Once you get involved with the amateur Astronomy hobby, you will probably have more than ONE telescope. It's just like the fishing hobby where you eventually have SIX rods and SEVEN reels, along with three tackle boxes!
Here are a few places to look for good used telescopes.
AstroMart-
This is the TOP DOG of used telescopes and other astronomy equipment.
www.astromart.com Most astronomers take very good care of their equipment. The neat thing about this web site is that the buyers rate the sellers and the sellers rate the buyers. Their rating is visible right next to their name. In any case ask for pictures of the equipment if none are posted, and call the seller to verify before sending your money. PayPal is accepted by most sellers. It will cost you $12 to join and see the full ads on the site. You will save more than $12 when you buy something!
Used-Demo- Equipment at the large Dealers
Most of the larger internet dealers maintain a list of used or open box equipment. These usually carry the NEW equipment warranty, but ask before you buy. This is a higher cost solution but most dealers will accept a RETURN if the scope is not as advertised or dead on arrival.
I purchased my Meade LX90 used from a dealer in South Carolina. I called him and worked out a deal with a 90 day guarantee on a used LX90 he had taken on consignment. The scope has been trouble free for over 3 years now; and arrived in perfect condition.
http://www.optcorp.com/category.aspx?uid=354
http://www.agenaastro.com/Clearance-s/103.htm
http://www.astronomy-mall.com/ several used sellers on this web site.
http://www.khanscope.com/ see the used link at the top of the page and-or call them
http://astronomy-mall.com/astro.parts.outlet/ this guy has dozens of used scopes along with thousands of "parts".
Call around to the larger internet retailers and see what they have used in stock that might be of interest to you.
Your local Astronomy Club-
Another good place to find used equipment is your local Astronomy club. The members are always looking to upgrade and to help fund the upgrade by selling their usually GREAT scope equipment.
This web site lists Astronomy Clubs by State:
http://www.astroleague.org/societies/list
Contact the President of your local club and tell him what you are looking to buy. Most club's have a private member's only internet forum where equipment is listed for sale.
Craigslist.com-
Yes, from time to time a nice telescope will show up on this web site! BUT! you must know what you are buying. Most of the scopes on Craigslist.com are junk telescopes that you do not want to own. You must be careful with your purchase as "scams" are known to exist on this web site. Buyer BEWARE!
I bought a very nice Celestron C6-SGT scope and mount on craigslist.com, but I called the owner and checked out the scope before handing over my money.
Hope this helps you find that FIRST or SECOND telescope at the lowest price possible.
Clear Skies!
TelescopeMan
RSS Link to all of TelescopeMan's Astronomy Audio - Video Podcastswww.telescopeman.tumblr.com
×