19 replies to this topic

[Migual]

Hi all,

I've been in the hobby for about 6 months now, and I've been looking into buying a 3-4" APO. I came accross this:
https://www.facebook...mibextid=dXMIcH
I'm new to this but I was immediately suspicious. They're advertising a 1500$ CAD telescope for 610$ CAD, and pitching it for beginners, up to even touting the magnification! Also, there are only stock images, no real pics of the scope itself.

So I was wondering, is this worth looking into? Am I right to be paranoid? Is this even a good choice given that my only mount is a CG-4? I'm feeling very lost, and some help would be great.

Clear Skies,
Michael

Edit:
Thank you everyone for your help and kind words! I think I'll go through with at least asking for images and inspecting the scope in public. What should I look for if I do?
P.s. I should have clarified that I also have the 6" Newt that came with the CG-4. I wanted the APO because I really enjoy the star clusters and binary stars, and wanted to get a better look.

Edited by Migual, 26 May 2023 - 07:11 AM.

[RichA]

The images and descriptions are company boilerplate, not of a scope that someone actually has.  But, call the seller's bluff, tell them you want to come see it.

 

https://www.ontariot...PcaAtg1EALw_wcB

Edited by RichA, 25 May 2023 - 11:46 PM.

[ShaulaB]

You are right to be concerned. I would pass on it, but I am not a gambler. A 4 inch APO is an interesting choice for a first ever telescope.

[kgb]

Facebook is the last place I would purchase something. Especially when it's an advertisement for something that is 50% below market price. Meanwhile, you can get a great 102mm semi-apo for $650. It would be a great 1st scope and beyond. Check this one out:

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html

[Chad7531]

You are right to be concerned. I would pass on it, but I am not a gambler. A 4 inch APO is an interesting choice for a first ever telescope.

It’s an excellent choice if a beginner wants to spend a grand on their first scope.

[jlinsobe]

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

 

That’s what I tell myself, and out there.   There are great folks, and voracious sharks everywhere.

Needlesstosay, and sort of cliché: “if it’s too good to be true…”

Edited by jlinsobe, 26 May 2023 - 12:18 AM.

[jlinsobe]

Facebook is the last place I would purchase something. Especially when it's an advertisement for something that is 50% below market price. Meanwhile, you can get a great 102mm semi-apo for $650. It would be a great 1st scope and beyond. Check this one out:

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html

Exactly !

[Chad7531]

Used stuff on Facebook should be 50% market value. It’s used and on Facebook. The value is why people buy it.

[nicknacknock]

All,

 

Let's keep it civil and try to help Michael.

 

My 2c: If you can arrange to visit at a public place and you can check out the scope then fine. Otherwise, there is a probability of risk of getting mugged (if you visit in private) or getting a scope that has issues.

 

If you can juggle this, you could end up with a nice scope. Otherwise, the AT102 is a great scope indeed!

[nicknacknock]

Further scrutiny:

 

• Seller has 3 "friends" which may or may not be fake profiles
• Seller has other items to sell, 2 of which have been marked as sold, but may be fakes (marked as sold but not actually sold - just something to lure you as legit)
• Seller's profile shows no participation or other info on FB

 

Based on above, I would rate the probability of this being a fake ad at say 90%. As I said above, if you can meet at a public place, then try. Otherwise, you will probably lose your money.

[jlinsobe]

Further scrutiny:

 

• Seller has 3 "friends" which may or may not be fake profiles
• Seller has other items to sell, 2 of which have been marked as sold, but may be fakes (marked as sold but not actually sold - just something to lure you as legit)
• Seller's profile shows no participation or other info on FB

 

Based on above, I would rate the probability of this being a fake ad at say 90%. As I said above, if you can meet at a public place, then try. Otherwise, you will probably lose your money.

The new member has only 1 post, and he’s concerned.

We just jumped to his assistance without giving him the proper:

 

Migual:  Welcome to CN !!
 

We are here to assist you.   Personally I have had nothing but great, great experiences with our classified section.

If you want new, then Astronomics has excellent scopes at unbelievably great prices.

Besides we have many Canadian members too.  I have bought a few items from Canada, no issues, just a slight delay, as expected.

Edited by jlinsobe, 26 May 2023 - 01:11 AM.

[Agatha]

Michael,

 

Welcome to Cloudy Nights.     
 

I agree with the advice given by Nick.  If you can see it in person and in public, then maybe.  But I would suggest looking at a dealer for a telescope.  If you are in Canada, there are certainly some reputable dealers there or even some in the US that may ship across the border.  Or even from Europe.  
 

Going with a dealer would also offer some guarantee.  Your CG-4 is a very capable small mount, that would be fine with a nice refractor.  An 80 or 102 would be a nice fit.   
 

You’ll do fine.  Once you get going with a new telescope, you will be amazed.  Have fun !

 

edit:  jlinsobe beat me to it while I was typing.  Again, welcome and hope you’ll stay awhile.  

Edited by Agatha, 26 May 2023 - 01:26 AM.

[barbarosa]

All good advice above about the risk with this seller, so I thought I would toss into the mix a word about the scope. I have it on good authority, a Canadian who owns two Starfield scopes that they are a good buy in either Canadian or US dollars. He bought his from the dealer. He does not shop on Facebook.

[Agatha]

Michael, 

    I see you added to your post and will try see it in person, if possible.   If this happens, take a good look at the overall condition of the ‘scope, including the glass.  Some dust won’t be a problem.  Look for any signs of abuse.  The glass might be dusty but should show no scratches .  You don’t want to see anything that looks like mold growing from water intrusion.  Check that the focuser moves smoothly without wobbling or grinding and that the tension adjustment functions properly.  
 

Hopefully someone else will come back in and give more tips.  

[kgb]

I am sure everyone here has felt the allure that you are presently feeling towards this scope. I know I have. When faced with what would potentially be a phenomenal deal, you are more likely to entertain this purchase for fear of missing out. As I and others have mentioned, there are many warning signs with this ad. However, your decisions are yours to make so if you are truly entertaining this, and do have an opportunity to physically handle the scope you should inspect it thoroughly as Agatha has said. The seller is representing this as 'new' so you already know what that entails. If there is any damage or anything that indicates that it was mishandled or tampered with, you should walk away because that would immediately prove you aren't dealing with someone that you can trust. Also, I am sure you know that you assume all the risk for this purchase so if you find that down the road that you bought a lemon, that, for example, shows poor color correction, you won't have any recourse. Dealing in a private sale/from a non-dealer typically means that the warranty is non-transferable. Unfortunately, it won't be practical for you to star-test this instrument or put it through double pass auto-collimation. And, assuming from your level of experience, it may be difficult for you to make an accurate assessment of the optical quality of this scope. It isn't an easy task. It took me over 20 years of observing through hundreds of refractors before I could confidently say that I knew what I was doing. I hope this works out for you. Good luck.

Edited by kgb, 26 May 2023 - 10:52 AM.

[Migual]

Quick second update: seller refuses to send photos, so I'm noping the heck out. Thanks everyone, you've given me a great welcome!

[Agatha]

Good move…say goodbye to that.   The seller was not legit.  
 

I hope you will find what you’ll be happy with.  

Edited by Agatha, 26 May 2023 - 05:49 PM.

[jml79]

Quick second update: seller refuses to send photos, so I'm noping the heck out. Thanks everyone, you've given me a great welcome!

I hope you come back and read this, an exceptional alternative that is not a scam is the SVBony SV503/102ed. It has FPL-51 glass instead of the 53 but is still a doublet and well made. I legit bought it on Amazon.ca from SVBony and had it in my hands (in Canada) for $771 cdn including taxes, import etc. I have been imaging with it and I’m very impressed for the price. 

Edited by jml79, 26 May 2023 - 05:57 PM.

[edsmx5]

Quick second update: seller refuses to send photos, so I'm noping the heck out. Thanks everyone, you've given me a great welcome!

Welcome: you will find, like this Noob did, that the overwhelming majority of the people here on CN are honest and more than happy to help with just about any problem that comes up. They may quibble over the details, but they genuinely want us newcomers to get the most out of this hobby. Listen to them, you'll learn a lot    

[Echolight]

Personally, I'd never price a used item that I owned  at $610.

 

It must be a scam.