Purchasing 10 " in UK - First Light Optics?

[davecmk]

Hi everyone,
I have had a 5 inch reflector for a while now and i have decided its time to go big! So i have chosen the Skywatcher 250 px flex tube dob for my next telescope. However, I'm not 100% sure where to purchase this scope from. I have had a bad dealing with telescope planet so i don't want to purchase it from them.

I was thinking of buying it from First Light Optics, since i have purchased a couple of smaller items from them before with fantastic service. Can anyone else recommend first light optics? They have good prices but i would be interested in learning of other peoples experiences with the store before i commit to making the plunge, thanks

[Carlos_dfc]

Hi Dave - yep F-L-O are one of the best UK-based suppliers.

For future reference - anyone coming in and reading this thread later........

In my experience - speaking as someone who has bought A LOT of astro-gear, particularly over the last 5-10 years.
If asked to recommend UK-based dealers, my list of better suppliers would be.....
In no particular order...
First Light Optics
Rother Valley Optics
Telescope House
David Hinds
There are several good smaller dealers too, nut I'd be hear all day trying to list them all.

The one I've heard most horror-stories about - and also recieved very slow service there myself....
Pulsar Optical, and their sister company Scopes'n'Skies
Both are cheap, and are good if your item is in stock - BUT...
They have a habit of advertising stuff that's out of stock, then making you wait - and have a VERY poor after-sales service reputation.

[sxinias]

I'd add Green Witch Astronomy and Nature to Carlos' list especially if you are buying from outside the UK.

[Canon Pete]

Another thumbs up for FLO and RVO , used them both , excellent service and knowledgable staff who will advise you without retail prejudice .

[Carlos_dfc]

I'd add Green Witch Astronomy and Nature to Carlos' list especially if you are buying from outside the UK.

Thanx Joe - I forgot 'Green-Witch'
Also add 'Sherwoods' to that list.

There's also 'Warehouse Express' - but they are a 'stack-it-high-sell-it-cheap' sales-only company.
No advice over the phone, so you need to know what you are ordering, but they are fast with good prices.

[davecmk]

Nice, thanks for all the replies, i will have to remember all these websites for future reference. Looks like i will purchase from FLO then, the guy said that they do Saturday delivery as well, i can't wait!

[davecmk]

I have ordered the product from FLO with Saturday delivery, hopefully all will go well. I spoke to a nice guy on the phone and they already seem more efficient than Telescope Planet. Hopefully my new 10 inch will arrive on Saturday 30th January!!

[PHATTANGLO]

Hi everyone,
I have had a 5 inch reflector for a while now and i have decided its time to go big! So i have chosen the Skywatcher 250 px flex tube dob for my next telescope. However, I'm not 100% sure where to purchase this scope from. I have had a bad dealing with telescope planet so i don't want to purchase it from them.

I was thinking of buying it from First Light Optics, since i have purchased a couple of smaller items from them before with fantastic service. Can anyone else recommend first light optics? They have good prices but i would be interested in learning of other peoples experiences with the store before i commit to making the plunge, thanks

Absolutely!
Just bought my first scope from FLO.
A straight forward price match policy, you see it cheaper from a legitimate dealer they will look to match it.
Ordered a Skywatcher Explorer 150p with EQ3-2 mount it took less than 48 hrs to arrive and I ordered it at 12:20 in the morning!

[davecmk]

Absolutely!
Just bought my first scope from FLO.
A straight forward price match policy, you see it cheaper from a legitimate dealer they will look to match it.
Ordered a Skywatcher Explorer 150p with EQ3-2 mount it took less than 48 hrs to arrive and I ordered it at 12:20 in the morning!

Thats pretty damn good service! I wouldn't expect an order of that size to arrive within 48 hours. Unfortunately, there will be no one at home during the day to wait for my delivery - the guy on the phone was really helpful and i have managed to organize delivery for Saturday at an extra cost of £15.

I really hope that everything goes well because then i can purchase more stuff from them in the future!

[davecmk]

Telescope arrived this morning! Looks great and i can't wait to use it. Luckily, the skies are clear and they are meant to remain this way all weekend (i must be blessed)!

First Light Optics have provided me with great service, if i ever have to purchase anything again i will definitely be using them!