.
the last few months...have been particularly bad for astro activities
True, though not on a par with the "Big Wet" in Sydney 1989-91; no less than 26 weekends in a row on which it rained heavily here, and after 18 months of no observing I sold my gear - all of it - and dropped out of astronomy altogether.
A run of clear weather like the 7 year drought in the early '80's would be more reason to upgrade, IMHO. Day after day after day of piercing blue skies and crystalline nights...
Yes,Wavetone,thats a large run of wet weather you mention
I think it has a big effect on the volume of scopes we are seeing for sale at present.
I see one chap with a 8 inch Mak cas for a wicked $850.
The seller mentions he has only used it twice this year,i had the same feelings on my EQ 6 used it six times,and hated it taking up so much room,so of it went,(i also did'nt like how it looked like a "kitchen mix marster' with tha cap on polar scope.
yes,i think the weather is the main reason at present.
I'd say it's the weather, I haven't been out once this year and I've found my interest waning. If you get on clear night you can bet the next will cloudy so I just couldnt be bothered setting the gear up.
I never sell anything but I imagine that if I were type I'd have a few things up for grabs as well.
Well I have my spin on this one... Bad Weather equals lots of time spent inside. TV is boring so people find other fun things to do. That's how I got a good deal on my LX200.
New Baby on the way meant the poor guy had to sell his scope! This is my spin on the situation, or might it be a warning..Hmmmm
Even when i do finally upgrade 
