Mystery scopes on eBay

Hi,

Thanks for the useful info I got from you folks earlier, but I'm back for more...

I thought I'd check to see if there were any used scopes on eBay worth getting,
but before I go any further: would you buy a used telescope? Anything particular
to look out for?

Anyway, in the course of looking I noticed quite a few (new) telescopes being
sold by "Taximarket" on ebay: http://tinyurl.com/vli1
At current prices the 4.5" ones are going for about $150, and the 6" ones for
about $200.

The descriptions say: "This 6 inch reflector telescope was made by a major
telescope manufacturer. In fact, this telescope was manufactured in the very
same factory that makes optical products for Bushnell, Tasco, Konus and many
other name brands. This telescope is brand new and has never been removed from
the original factory packaging. "

So basically it's a no-name Chinese thing, I'm assuming. From what I gather,
saying it's made in the same factory as Bushnell isn't much of a selling
point....so should I steer clear of these too?

The other factor is that they are on tripods with equatorial mounts. I have the
impression that a Dob mount would be easier to handle, operate and understand
for a beginner, but that a well set-up EQ is good too, especially with a drive
to track objects automatically. Is it likely that a tripod and mount coming with
one of these no-name scopes will be any good?

Any advice gratefully accepted...

Cheers,

Boggis

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