7 replies to this topic

[eworc]

Is it just me or what is going on with the supply of decent level telescopes?  Ever since the Covid pandemic, getting any telescope above toy level is an issue.  The 130mm dobsonian scopes disappeared, came back briefly at 2 to 2.5 times the cost then went off the map again. Like...

 

https://www.amazon.c...07BRLSVWM&psc=1

 

Supply so bad, they are selling this for a little less.  Who would make the mistake of 114mm vs 130mm

 

https://www.amazon.c...3_t1_B07BRLSVWM

 

Moslty junk 60mm.  Did all the people that make telescopes die?  I wish I got a 8" dobsonian prior to 2020.  I've been waiting for supply to come back but looks like 2024.

 

Where are Zhumell 8" to 10" models?

 

Is this the best it's going to be for another few years?

 

https://www.amazon.c...2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

Granted inflation...and Covid, but WHY hasn't the supply of decent quality telescopes not bounced back by now?  That's what I find weird about what's been going on.

 

 

 

 

[Astrojensen]

No problems in Europe. Lots of scopes and accessories in stock. Almost all popular brands are in stock.  

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[Walter T]

I'm not sure Amazon is the best place to get mid-grate scopes.  Check out the selection available from Astronomics:

 

https://www.astronom...dobsonians.html

[zakry3323]

Amazon sometimes has some good deals on some very usable equipment, but I think you're shopping in the wrong place. 

 

Astronomics is fantastic, as listed above. 

 

Other retailers have an assortment of dobs, including OPT, Highpoint Scientific, and AgenaAstro is drop shipping. 

[eworc]

Thanks for the info.  I normally look at Amazon as having the best prices, free shipping and especially for big purchases I get points (money back). 

see price difference for example on the 130, which is about $40

https://www.telescop...mell-telescopes

 

 

I was interested in the Zhumell 8 but they are not on Amazon, only one other retailer but they are out of stock and have this one though that appears very similar or could be better.

https://www.telescop...accessories-ad8

 

Per another thread in this forum...."Apertura and Zhumell are both made by GSO (Guan Sheng Optical)"...so it's pretty much a Zhumell based on that.  I might get this one.  Anyone suggest another that is better in some way for the same price?

[zakry3323]

Thanks for the info.  I normally look at Amazon as having the best prices, free shipping and especially for big purchases I get points (money back). 

see price difference for example on the 130, which is about $40

https://www.telescop...mell-telescopes

 

 

I was interested in the Zhumell 8 but they are not on Amazon, only one other retailer but they are out of stock and have this one though that appears very similar or could be better.

https://www.telescop...accessories-ad8

 

Per another thread in this forum...."Apertura and Zhumell are both made by GSO (Guan Sheng Optical)"...so it's pretty much a Zhumell based on that.  I might get this one.  Anyone suggest another that is better in some way for the same price?

I'm not going to knock any retailer that sells astronomy gear- the more options we have, the merrier. That includes Amazon. I know that Amazon has a nice return policy.

 

Other than that, especially when you're getting into better equipment, it's important to consider actual customer service after the sale. Many dedicated or at least partially dedicated astronomy retailers excel at service after the sale. You can get a lot of good info here on CN, but sometimes it's a lot more straight forward to ask the folks who sold you the equipment if you need advice or troubleshooting.

 

Also, yes, the Zhumell and Apertura and even Orion dobs are all exactly the same in every way that matters.

Edited by zakry3323, 04 February 2023 - 07:36 PM.

[sevenofnine]

Covid was and still is like a tornado that went through Chinese manufacturing. It will take years before normal supply of telescopes and other goods return to normal. 

[kwyjibo]

The problem with ordering a dob from Amazon is you're likely to only get either the base or the ota since they can't seem to figure out it comes in two boxes. I got just the base twice before giving up and ordering from elsewhere. 

Edited by kwyjibo, 04 February 2023 - 07:33 PM.