Scopes etc Price Comparison

Hi John,

You are right about VAT to charged on the duty.

However, I purposely did not include this as my figures are for guidelines only, just to show the (sometimes very substantial) differences in price.

Somebody wanting to purchase an item should do their own calculations, including shipping.

Also, no attempt was made to value after sales support, technical help, online resources and documentation (just look at Astro-Physics and SBIG for good examples of this). This can vary considerably between different shops and makes.

John

I agree.

For value when buying optics I think we need to look critically at the products. The cost of the same telescope or eyepiece made in the same factory in China can vary widely depending on whether it's sold as "US-BRAND-A" or as a European vendor's own-brand product, even if both manufacturing runs are done to the same quality standard. That's because "US-BRAND-A" applies a markup before selling it on to the vendor, whereas to maximise sales the vendor may decide to apply the same markup to the goods he buys directly that he adds to "US-BRAND-A" products. That's one less markup right there.

In my book buying a "US-BRAND-A" product only makes sense if the brand company is also the manufacturer or the product is being sold at a better price.

Hi,

More price comparisons.

Picked a useful accessory at random.

Celestron Ultima 1.25 Inch 2x Barlow

(a step above the lower cost barlows)

AI inc Irish VAT €151.10

Hinds ; Green-Witch inc GB VAT £79 = €104

Adorama $59 + (Irish) 25% Taxes = €49

OPT $69.95 + (Irish) 25% Taxes = €58

Anacortes $73 + (Irish) 25% Taxes = €60


Shipping etc not included. (But the item is very small).

John