OPT Telescopes Reviews 75

I've spent quite some $$$ over the years with this company and
over 17 months ago I placed an order for an Exploradome with 50% down upfront and an acknowledgment that it may take a while and not refund available So fast forward to today and after multiple updates from an original 8 months waiting time, they have gone radio silent over the last few weeks, which prompted me to create a BBB complaint and reach out to even the CEO and no response. Be careful with this company's 50% down for observatories or other not-in-stock items.

Date of experience: May 26, 2023

Getting back into Astrophotography, I knew I needed a really GOOD camera at a really GOOD price. My order placed on Thursday was received the following Monday. The ASI224MC camera performed beyond expectations and the only limits are that of me learning how to fully use/appreciate the great pictures this camera is capable of delivering. Great Product, Great Service, Who could ask for more? ;-)

Date of experience: October 17, 2022

If you own a telescope under 6" Apeture then filters which work by blocking out some specific colors ( like the 82a) or multiple types of light (like a "UHC" type) filter.
I use this filter on a 90 mm refractor in Suburban Skies which have quite a bit of light pollution to look at planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. The light blue 82a filter does not block as much light as the traditional number 80 blue filter so I can get the benefit of a filter using the 82a without dimming the image too much... smaller telescopes like my grab and go 90 mm don't collect a whole lot of light so something that doesn't dim the image too much is really nice. And I will tell you using the 82a really helps you see the bands on Jupiter and makes Saturn look nice as well try one and I think you will like it

Date of experience: October 07, 2022

I ordered a used celestron 8 gps from opt telescopes. Item arrived promptly with some excellent extras including 3 2"eyepieces and a 1.25" celestron eyepiece kit. The telescope and accessories are all in great shape and performed without flaws. The price for the telescope was very reasonable and the items arrived promptly. A good retailer.

Date of experience: July 11, 2022

Terrific people. Take the time to talk to you, understand your needs and make good suggestions. And I am not saying this based on one transaction but based on many.

Date of experience: June 20, 2022

I had one of the best experiences with OPT corp. I was skeptical about placing an order for my HEQ 5 mount as it was not in stock and OPT usually charges to place us on the list. Their sales team was prompt in responding to all my queries and also assured with a ETA of the product. I made the purchase and boy were they spot on with their estimate. So yes you can trust OPT on placing expensive orders even if it is backordered or out of stock. Just call them!! Also, they were the only place where I could get my HEQ 5 mount within 2 weeks. Cheers and Clear skies

Date of experience: June 07, 2022

I've been looking for an 8" Celestron--backordered everywhere. OPT showed it as in stock. I sent a chat asking if the item was actually in stock--that if I ordered it, it would ship the next day. I received a reply within an hour or so that it was in stock. They sent me an email invoice for the item, making it easy to order. I purchased it, it shipped within a day, and arrived within a few days. Easy transaction, and I was very satisfied with the customer service.

Date of experience: May 09, 2022

I would not recommend using OPT for purchases. I purchased an item recently that was missing an included component that was listed on their product page. When I messaged their support about it, they informed me that they just learned that the manufacturer no longer includes that, and directed me to the product at OPT to purchase. This is not acceptable. If a product page says an item is included, it must be included. If it is a mistake on the vendor's part, they should make good and include it at their expense, not direct the customer to go purchase it. I will not be using OPT again, and I will be ending my affiliation with them.

Date of experience: April 13, 2022

you shoun’t trust “in stock 14 to 28 days “ for back ordered item on their web site. yes , it is a difficult time but it is advertized with “back in stock 14 to 28 days” and they don’t send anything after 40 days . when you tried to get updated staus of ordere, you’ll get 14 to 28 days junk from the day you requested updated status. when you tried to get more information, they will use excuse that it is a difficult time.

Date of experience: March 17, 2022

I ordered and PAID IN FULL for an option CEM 70G IN February, told it was enroute and arriving in two weeks. Three weeks later...NOTHING. I was told when I called three weeks ago it would be in by March 11. NOTHING. Today March 14 I called and was promised a call back when my mount was located. NOTHING!! No call back or email but they've had my money for over a month. Dont give this outfit any money unless without it being in stock, they lie. Update, item was delivered March 24 in good working order.

Date of experience: March 16, 2022

My experience turned out to be great I loved the item.

Date of experience: January 01, 2022

Terrible customer service after your purchase. Don't be fooled by the initial customer service. They are great until they get your money. Then, service is terrible. Go with a High Point, they provide service even after they get your money.

I was supposed to get a tray with my tripod, it was in the description. I could return it if I paid for shipping. The law is pretty clear on false advertising. If you don't get what is on the website, the seller is required to pay for return shipping.

Date of experience: December 21, 2021

The very best service :)

From my initial cart left open all the way to finalizing the purchase, Gary At Opt was extremely helpful, and would double check that I had everything I required to go ahead with my purchase, without being overbearing.

I highly recommend Opt :)

Date of experience: November 08, 2021

I ordered a telescope in November of 2020 and was told it would ship in 2 weeks. In December they sent a cleaning kit and tripod and said the telescope should be shipped in 2 weeks, that never happened. Finally after many e-mails I was able to cancel my order in August of 2021. They refunded me the cost of the telescope but they would not refund the costs of the cleaning kit and tripod which was worthless without the telescope. I had to pay the cost ($ 67.00) of shipping the cleaning kit and tripod back to get the balance of my money. They wound not refund the shipping costs that I had to pay for their being unable to deliver what I ordered. I wound not advise anyone to use this company for anything. Their customer service worthless.

Date of experience: October 07, 2021

My experience with OPT Telescope has been good! For me, who live in Brazil, it is always very difficult to acquire quality astronomical equipment. We have to import this kind of material. I made 2 purchases at OPT, I received one and I am very satisfied, I am still waiting to send the second product to my address in Brazil.

Date of experience: September 29, 2021

I have made 5 purchases from them, all were delivered promptly and in perfect condition. I had ordered a telescope that was on backorder which I knew at the time of the order, I later cancelled the order and they made it easy with just a couple of emails. Great Service Great Company.

Date of experience: September 22, 2021

I have only gotten into Astrophotography in the last year, so I had no experience with telescope sales companies. I ended purchasing from OPT, as they are touted as the largest telescope retailer in the world with an emphasis on customer service. That just isn't true. They seem to be solely concerned with the next sale. I purchased about $5000 worth of gear, all new, and paid cash (didn't finance). I have tried on three different occasions over the last year to ask a question about a product or purchase and have never received a response. I have tried both email and phone customer service. One time, after about a week and a half, they sent me an email asking if I was happy with the customer service I received from them...Umm, no. Absolutely not! But if you call the phone number and select sales, someone picks up the phone right away. I think they need to spend less time playing Foosball at the office, less time making spoof/April fools videos, and less time rebranding other people's products and doubling the price of said products, and get back to the job we are paying them for. Ie. the best astronomy and astrophotography service in the world. My biggest wish is that I could go back a year and order all of my equipment from someone else. I hate knowing that I supported this nonsense by buying from OPT Telescopes.

Date of experience: September 21, 2021

Trusted telescope provider. 100% centered around customer service. Competitive pricing. Fast shipping.

Date of experience: September 11, 2021

I tried to order 1300$ worth of gear on the 31st. All were listed as in stock, and I paid 56$ for 3 day shipping. It is now the 5th and my order still sits unfulfilled. I have tried contacting them to find out what is going on and have received no response. I work CS for RDQ, we have had triple the volume of sales and I personally help 60-90 people a day with their drones. There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of service when you have only made total sales of 210k by mid Sept. We have 600k and have no issues shipping same day, no issues responding to tickets, and no issues Informing customers if there is a problem. I should also mention we use shopify and only run out of a warehouse.if this company is curious why their sales are lacking... look at your management for the answer.

Date of experience: September 05, 2021

I ordered a Stellina fly case back in Feb 2021 and have been waiting over 6 months, still no case. I have a Stellina smart telescope and would really like this case in order to protect it during transport. I have just been informed that OPT will be drop-shipping the case directly to me from the manufacturer. I hope that this delay that I experienced does not happen to others when they order items from OPT.

Best Regards,

Dave Whigham

Date of experience: August 14, 2021