Posts Made By: Sean McKeown

It seems that there's a fairly wide gap between the entry-level GSO/Orion/Synta/etc. dobs and the boutique Starmaster/Obsession/etc. You might argue that the Lightbridge is bridging that gap to some extent, but you could also argue that the LB's are just the higher end of the low-cost Chinese imports. Seems like it's either under $1000 or over $3000, but not much in the $1,500-$2,000 range. Discovery seemed to fit this bill, with better mirrors and craftsmanship than the budget guys, but not quite to the level of the big boys. But where are the other midrange players? And why doesn't the market support more of them?

-Sean

Check it out, just posted to the site, not available for sale yet. Man, I'm kicking myself having just bought a Nighthawk NG. I think I would have sprung for the extra $500 for another 20mm of aperture.

http://www.stellarvue.com/sv102abv.html

-Sean

Hi-

I'm still new to Amart, so I really don't want to misstep here, and would appreciate some consensus/advice. I purchased EP that arrived today - great packaging, prompt shipment, good communication throughout. My problem is the condition of the EP - there's a fairly sizable fingerprint/smudge on the lens (see photo). It was advertised as "like new" and only used a handful of times. I understand it can be cleaned, but I'd like to get opinions on how you'd rate if you were in my shoes. If the fingerprint entirely forgivable? Or would you dock a star or two? I emailed the seller to give him a chance to respond of course.

Thanks,
Sean

Larry Seguin said:


Nice to have you aboard. I'm sorry your first experience has to be with the level of dissatisfaction associated with this thread. Obviously, many of us have been in this hobby for a long time, and we've had many great experiences with suppliers and equipment or we'd all be outta here by now. We all get the chance to share a lot of great experiences, look forward to hearing some of YOURS.

Thanks Larry, glad to be here!

-Sean