| TESTIMONIALS
Our sincere thanks to those customers
for their comments and feedback.
Astro Shop's experience and
advice used for a 2 page feature article in
Nov-Dec 2010 Gear Magazine.
As always; AstroShop
communications was great and I was kept informed of ordering status,
store stock and shipping advice and all up it took 2 or 3 days to find
it’s way to my work place. I must say I have always had a great
experience from AstroShop and cannot recommend them highly enough.
A.Grimshaw (QLD)
see his site here
Just writing to thank you
very much for the great scope and gear I purchased from you recently for
the Total Solar Eclipse in Cairns. The Vixen ED80 is as sharp as a tack
- brilliant!
Stephen Permezel (N.T.)
see gallery of images here
Over the last few years I
have purchased a number of different types of eyepieces ranging from the
cheaper generic types to Nagler and Baader all of varying focal lengths.
Recently I purchased the Vixen LVW42 Lanthanum 2-inch eyepiece. The only
issue I have with this eyepiece is how mediocre it makes all my other
ones seem. The contrast, depth of view and clarity are unsurpassed, it
is hard to feel bothered to put any other eyepiece in once I start an
observing session.
Glen Hills (QLD)
Hi guys,
Just wanted to let you
know that the vixen xy guider is every bit as good as your review said
it was! Looks like I have solved my guider flexure issues are now solved
and am getting far better pics now. Thanks heaps
Terry Mould (NSW)
Steve,
I thought I’d put in writing my sincere and deep appreciation of your
efforts over the past 4 days in supporting the Townsville Astronomy
Group in developing their astro- photographic skills. One hears often
about customer service being important which is just as often only lip
service but you have broken the mould by travelling 3000 kms in your own
time to advise and guide a bunch of rank amateurs over three nights and
days and for no monetary reward at all.
This is the mark of a dedicated professional and the epitome of customer
service and I especially recommend anyone interested in this field to
talk to you for honest, impartial and most importantly , professional
advice.
Very Best wishes for the future
Dave and Eileen Price (QLD)
Thanks for processing and
shipping my order so fast...We finally had clear skies with no wind last
night, even though the temp dropped below zero C it was a great chance
to try out the Vixen eyepieces and, I'm rather impressed with the
quality over the standard Celestron 20mm eyepiece which came with my
second hand EQ130. My second hand 12mm Lanthanum Vixen eyepiece also
turned my head, it's amazing.
I know you're busy people, just wanted to say thanks for the help and
great service and, share a couple of pictures we took last night.
Leo Atkinson (NSW)
I received my camera
earlier this week.
I just wanted to pass on my thanks for a fast, efficient service. We
have taken the camera for a run and are very happy with our purchase. In
the internet world its very easy to forget to say thank you when you
have received great service.
So well done to you. I will definitely be a returning customer.
Mark Godden (VIC)
... thanks for the fast
delivery. Have to say I am very impressed with the new planet cam
compared to the Neximage camera I bought from you last year. I gave that
away to a neighbour who is just starting out and can help him with it.
The new camera is great!! even just for snapshots of the moon using the
gstar software but with video stacked images the Saturn image I sent you
from last week was so much better than I had done with the Celestron
camera and much easier colour adjustment than the neximage. Last night
the seeing was'nt very good but it was easy to see features of Mars and
the colour looked great. I would definitely
recommend the planet cam to anyone with tight finances or wanting to
experiment who is looking for a good high resolution camera to get
started with especially for the price. I think the celestron camera cost
me way more...
Stephen Levitan (NSW)
Hi fellas, you were
absolutely right about the Quantum filter wheel! It is really well made,
so much better low profile and the software is easy to use to but am
using the Ascom driver with another program (see first image from last
week) and it solves the inward focus problem. Just got to get rid of
this other old wheel now. Thanks again for the suggestion
P. Christie (NSW)
The attention & care to
detail I have received over the years , from both yourself & Vince, are
the very reasons I chose to deal with you in the first place. I look
forward to our future dealings, in all matters Astronomical.
Sincerely yours,
Clay Reid (SA)
...I did forget to
mention to you on the phone the other day, the Vixen LVW eyepiece and
filter set is awesome. The construction and workmanship of the product
is second to none. I'm very happy to say, in purchasing my equipment, I
made the right choice in who to deal with, the service is impeccable and
the support you give is outstanding, thank you Steve.
Dean Jones (NSW)
Hi Guys
Excellent refurbishment
on my C-9.25 worth every cent! I only wish I'd got it from you guys in
the first place. Not sure it was ever right but collimation is something
I have always been troubled with since I got this baby back in '07. The
mirror looks brand new ..what did you do?!?!? and the view of Jupiter
last night was amazing and way better than before. Even the outside
clean of the tube made it all seem fresh and new bought :-) Will get
those ep's you mentioned too thank you.
Stephen Handley (NSW)
Hello Steve,
Telescope, eyepieces and collimation tool (thanks for this upgrade!) all
received OK.
The 12" Dob looks great! It saw first light last weekend and I was very
impressed with its performance.
I would like to thank you for your friendly service and professional
advice on eyepieces.
I look forward to buying more stuff from AstroShop in the near future
and of course, I will recommend AstroShop to my friends.
Clear skies!
Hans (QLD)
Hey Steve, I just wanted
to say that myself and Leanne had a fantastic night..... Thanks for
taking the time to show us how to set up and use my telescope.... We saw
more stars in one night than what I've seen in the last year and a half.
You and Graham did a great job showing us a taste of what's to come with
our Astrophotography. I would not buy anywhere else ( you would have to
be crazy ) buying elsewhere when you get such service as we did tonight.
Dave Johnstone (QLD)
Your service thus far has
been second to none. For a 'very' amateur astronomer like myself,
getting started has been made all the more easier with your helpful
advice - keep up the great work!
George Atsalis (S.A)
Dear Steve, Vince &
everybody else at Myastroshop.
I'd like to thank you all for the timely supply, & more importantly the
after sales service on my purchase of the 14" Skywatcher Synscan Dob. In
my opinion, what makes a great place to deal with is the support after
the fact. Thank you so much team Myastroshop!
Regards,
John Earl (QLD)
Hi guys,
I just wanted to provide some feedback on my new Skywatcher 8in GOTO dob.
(StarGazer
Pack 4)
It arrived today, very well packed and I had it assembled in under an
hour. I am astonished at the quality, this is extremely well constructed
for the price...
Lucky enough to get clear skies on the first night out. I did a 2-star
alignment with the southern cross and Sirius (about the only 2 stars I
know :-), then straight into the guided tour on the SynScan
controller... first up Orion Nebula. The scope slewed over and centred
it perfectly, the image just leapt out of the 25mm eye-piece! I could
clearly resolve the four stars in the Trapezium surrounded by the wispy
nebula. Onto the Jewel Box... beautiful colours. Will come back to that
one for some astrophotography.
I searched some named stars like Procyon, Acrux, Alpha Centauri - the
two binary stars bright and easily visible.
Finally I opened up the southern sky atlas, and searched for a few NGC
objects. Found a great globular cluster NGC 5286 in Centauri. The view
even matched your Southern Atlas photo!
I am just so amazed and impressed with this scope, it really was so easy
to setup and the views are stunning. I was so excited I had to email you
before I went to bed after tonight's session and send you a huge thank
you! (its now 1.30am)
...Issue with the power supply was no biggy, I checked with Vince who
was very helpful and advised on the rating required :-)
cheers, J. Edwards (VIC)
Hi Steve
Well I had no idea putting two and two together that the Atlas of the
southern sky is your handy work with Steve Quirk and what a fine book it
is! Thank you for the Williams eyepieces which arrived in record time
;-) and congratulations to you and Mr.Quirk for producing a thoroughly
excellent book and second time around :-). As a reasonably seasoned
amateur astronomer, it is both a treat and reassuring to know that true
amateur astronomers that actually get out under the stars and do this
stuff are also in the business of telescope supply with quality advice
and without all the hard sell stuff.
Keep up the great work
G.Farrell (QLD)
No query - just a thanks
to Vince (my phone run out of power when we were talking on Saturday so
sorry about when it cut out). Thanks for helping with my late xmas order
- particularly as it was a Saturday. You certainly did all you could to
help me and that is greatly appreciated.
R.Stewart (ACT)
Thanks for your great
support in my latest purchasing spree. Your true professionalism,
knowledge, speed and reliability of service is a marvel. I will never
hesitate to do business with you as your products seem endless.
Regards
Bob at Takura Observatory (QLD)
I just want to say how
much I enjoy using my new Hotech laser collimator which you recommended.
I have to trolley my 12 inch dobsonian over quite a lot of bumpy ground
to reach my observing positions on my small farm at Braidwood. That
risks losing any collimation settings I've done in the shed. The Hotech
is just such a pleasure, and so easy, to use. I now trolley out first
and then collimate the secondary and primary with the Hotech. Lovely
results with star testing showing my best ever collimations. Thanks and
regards,
E.Cochrane (ACT)
Hello Steve,
Received the G-star
camera in crack time so thank you. It is every bit as good as you say
and after a little fiddling I think I have it sorted now being my first
time in astro photography and now having a better understanding about
exposures. The view on our tv is amazing! and much better than anything
I ever see in the eyepiece. Barb and I still need to learn a bit more
about using the video capture software but we are thrilled. Might not
need a bigger telescope after all.
Stan WIlliams (VIC)
Dear Steve,
Thanks again for your
help, nice to meet you and do business with you, you made it very easy
for me.
I received the telescope and books yesterday afternoon (that was a
relief) and was surprised at how quickly it had arrived.
I am just writing to you to tell you how much my husband loves the SW880
telescope i bought from you for his 40th birthday.I knew he would and he
absolutely loves it. He uses it whenever he as the opportunity.
Sylvia.Reed (S.A)
Hi Steve,
This is fantastic. I received it (very surprised) this morning. I am very
happy with the quick service I received. Not even 18 hours after
ordering!. If only most web stores were as good as yours.
Thanks once again,
D. Sneddon (QLD)
Hi Steve
Thanks for the great
advice and fast delivery once again. Though I put you through the ringer
and saved a few bucks on the scope I sincerely appreciate the advice and
what a great scope the Skywatcher is! Dealing with you is always a
pleasure especially since you back what you say from experience and
have not disappointed yet. Love the new book too mate,
congratulations to you and Steve Quirk. Will be in touch for some
accessories soon.
Bill Davies (QLD)
Although you're a
Queenslander now, you guys are still the best and most honest dealer
around in my opinion Steve!. Thanks again.
Jon Clarke (NSW)
The binoculars arrived today and they are
excellent!
The quality, clarity and value for the money of these Vixens will do me just fine!!
Thanks for your recommendation to buy the Vixens and your quick order turn-around.
I'll recommend you to anyone.
M. Gryl (QLD)
Dear Steve
Just a note to tell you that I have been
more than satisfied with your very excellent and speedy service and wide range of quality
astronomy products.
Having just started into this hobby before the end of last year I found your website
through a Google search along with many others but decided to purchase from you because of
your very professional attitude when I called to clarify certain things and was pleasantly
surprised to receive more than 100% good advice!! I like the fact
that you have a very detailed website. What even surprised me more was the exceptionally
quick delivery of
all my orders which arrived in a couple of days and good advice before I committed to the
purchase!
I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone at all
Bill Yeo (W.A)
Dear my astro shop
You probably don't remember me but I phoned
you umpteen times to check that a telescope I wanted to buy my husband for Christmas would
really come up to his fussy requirements. It did and he is delighted!!! Thank you so much
for the wonderful advice, honest approach and especially the time your staff took to
explain the differences between the bewildering possibilities. Like many time poor last
minute shoppers I did search the shops yet found very few knew anything about their
products. Your company was friendly and delivery fast so best wishes to all of you and
please feel free to use this as a testimonial for your wonderful web site!
Dianne Kirk (QLD)
Hi Steve, the GSTAR-EX is nothing short of
amazing as a deep sky camera. It took me a little while to work the menu system out but
once I had it figured it all worked just as you said it would. I'll have to sell the Meade
camera now to keep the other half happy about the investment.The GStar software is also
just as excellent and easy to use. Thank you for making it available freely! It's worth
paying for believe me.
David Simmons (QLD)
Dear Steve,
I wanted to email you in relation to the ProStar 127mm APO scope that I purchased from
you. I'm glad that I listened to your judgement on the scope and I am so pleased to say
that I now have the scope that I have been dreaming of for ages.
The scope arrived the day after you dispatched it in a double cardboard box with rubber
inserts between them to minimize transport bumps. Inside the boxes was the biggest
aluminium case I've ever seen with the scope and accessories nestled within. It's a
beautifully presented scope, with a deep white paint scheme and contrasting blue anodized
aluminium. It exceeded my expectations - as there is no plastic in sight, just machined
aluminium. I could rave for hours about the focuser, diagonal and alignment scope as they
really are brilliant.
The scope is excellent optically, I looked for hours at various stars and Saturn - testing
it at high and low magnification. Suffice it to say that it has less CA than my WO 80mm
triplet using the same eyepieces (and I'm happy with the 80mm). Colour only appears at
very high magnification but that may also have been due in part by atmospheric aberrations
as well. Star patterns are identical inside and outside of focus and when at focus,
pinpoint stars have a faint diffraction ring surrounding them. The focuser will easily
handle the weight of my ST7 or 350D cameras, with no give at all. The 10:1focuser is a
real joy to use at high magnifications as the point of exact focus is easily obtained as
the image snaps to clarity at that point. No more hunting back and forth for best focus.
Despite the weight of the scope my HEQ5Pro mount easily handled it and balanced easily.
I'm most impressed with my new scope and the attention to detail you provided so that I
felt confident in my purchase. That type of care went a long way to making this customer
happy and secure in the knowledge that I was dealing with a fellow astronomer that wanted
to share the hobby and not a supplier that just wanted to make a quick sale. Thanks again
Steve for your thoughtfulness (and a beautiful scope).
Regards, Allan Gould (QLD)
Brilliant advice and prompt service. Very
happy with the new binoculars. Thanks again.
Karen Parker . (W.A)
Regarding the Atlas of the Southern
Night Sky
"When I first picked up this book, I
was particularly impressed by the quality of the publication. The binding, quality of
paper, and general appeal was that of a book that I would assume to be sold at around
double its price. Later, when I studied it more closely, it came home. This is the book
that we've all been waiting for!
I regard myself as a "hobbyist". I have been looking skyward at night for some
45 years and have owned many telescopes,(and still own too many!) and consequently many
"Star Atlases". The norm is that you pay a lot of money for a slim volume with a
lot of pokey charts and a cursory regard to the Southern Hemisphere. It is so refreshing
to find an atlas that is well produced, well written, well illustrated, and dedicated
solely to us in the Antipodes (and entirely Australian).
Moreover, this Atlas would be user friendly to anyone at entry level, but still provides
enough info to satisfy the most experienced "astronomer" using relatively small
tubes in the field (and lets face it, few of us can afford big scopes, and when the night
sky is a hobby, and you are not a Scientist, well you don't get time on the big ones)
Particularly pleasing is the non inclusion of objects of a magnitude too small to see by
the average home user, as these things tend to clutter charts up (and perhaps raise false
expectations?) and I really enjoyed the little "tips" that pop up at various
pages.
Well done to the two "Steves". Now that you have given us something Australian
Vince Legge (QLD)
As a first time ever imager, the GSTAR-EX
truly amazed me. I set up my scope, literally took the GSTAR EX out of its sealed unopened
box, placed it in the scope, connected the power and video cables, turned on the monitor
and what do you see, Centaurus A sitting beautifully in the middle of the screen. It was
that simple. I have to say that I have not had a more enjoyable and exciting moment in
star gazing. I highly recommend this camera and the great support given by myAstroShop to
all.
Michael Clark (NSW)
Steve, just a quick note to thank you for
the outstanding customer service of the last year or so. I had reason to use one of your
competitors recently (for something you sadly couldn't supply) and even though the service
was fine and the device works 100% I still had to follow up to find out when my parcel
would arrive. I've never have to do that with My Astro Shop.
Also, I can't believe that I waited so long to buy the GSTAR-EX. I've wasted a year when I
could have been imaging. This device is amazing. As a novice with only two short imaging
sessions under my belt I was able to not only image the Horsehead from suburban Sydney but
also see it clearly on the monitor.
I do have one complaint though - Thanks to the GSTAR my very expensive eyepiece collection
have become very expensive paperweights. I don't really need them using the GSTAR and the
monitor. :-)
All the best and keep up the great service
Mike Holliday (NSW)
Dear Steve
Thought I would give you some feedback on the OT15mm
UWA eyepiece that I recently purchased as well as the 30MM
UWA the same stable. I used them last weekend on a 2" diagonal and 8" SCT
f10 scope. The views with these eyepieces were far, far above what I expected
from this price range of equipment. The 30mm gave wide panoramic views of M1 and M42 that
had excellent contast and detail at least 80-90% of the view. Some may say the edge
performance drops off a little - it does but I generally recenter an object to get the
best view without going to peripheral type viewing. On the Sunday night the 15mm was
nothing but
exceptional. With the 8" scope the Trapezium was 6 round points of light.
Steady views with sharp, contrasty details. The view was better on that night than I can
remember through my 10" with any other eyepiece. There are a lot of comments on the
web about these eyepieces - for one, I am more than happy with them and they are
exceptional value for money. They give very satisfying wide angle views such that objects
you have seen time and time again appear fresh and in a different context. I found it hard
to go back to a 1.25" eyepiece irrespective of its field of view.
Worth far more than I paid for them and I would recommend them without hesitation.
I was also pleased with your prompt and efficient service.
Many thanks.
Allan Gould (QLD)
Hi Steve
Just thought Id say thanks for your advice that led me to buying the ProMak180 last month.
Its proven to be just what I wanted as a portable general purpose telescope. I was a bit
concerned due to the f15/2700mmFL but the more I use it the more I'm impressed. Haven't
had a chance to it use on planets yet but at a darksky site the other weekend got great
DSO views even with the small FOV - high contrast and crisp stars using just a standard
TV25mm Plossl.
Chris Wakeman (NSW)
Great service and a really good experience
with with this company. I have been very well looked after and would highly recommend
them.
Hugh Beddard (W.A)
Dear Steve
Well good service MUST be responded with a big thank you. I couldn't believe it when I
arrived so late to pick up the eyepieces that you had your own telescope set up for an
inspection. I don't want to sound gushy but this was really unexpected and made me feel
much more confident about the surprise purchase! Where else could someone buy something so
technically oriented and which they thought they knew little about and find a true expert
showing and demonstrating them the differences. WOW!
Peter was so pleased with the gift and will be in contact with you soon for some further
suggestions. He said the Vixens completely transformed the LX90 far beyond what he was
used to seeing with his existing eyepieces. I felt proud to be able to give him something
different for once and would like to pass on my sincere gratitude to you for taking the
time to talk with me and showing that good old fashioned service has not died in this
country.
Regards
Fiona Crowley - (QLD)
Dear Steve
Finally had a chance to do some observing
tonight and try out the OT30 and 15 ep's. WOW, they performed every bit as good as you
said they would with the ED100. The view was amazing across the whole field of view with
only showing the slightest distortion at the very extreme edges where I could hardly bend
my eye anyway. Certainly gives the sensation of being among the stars. It's a great
eyepiece and not definitely the same as the other cheaper version I'd looked through.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Paul Holmes - (NSW)
"I am simply amazed at how
this camera (GSTAR-EX) picks up faint light."
"To easily see galaxies and fainter stars live on the monitor that I used to struggle
to glimpse through the eyepiece before is truly amazing and even in moonlit skies for
goodness sake!
By stacking a few minutes worth of video frames, it pushes the limit to well below 18th
magnitude with my 31.5 cm Newtonian telescope. That is way deeper than I ever achieved
with fast film and 40-60 minute exposures. I'm impressed."
Steve Quirk - (NSW)
Dear Steve, Good to see you're back in the
saddle and working in the business you love once again :-).I heard you on the radio on
Monday and and the new ep's arrived that same afternoon.
Wooah, the 66° ep kit is as good as you said it would be - if not, perhaps better than
i'd really expected. Isn't it amazing how ep techology has improved? Good luck with the
new online business...I'm hearing lots of good stuff around the traps. You always were a
perfectionist, especially when it comes to the average joe on a tight budget (yes me)
seeking good gear.
Scott Janson (NSW)
Hi Steve, The bits arrived today no
problems and WOW the lvw13 is amazing. Tried it tonight with the Celestron and I can't
remember seeing so much detail on Jupiter. Even Callisto right at the edge of the eyepiece
view appeared sharp as a tack! Thanks for the suggestion.
Michael Watson (QLD)
Unbelievably good service and advice; a
rare thing to find these days Steve. Thanks so much for spending the time to show me how
the scope all goes together and the tour of your great southern night skies! Love the
Ultra-wide eyepiece too; best I've looked through.
Darren Jackson (U.K - NSW)
I would just like to thank you for the
service prompt delivery of the fantastic telescope which I purchased from your store
online. The telescope was better than I imagined, and being able to see Saturn, Mars and a
few double stars on my first night was excellent. I only wish for constant cloudless
nights! Also, your site has a wealth of information that I have found extremely useful,
and will continue using for a long time. I will be definitely purchasing from your store
again and will be recommending it to anyone else interested in astronomy. Well Done!
Mr. Samuel Goodwin (NSW)
Dear My Astro Shop
Thank you for the prompt delivery of the SW450 telescope an your help with the childrens
questions which Dan and i could not conceive of answering. Both are out tonight with the
telescope enjoying the Moon and I think Venus but for once away from the TV.
Ms. Anne Simpson (NSW)
Hi Steve,
Great to meet you last week and thank you for the book and binoculars. The prompt service
was better than expected. We enjoyed watching the International Space Station for the
first time after getting the useful time table from your website. Moves very fast doesn't
it!!!
Mark Hammond (S.A)
Dear Steven
We really enjoyed your talk last week and are glad we came. I was a little unsure about
what we were seeing through the telescope because the galaxy appeared so dim but when you
explained why and how, Karl and I now understand far more than we did before the talk.
You're very passionate about the subject aren't you...tee hee. Your book has also been a
great read and has inspired us to spend more time out under the stars. Congratulations on
the My Astro Shop. We look forward to meeting you again.
Maria - Rockhampton (QLD)
Dear myAstroShop
Just a quick note to say a "BIG" thank you for the prompt delivery of the SW450.
We knew it
was a last minute effort and genuinely appreciate the lengths you went to getting here in
time for xmas. Only wish we hadn't already spent money on a 60mm telescope from...***..
which was more trouble than it was worth but now understand the differences you explained.
Mrs. J. Richards (NSW)
Thanks again for the prompt delivery. The
telescope is better (bigger) than I'd expected. Thank you for spending so much time
explaining things. Very helpful as usual.
Jason Clarke (NSW)
MIXED FEEDBACK / COMMENTS
Excellent communications and true to word
and form: very reliable and friendly
Super Fast Supplier. Quality Product. Thanks
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