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What was your worst astronomy purchase?

Discussion in 'Telescopes and Mounts' started by sojourneyer, Sep 18, 2023 at 11:51 AM.

What was your worst astronomy purchase?

Started by sojourneyer on Sep 18, 2023 at 11:51 AM

16 Replies 173 Views 2 Likes

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  1. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 18, 2023 at 11:51 AM
    #1
    Now this one should bring some funny and unusual responses -- I hope!

    This is number 2 on my list
    It was from Amazon Warehouse. I like new Twilight 1 mount

    Well it came in a box that belonged to a kids painting set and was full of torn, ripped styrofoam that did not come with the mount. I did not even try to assemble the mount as there was large tear in the box and I found some parts actually lying in the driveway when it was delivered.
    What the heck... Enjoy.
    and wait for number one.... of course it is from Amazon


    gg.jpg 3.jpg thumbnail7.jpg thumbnail6.jpg
     
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  2. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 18, 2023 at 12:37 PM
    #2
    OMG ... I have three of them ... all Amazon
     
  3. PXR-5

    PXR-5 Well-Known Member

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    PXR-5, Sep 18, 2023 at 12:40 PM
    #3
    What a mess!

    For me it's been several cell phone holders to take pictures at the EP.
    I couldn't get any of them to work.

    I stepped on them with a rather large boot to put them out of their misery, they weren't even worth donating.
     
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  4. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 18, 2023 at 12:41 PM
    #4
    That is just bizarre...

    My worst purchase was from a 'high end' manufacturer/ retailer whom I will not name.
    I purchased a 2" tele-extender, a 2" 35 mm 68° eyepiece and a 2" diagonal. Total cost with shipping was a bit over € 1000.
    The diagonal mirror was so scratched it was unusable, the tele-extender was just bulky and unwieldy and the 35 mm eyepiece put up very nice views but if you tried to pan with it you would feel seasick, the barrel distortion was ridiculous.

    I sent the diagonal back and it was returned with a note saying that it was within specifications... obviously no one had looked at or through it, the extender was my fault as I never really needed it anyways and I was shocked at the performance of the 35 mm which was supposed to be one of the 'best' available.

    I eventually gave the extender and 35 mm away and I still use the diagonal as a dust plug.
     
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  5. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 18, 2023 at 12:58 PM
    #5

    these boots are made for crushing!
     
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  6. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 18, 2023 at 12:59 PM
    #6

    that was horrible. I can not believe how the retailer treated you.. Sounds like Amazon. LOL
     
  7. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 18, 2023 at 8:26 PM
    #7
    As you can see the mirror was never polished properly before coatings.
    All of the scratches are 0.5-1 mm apart and are over the entire surface.
    Looking through it is a bit like looking into a kaleidoscope.
    That was € 380 wasted.

    For some reason it posted image 3 as a thumbnail...

    diagonal 1.jpg Diagonal 2.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 19, 2023 at 9:35 AM
    #8
    Now for another winner!

    Another Amazon Warehouse purchase - a like new Svbony 30mm Plossl. How could anyone say this is like new and I love the way it was packaged

    All that gunk is on the inside of the lens.

    The Twilight 1 mount rated number two. This is number 3. Number 1 will be tomorrow thumbnail1.jpg thumbnaila.jpg 20230416_131909.jpg
     
  9. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 19, 2023 at 8:51 PM
    #9
    It looks like you were having issues like I was when trying to post.

    I think I would stop purchasing from Amazon if it was me.
     
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  10. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 20, 2023 at 8:59 AM
    #10
    Now for another one
    I was one of the first people to receive the Svbony MK105 Mak in the USA. Apparently I was sent test scopes and not new ones. WTH?

    The dust you see is inside the meniscus.. and the fingerprints?

    This came directly from Svbony not Amazon... 20230109_170646.jpg 20230109_171055.jpg 20230109_171227.jpg 20230109_172331.jpg dust 4.jpg dust bottom (2).jpg scratch.jpg
     
  11. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 20, 2023 at 9:04 AM
    #11
    Wow, that poor thing has had a rough life!
    I hope they compensated you properly for that.
     
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  12. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 20, 2023 at 1:16 PM
    #12
    I got my money back and donated the scope to a church.
     
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  13. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 21, 2023 at 8:56 AM
    #13
    Here it is NUMBER ONE

    I purchased from Amazon a purportedly brand new Svbony telescope.

    Here is what I got. Need I say more. I got my money back plus the scope

    5.jpg 7.jpg
     
  14. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 22, 2023 at 9:27 AM
    #14
    That seems to be quite common lately and just another example of why I do not purchase from Amazon.
    In the past I have ordered twice from USA vendors (TeleVue and Losmandy) and both times the experience was poor.
    Now when I buy, I go by the rule that I must be able to see it in person before purchasing.
    I can honestly say I have not been disappointed again.
     
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  15. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 22, 2023 at 9:49 AM
    #15
    yes. the same applies to purchases of scopes and gear online by individuals
     
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  16. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Sep 22, 2023 at 10:04 AM
    #16
    A friend had a poor online experience recently.
    He ordered a new battery for his e-scooter from Ali-Express.
    A 60v 45Ah LiPo battery, the one he received was labeled as a 60v 45Ah battery but was actually only 60v 20Ah.
    The difference between those 2 batteries is about € 600.
    If people think getting a return on Amazon is difficult, you should try Ali-Express.
     
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  17. sojourneyer

    sojourneyer Well-Known Member

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    sojourneyer, Sep 22, 2023 at 11:46 AM
    #17
    heck with Aliexpress my first purchase never came and I had to wait 45-60 days for a refund
     

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