Comparison between 1965 and 2009

I bought a 60mm Unitron altazimuth in 1965 for $125. According to the inflation calculator that would be $844 today.

A few other comparisons, 1965 versus today's equivalent...
Galoc orthoscopic eyepiece $19.95 = $135
Jaegers 6" f/15 coated and cell $175 = $1182
Questar starting at $795 = $5368
Dynascope RV-6 $194.95 = $1316
Celestron 10" SCT $1670 = $11,277

I note that you can buy a 6" f/15 lens from D&G for $995 today.

The median family income is also up considerably since then and folks, at least until recently, have been able to afford to indulge there hobbies more than in the past.

Clear skies, Alan

That combination of dropping prices and rising income is basically what got me back into the hobby about 10 years ago after nearly 30 years away. I woke up one day and realized that I could easily afford a telescope that would have been beyond my wildest dreams earlier. There's never been a better time to be an amateur astronomer!

I'm not sure why this was posted, not to be argumentative, but it doesn't tell me much. There are many factors that go into producing a product. Not to mention the fact that the products differ from their earlier counterparts in many respects.

If the intent was to comment on the "bloated" thread, I'm not sure it is giving us much additional information. Please do not take this as an attack Alan, it definitely is not. But some times we try to make a point to get at some "fundamental" truth of some sort. The eyeglass comparison is another one, many holes in that analogy as well.

Personally I don't own an Ethos eyepiece and likely will not, but have used one and found it wonderful. I just don't see the value FOR ME. But to make blanket statements that prices are bloated is pretty useless and I think many in the other thread made that point pretty well.

Fortunately there are many choices in astronomical equipment. I do believe there is some value in individuals being critical of producers, unfortunately, and I am guilty of this my self, your emotions get the better of you and you throw the baby out with the bath water.

But I have also seen a good many posts and articles, particularly on other sites, where individuals are just about falling over themselves about a certain manufacturer and this is allowed without much fanfare. In fact manufacturers are getting a free ride when it comes to advertising.

So I hope we utilize the gift the Internet has provided consumers. A venue where we can talk directly to eachother about products without intervention by manufacturers or their shills. Hopefully we will exercise good judgement in our new found position.

Take care,
john