That was very helpful. Thanks!

John

Keith

Like Alice, I do my telescope shopping on-line, and typically with Orion (http://www.telescope.com/). I lament the closure of the physical store for Aurora Astro that Alice noted (my article on the closure is at http://www.examiner.com/astronomy-in-seattle/aurora-astro-products-closing); he’s still open on-line but appears to be out of telescopes, though he may be able to special order. I’m not familiar with the others Alice mentioned. Sometimes higher-end camera stores will have telescopes, but not much selection and even less expertise to help you make a good choice.

Without knowing about Captain’s or Close, I’d say Anacortes is the best bet for an in-store shopping experience. And it’s a nice trip up there!

–Greg

I buy most of my telescopes online. I got one from Edmund Scientific (now Scientifics Online: http://scientificsonline.com ), one from Astro-Tech (http://www.astronomytechnologies.com/ ), and several from Galileoscope (https://www.galileoscope.org/ ).

There are three scope stores I know of in Seattle:
Aurora Astro (but the physical store closed earlier this year) – http://www.auroraastro.com/
Captain’s Nautical (I’ve been here several times, they’re fairly knowledgeable) – http://www.captainsnautical.com/ 2500 15th Ave West, Seattle – just south of the Ballard Bridge
Close Scientific Instruments (I haven’t been in, but called them once) – http://www.closeinstrumentrepair.com/ 2316 4th Ave, Seattle

I’m also going to point this comment out to my friend Greg, who might have more suggestions.

Hope that helps!
-Alice

-Alice

Where is the best place to go in Seattle if I’m thinking of buying a telescope? I know there’s a company up in Anacortes, but is there a decent store for telescopes in Seattle itself?

Thanks,
John