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Our hobby has certainly benefited from new technologies over the past 10
years. We have far more choices and the cost has gone way down while the quality
has gone way up.
Other club members will be the best way to begin your search for equipment. We
are fortunate to have members that have expertise to offer to beginners and
advanced alike.
We are also fortunate to have a large selection of astronomy equipment retailers
within driving distance.
Local GTA Retail Stores:
 Highly
knowledgeable, well stocked, and highly recommended. KW can sell anything but
their focus tends to be a "mid-range" niche. They do not sell "junk". They stock
mid/high quality equipment.
 Probably
the best known astronomy retailer in the GTA. Stocked equipment tends to be the
beginner/novice but they also sell high-end equipment as well. Staff is
knowledgeable and friendly and the store is nicely laid out.
 Located
in Barrie but popular with Hamilton club members. They tend to sell most of the brand
names and are eager to negotiate on price and they offer fair shipping rates.
 They
are dealers for most brand names and also tend to have a good selection of used
equipment. They also keep a good inventory of eyepieces and "must have"
accessories.
 Perceptor
is a unique experience and if you are looking for high-end equipment you owe it
to yourself to speak to Jerry. They also have a good selection of "pre-owned"
high-end equipment (sometimes very rare merchandise) that is offered "on
consignment" which helps keep the price fair to buyer and seller alike.
Used Equipment
 This
is the most popular place to find used equipment within Canada. Totally free
(for sellers too).
 This
is by far the largest used equipment site (hosted by Anacortes Telescope). Most
listings are US sellers (some won't ship outside of US). Lots of sellers and
buyers and the good stuff goes quickly! There is a 1-time $ 12.00 fee (for
buyers and sellers). If you have high-end equipment you want to sell, this is
the best place to list it.
On-Line Retailers
 A
popular dealer based in Norman, OK. They are also the North American distributor
for AstroTech telescopes and accessories.
 Probably
the biggest of them all. Most items (including high-end)are in-stock. They are
easy to deal with but shipping rates are high. Located in California.
 A
Tucson, Arizona based retailer which also manufactures some unique products.
Highly regarded for knowledgeable staff and good advice.
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