Ressources for used astronomy equipment

[Muriel Dulieu Holzer]

Hi,

What are your resources/websites/lists/groups/Facebook groups for used astronomy equipment?

I see a lot of equipment being sold through the lists of the local astronomy clubs but I was wondering if there are other resources.

I would love a small refractor at some point and I am looking for a travel bag for my Orion 10" Dob. 

As a side question, where do you get magnetic weights to balance a telescope?

Thanks,

-Muriel

[Steve Gottlieb]

Besides general sites such as Facebook marketplace and Craigslist, there are two main astronomy classified sites —

1)  https://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/

Besides the classifieds section, you can also read about equipment and post questions on a variety of forums such as equipment, software, books (atlases), etc. as well as very active observing forums on imaging, deep sky observing, double stars, star parties, etc.

2)  https://www.astromart.com/

Basically a classifieds site (although there is a little used forums section), broken down in lots of categories like Cloudynights.  There is an annual registration fee of $15 or $16.  Lots of overlap with Cloudynights, although one of Astromarts long list of Terms of Service mentions not selling on another site.

I’ve bought and sold on both sites for years and never had an issue.

Steve

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[Mark Wagner]

CN started by Alister St.Claire and turned to Astronomics.  Nice guy.  Free service.

AM started by and run by (?) Herb York.

[Alex]

For magnetic weights you can check the Harbor Freight. E.g.: https://www.harborfreight.com/retrieving-magnet-250-lb-pull-36905.html

[Philippe Fossier]

I have bought and sold on CN several times without issues.

Note that usual precautions are advised to avoid disappointments - ie:verify the profile of the person you are buying from.

CN tags their users by the time with and level of contribution (posts to forums) to the site.

Finally - CN is a fantastic resource for almost any astronomy subject you want to learn more about or need help with.

I have connected with very experienced astronomers who readily watch for topics of interest and will share invaluable knowledge and experience with you.

Search through their forums, post a question in the relevant forum or pitch in to a forum of interest.

I love the site - it is a lifesaver.

~ philippe

[Mitchell Koerner]

Another vote for harbor freight for magnetic counterweights. I use 4 of these as "micro" weights https://www.harborfreight.com/set-of-2-magnetic-decor-hooks-65528.html

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sf-bay-tac/CAPksk8iHk6mReJeV195LZvToKH5U29WAyQ9AUezSGRuWxmXE_A%40mail.gmail.com.

[Steve Gottlieb]

CN is quite active. I see I’ve made 1,885 posts (mostly on just one forum), and that’s not even close to the major contributors.

Before CN, we had the rise and fall of the s.a.a. newsgroup. But that’s a different story. 

-- Steve

On Aug 26, 2025, at 11:18 AM, Philippe Fossier <philippe...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Stanley Sokolow]

I'm a new member of the MIRA Astronomy Club in Marina CA (near Monterey). At their meeting this month, they took us through their shop and warehouse of old donated equipment.  It's a jumble of just about everything that you can imagine, including complete telescopes, optical tube assemblies, mounts, cases, eyepieces, and counterbalance weights, among other miscellaneous items. They are trying to organize it for lending and/or sale.

https://www.mira.org/facilities.htm .

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[Stefano Antonini]

Hi Muriel,

I have a case for the Orion 10" dobs, I sent you a separate email. Let me know if you are interested!

Clear skies,

Stefano

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[Richard Ozer]

Cloudynights and Astromart for me.  I've bought quite a bit of equipment that way.

On Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 4:02 AM Muriel Dulieu Holzer <mdu...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Tan usa1]

When my account got hacked I got banned from CN classifieds. I reset my passwords etc., but they say classifieds ban is permanent and won't even allow me to start new. So I mostly head to facebook/cragislist or scopetrader. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sf-bay-tac/CAEgXk-%3DxQvaf4XZRLcJw4Mwj8AOyxa48KH%3DpnWscKnWH8FdAJQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Aris Pope]

I second Richard. Cloudynights and Astromart are my go-to's. I've bought and sold a bunch there. 

Aris

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[Rod Brown]

Cloudy Nights for sure. But it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on Facebook and Craigslist. I found my 18UC on Facebook and two Ethos eyepieces with a 2" Tele Vue diagonal and Pelican case for a very good price on Craigslist.

[John Pierce]

I've found a lot of good gear right here on TAC, and on my local club email list.   Much easier to deal with local people who are serious amateurs vs randos across the country.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sf-bay-tac/e8bbfeed-f659-45ab-ae2f-11a4dc0c5722n%40googlegroups.com.

[Ted Hauter]

Join the club Tan.

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[Arvind K]

For used astronomy equipment, I personally prefer Astromart and especially TAC (local sales). Dealing with local individuals, most often in person, through TAC has proven to be much more convenient and less stressful. Thankful for the active astro community we have here.

ps: Tanveer, re: your comment on CloudyNights, that happened to me too!

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[Ted Hauter]

Craigslist.org has been best through the years.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sf-bay-tac/CA%2BrYWUKn%3DPrrHDqqhs%3DkOZ2Xc9h%3DRdaa9iMuQFh2ZDKVy2xKew%40mail.gmail.com.

[Philippe Fossier]

Well.... that was true 10-15 years ago but far less now.

My beloved Craigslist has become a magnet for flakes and scammers across many of its categories.

The original CL crew has given way to folks who are less engaged in driving out bad actors.

As much as it pains me to admit, Facebook Marketplace is worth considering as a venue to sell equipment, provided you are part of relevant groups you can pitch your ware to.

~ philippe

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