107 replies to this topic

[Heywood]

These two telescopes have just increased in price substantially.  With others to follow?  Maybe tonight?

 

I am very much afraid that the new tariffs on Chinese goods may cause Astronomics to go under, taking Cloudy Nights with it.

Edited by Heywood, 13 April 2025 - 07:42 PM.

[EGregerson]

I checked 'like this' but i really don't

[rustynpp]

Listed prices are $1599 & $2199, respectively.

 

What were the old prices?

 

I am very much afraid that the new tariffs on Chinese goods may cause Astronomics to go under, taking Cloudy Nights with it. 

 I had this thought earlier today as well. Very unsettling.

Edited by rustynpp, 13 April 2025 - 08:07 PM.

[Mark Lovik]

I have the AT115EDT and love it.  The price has jumped around in the last few years, and the cost is back to earlier post covid costs when scopes (and parts) were hard to find.  There has been a noticeable price drop in the past year or so.  I noticed a few differences from the 115 scopes in the past

• Hard case has been replaced by the soft case and carrying strap
• Update from a (short) vixen to a losmandy dovetail
• Addition of the handle on the scope ... instead of having this as an add-on option

this scope changes almost justifies a price bump ... without considering tariffs.  Depending on updated tariffs, this scope could suffer larger price jumps in the future.

 

The AT130EDT ... yes this is a larger price bump.

 

The new normal for astro prices is still uncertain, and all sellers are in the middle of this.  A price spike could be a large interruption in the market ... just like the covid years.  New products, competitive prices, financial stability, and good service can all help ... and I have been happy with the astro vendors I have supported in the past.  

 

May we live in interesting times ....

 

I am glad I have settled in on my scope collection.

Edited by Mark Lovik, 13 April 2025 - 08:31 PM.

[weis14]

These two telescopes have just increased in price substantially.  With others to follow?  Maybe tonight?

 

I am very much afraid that the new tariffs on Chinese goods may cause Astronomics to go under, taking Cloudy Nights with it.

I am very much concerned about the bolded part!  The simple fact is that the golden age of low cost, high quality equipment may be over.

Edited by weis14, 13 April 2025 - 08:23 PM.

[Astronomics]

Well, let’s not cause alarms to go off.  Threads like this, with speculation, could cause damage.   We have started to raise prices to protect ourselves from the new Tariffs.  It is a cost average of inventory on hand versus what is coming in.  You will see prices go up to cover costs.  If something changes on the tariff front, then prices will go back down. 

[Astronomics]

And as I have talked about in other threads we are going to have a bit more advertising on the site to help with costs of running, if not hopefully cover the entire cost of running it.  I am working with them on how many ads and where they are placed.  The good news is this helps keep Cloudy Nights free, and hopefully makes enough money to add monthly contributors and such.  So please, don't be down on the incoming ads and if possible let your ad blockers not block them on this site.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Moravianus]

I don't see any place during web checkout to put the CN user name. Is the CN discount gone ?

Also, I would like to pay by wire to save you on CC fees.

Edited by Moravianus, 13 April 2025 - 08:57 PM.

[Astronomics]

There should be a space on your account on the astronomics site for you to enter your CN user name.  You have to register and account to get the discount to populate automatically. 

[Rob Moore]

I think the Tarriff crap will be settled soon. No worries.

[Thundermoon1994]

And as I have talked about in other threads we are going to have a bit more advertising on the site to help with costs of running, if not hopefully cover the entire cost of running it.  I am working with them on how many ads and where they are placed.  The good news is this helps keep Cloudy Nights free, and hopefully makes enough money to add monthly contributors and such.  So please, don't be down on the incoming ads and if possible let your ad blockers not block them on this site.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mike, 

 

Thanks for all you do for the community! I think that people will understand that you're doing what you have to do (on Cloud Nights and Astronomics).

 

 

Damien

Edited by Thundermoon1994, 14 April 2025 - 09:28 AM.

[CHASLX200]

I don't mind paying a user fee every year if that would help. I have chipped in a $100 smacks here and there. 

[Astronomics]

I don't mind paying a user fee every year if that would help. I have chipped in a $100 smacks here and there. 

I have zero wish to set up a user fee.  If you want to donate that is awesome and appreciated.  

[bobhen]

I think the Tarriff crap will be settled soon. No worries.

Really. I was thinking of buying a BMW M240 this year. I have one now and love the car. A day or two ago the base price just jumped around $2,200. There are no changes to the car. This is not a new year or new model price hike. Last year the price increased by only $500. So this $2,200 out of the blue price increase is only due to the tariffs. And, who knows, that might not be the last increase. I guess I could wait for BMW to build a plant that produces the 2 series here in the US. What a joke.

 

Maybe we could all wait for Synta or the other Chinese optical companies to build planets here in the US. What do you think the cost of a 4" F7 ED doublet like the $1,100 Astro-Tech 102 EDL  F7 would be if it was produced here in the US? Or maybe Astro-Physics will start producing $1,100 4" ED doublet refractors.

 

Bob

[Mike W]

Really. I was thinking of buying a BMW M240 this year. I have one now and love the car. A day or two ago the base price just jumped around $2,200. There are no changes to the car. This is not a new year or new model price hike. Last year the price increased by only $500. So this $2,200 out of the blue price increase is only due to the tariffs. And, who knows, that might not be the last increase. I guess I could wait for BMW to build a plant that produces the 2 series here in the US. What a joke.

 

Maybe we could all wait for Synta or the other Chinese optical companies to build planets here in the US. What do you think the cost of a 4" F7 ED doublet like the $1,100 Astro-Tech 102 EDL  F7 would be if it was produced here in the US? Or maybe Astro-Physics will start producing $1,100 4" ED doublet refractors.

 

Bob

Let me guess, you didn't see this coming??????

[Phillip Creed]

Really. I was thinking of buying a BMW M240 this year. I have one now and love the car. A day or two ago the base price just jumped around $2,200. There are no changes to the car. This is not a new year or new model price hike. Last year the price increased by only $500. So this $2,200 out of the blue price increase is only due to the tariffs. And, who knows, that might not be the last increase. I guess I could wait for BMW to build a plant that produces the 2 series here in the US. What a joke.

 

Maybe we could all wait for Synta or the other Chinese optical companies to build planets here in the US. What do you think the cost of a 4" F7 ED doublet like the $1,100 Astro-Tech 102 EDL  F7 would be if it was produced here in the US? Or maybe Astro-Physics will start producing $1,100 4" ED doublet refractors.

 

Bob

I don't foresee Astrophysics making an $1,100 4" ED refractor.

I admit I'm one of those folks that never even PONDER buying an AP scope because it's FAR beyond my budget (and I've got an NP101).  But it's also true Astrophysics prices are perfectly justifiable.

Get a scope from Astro-Tech?  It has to meet a decently-high quality spec.  Takahashi?  Higher quality spec and likely much higher scrap rate.

Astrophysics?  It's not just a high QC spec; it's *one guy* named Roland Christen's QC spec.  And his QC spec is simple -- if he can improve upon it, he will.  When he can't, then and only then will it go out the door.  The embodiment of Vince Lombardi's musing that perfection is unobtainable but excellence can be attained in its pursuit.

When Stellarvue released its now discontinued SVX102D doublets, those ran ~$2,000.  They're very well regarded and they meet a high QC spec.  But knowing Astrophysics' reputation on what they put their stamp on I simply cannot imagine them releasing a 4" f/7 ED doublet into the wild for anything less than $4,000.

Clear Skies,

Phil

[betacygni]

I have zero wish to set up a user fee. If you want to donate that is awesome and appreciated.

Just a friendly suggestion since it came up, add the option of a monthly $5, $10, $15 etc support feature. I have quite a few patreon type supports I do this way, but I’d rarely think to do a single lump sum donation (and feels like more money if I do).

If you add this option and do a blanket post on every sub forum that cloudy nights needs your support, I think you’d be surprised by the response. People like myself tend to think websites like this are self sustaining unless we are smacked in the face (in a friendly way) and told otherwise.

As a secondary note I couldn’t find on the site where to donate, either on the mobile version (which I use almost 100%), or the desktop.

[RAKing]

On my laptop, there is a little box in the right hand column that says "Donate".

 

Ron

[Astronomics]

I don't think it shows in tapatalk mobile version.  Just desktop and full browser.  It is on the right hand side column with the ads and recent posts.  Here is a handy dandy link if anyone is interested.  https://www.paypal.c...gZhMJTF0m0h5627

[betacygni]

On my laptop, there is a little box in the right hand column that says "Donate".

 

Ron

Thanks Ron, found it, then my new suggestion is to make it visible on mobile   (and suggestion to myself to get new glasses…)

[Tulsa]

Well, let’s not cause alarms to go off.  Threads like this, with speculation, could cause damage.   We have started to raise prices to protect ourselves from the new Tariffs.  It is a cost average of inventory on hand versus what is coming in.  You will see prices go up to cover costs.  If something changes on the tariff front, then prices will go back down. 

In an email I received on 3/26/25 from you states:

 

"What do the tariffs mean to you and me?

Currently it means a ton actually.  We are not raising prices on Astro-Tech inventory that is already on hand, even though I will have to pay an extra 20% up front to cover costs on the next shipment of Astro-Tech that is due to ship at the end of this month.  That cost could be an extra $200K I have to come up with and that I was not expecting.  I have raised some prices on items that have sold out however.  Our manufacturing partners are working with us to try and mitigate the extra cost as best as possible."

 

As someone who has a 115EDT in my wishlist, I was surprised to see it’s cost go up, since this item has been showing, “Availibility: in stock".  

[Terra Nova]

The AT80EDT has gone up too. From $899 to $1099. That’s still a good deal IMO. It’s a great scope. I love mine!

[Astronomics]

In an email I received on 3/26/25 from you states:

 

"What do the tariffs mean to you and me?

Currently it means a ton actually.  We are not raising prices on Astro-Tech inventory that is already on hand, even though I will have to pay an extra 20% up front to cover costs on the next shipment of Astro-Tech that is due to ship at the end of this month.  That cost could be an extra $200K I have to come up with and that I was not expecting.  I have raised some prices on items that have sold out however.  Our manufacturing partners are working with us to try and mitigate the extra cost as best as possible."

 

As someone who has a 115EDT in my wishlist, I was surprised to see it’s cost go up, since this item has been showing, “Availibility: in stock".  

That was prior to having to cover 145% tariff plus duty.  Plans change and money has to be made to cover the new expenses.  The next step will be $1999 if the tariffs can't be brought down as our cost would be just below current retail.  These prices also include us eating some of the margin to help keep costs in check.

[Tulsa]

I’m more than happy to support someone not going hungry.  Thank you for replying. 

[kmparsons]

I had my AT115EDT out a couple of nights ago, and the views it provided were simply perfection. I got mine when they were on sale for $1200--probably the greatest bargain I will ever get in this hobby. I would say that the scope is still very much worthwhile, even a bargain, at $1600.