places to buy first telescope?

[riggers69]

hi guys, newbee here so hopefully i have posted this in the right forum, if not my apologies.

i have very recently began getting into stargazing and have used the binoculars and now i want to step up to getting my first telescope.

where do you guys shop for gear?

i have searched and browsed on argos website and got some ideas but being argos does that mean they tend to be more "toy" spec telescopes?

also searched on amazon just to compare prices with argos and argos seems to undercut prices 99% of the time.

so please if you can shed some light on places to buy or even just to browse, any suggestions will be much apprieciated.

thanks

chris

[John]

Astro equipment is specialised so you really need to deal with people who know about what is being sold. There are a number of reputable dealers in the UK including First Light Optics (link to their website at the top of the page).

Also have a look at the supplier reviews section of the forum to see who people are using and what they think of their service.

There is a thriving market for used equipment too and many of us use this site for that purpose:

U.K. Astronomy Buy & Sell

[AWR]

Hi Chris,

I'd avoid Argos scopes. In fact, avoid any scope whose main description is its magnification, they're toys as you suggest.

Have a look at FLO (the forum sponsor - link at the top of the page)

I've no affiliation with them other than I bought my first scope with them (my second was second hand). You'll get good service, a fair price and honest advice.

Andrew

[nlessel]

I have bought from this place without problems...don't know the shipping rates to the UK though...

http://www.teleskop-express.de

[sunshine185]

Here is where we buy from, or not in some cases

Supplier Reviews - Stargazers Lounge

[riggers69]

thanks for the reply guys and no doubt when i do find a scope to buy i will be asking for opinions again lol

thanks for the suggestions

[sunshine185]

Anytime.