Equipment Dilemma

[Gary]

Just double check the specs of your future refractor. Some of them might not be binoviewer friendly. In anycase, my offer still stands. You can test it on mine first before buying.

[Gary]

Btw, will you consider buying used scopes? Some nice refractors on sale now at CN and A-mart.

[MooEy]

Binoviewers need 4" of focus travel, most refractors can't do it without some compensator.

[qwertified]

yes Gary,

I did notice a couple of taks on a-mart. At this moment, I'd probably be willing to go for used mounts rather than used scopes unless they are of the tak price range.

The hassle of shipment etc is what took me away from the classifieds.

Now that you mentioned, there are a couple of good scopes there as well. Hmm.. Gonna take some time to read up again.

Btw, will you consider buying used scopes? Some nice refractors on sale now at CN and A-mart.

[cloud_cover]

Shipping is actually no hassle. Just get a comgateway address and then your transaction is effectively, for them, a domestic transaction.
Just make sure your seller packs up the scope well and of course, before buying the scope, get all round photos including the all-important lens shots.
I've shipped in 2x80mm scopes, a 8" SCT, a 100ED, a Vixen SXD, various EPs and smaller items, no issues.

[orly_andico]

I've shipped in a CGEM (in a large rolling suitcase) and an AP mount in its huge heavy Hardigg case, both without issues.

Just prepare to pay through the nose for shipping (still cheaper than direct). The CGEM cost S$500 I think and the AP about $600.

Don't forget the GST.

[cloud_cover]

My SXD cost me less than $300, not including GST. Your mounts were over packed

[orly_andico]

no its the weight.. the SXD i believe is under 20lb.

[qwertified]

While shipping via ComGateway, do I have to declare GST or something?
Or is it added upon customs inspection here?

[cloud_cover]

Orly: Nope, its the volume. The SXD came in at more than 70lbs shipping weight because of the volume of the box in which it was packed. I shaved a little off by having the CWs stuffed into the tripod box but ended up breaking some of the hand knobs when the weights moved during shipping. So even though your mount is a lot heavier, volumetrically it may work out the same, particularly as my SXD came with a custom hard case.
qwertified: Its done automatically. You have to declare the value of the item which is also its insured value, unless it has an invoice (i.e. new item) in which case comgateway uses the invoice value. They automatically add 7.5% GST (0.5% service charge) if the total cost of shipping plus declared value exceeds SGD400. So what they charge you is, essentially, what you pay. Its great because you can track your parcel at any time and it shows exactly which stage it is and if there's delay. If it seems delayed, you can even call DHL and ask what the delay is all about! So far I haven't had issues with customs declarations and I think anyway telescope equipment is not easily priced, particularly when bought used, so probably no issues at Singapore customs.