Testimonials Page

Customer's Testimonials
and Comments

This page contains some of the many kind words we have received from our customers.

SBIG vs. Other Brands

"I have a ST-7E with extended cooling. I have really enjoyed it.... simply put, it works... I had owned another 0400 system. I am here to tell you that it did not do what it was advertised. The programming stunk, the cooling system had to be returned to the factory for rejuvanation, the shutter would bind if allowed to get wet, etc, etc. I luckly had an honest dealer ... who took it back after 3 months of fruitless efforts on my part... and a hired programmer. Simply put, your camera works right out of the box. Thanks." -R.C., Arkansas

"...I've realized SBIG is truly a leading company in this field with their innovative and advanced technology... I believe SBIG camera is superior to any other competitors' camera in every aspect... Now I'm very satisfied with my ST-8, CFW-8, and AO-7. My present system is very simple and good for "Mobile Imaging" as no piggyback guide-scope is required because of the self-guide function." -S. S., Japan.

"I would like to comment on the quality of your products and customer service. I traded in a competitor's camera with the same chip for an ST-7. It seemed expensive but the self tracking and ease of use with excellent software were more than worth it. I recently sent the camera back for the E upgrade. Not only are the images better but I am very impressed with the speed and efficiency of your company and the courtesy I received." - B.R., New Mexico

"After a few months of use, and discussing with others I now regret that I didn't buy a SBIG in the first place, but I will once I upgrade (I can tell you). And the reasons are several.... 1) I would be able to upgrade to the blue enhanced chip. 2) I would be able to upgrade to ST8E. 3) I could add adaptive optics with AO-7. 4) SBIG has a better reputation for stability in the hardware of the CCD's, and generally higher technical and mechanical standard. Get me right here, I am not bashing [competitor], but simply noting the fact. They are not good on software and CCD imaging. 5) SBIG seems to keep a higher pace in new development. 6) The supplied RGB filters (with the colorweel) is of a better quality since they do block out IR. [Competitor] RBG filters passes some IR in a dual passband manner. Extremely annoying. A IR blocker then becomes necessary, but then I cannot shoot with the supplied IR filter. 7) Changing desiccant (even by myself). As it turns out this feature is important. If I want to do this on [competitor's camera] I need to dismantle (literally) the camera, in order to get out the desiccant. I think that would be reason enough. A ST7 + CW8 would have costed me slightly more initially, but by the time I get to point 2) I would have made this up. I really do aim for a large chip camera in the future (say a year from now), and unless something exceptional does happen on the market it points strongly in the direction of SBIG and ST8E...Clear Skies." -M.N., Sweeden

"In making my decision on which camera I went back and forth... I chose the ST-7 because of the things I heard about it being easier to use and more reliable. I have been happy with my choice." - R. P., New Jersey.

"I feel SBIG products are superior. I am very impressed with your customer service. When I had any questions regarding your products I always receive a prompt reply. I feel your products are very user friendly and they work!" - A. N., Texas.

"I wanted the quality so I bought an ST7... Great images first night out... I love my ST7 and will upgrade to an ST8 in the future. I have recommended SBIG to many people." - J. K., Michigan.

"I didn't want to just start with B&W, I wanted color, I looked at several brands, and eventually chose SBIG, a combination of price and features... In my opinion, SBIG offered the greatest number of options, at a more reasonable price. You also offer a reasonable software package with your product. I also liked the idea of a camera with autoguiding built-in. I was somewhat concerned about complexity, of the equipment and the software, your products sounded like they were integrated well enough. I got on your users group and watched what people were saying, I made my purchase, and I'm very happy... The equipment worked right out of the box." - P. T., Pennsylvania.

"[I] Read all the literature available and decided that SBIG offered the best cameras, with the best reliability and the best customer support. I have never regretted my decision." - A. G., Nevada.

"SBIG was always my camera vendor of choice. The ST-7 was high on my list. Price held me back for a short time but not too long. I'm very frugal... Autoguiding capability of the ST-7 along with 9 micron pixel size and regulated Peltier supply were major factors. Support and accessories available were additional factors. You guys make the best on the market. I consider my ST-7 to be the closest thing available to a 'Brownie Camera' on the market. It's easy to use and a great performer. If I don't get good images it's my fault. The camera performs flawlessly. I have always been very pleased with both the camera and SBIG's support. Keep up the good work, guys....As you can tell, I am please overall with your products and services. I am a firm believer in technology as an integral part of astronomical tools and I plan on following your products closely." - R. A., Wisconsin.

"I think SBIG is interested in staying on top of the competition in the Astro CCD industry and that gives me confidence in your dedication to your existing customers as compared to some company's main interest in just sales." - J.M., Missouri.

"[I] Wanted to make sure I was getting the best I could for the money I was willing to spend. SBIG is the best. Product works great, consistently, and as advertised. Service is very good as well." - J.M., California.

"Before I purchased my ST4 I was "as dumb as a box of hammers" about CCD's and autoguiding. I did what research that I could and the consensus was that the ST4 was the autoguiding king. Unfortunately I did not know anyone personally that had one - so that caused some uneasy-ness. Thankfully, I have been very pleased with my choice. I tried to manually guide a fork mounted telescope. It was not bad to guide for piggyback shots with moderate telephoto lenses but prime focus was very difficult. I REALLY like walking around and chatting with my friends while my photos are being exposed now." - C. K., Michigan.

"I bought your ST-4 in 1990 when there were no comparable products on the market. Even now, I know of no other (published) astrophotographer using any other autoguider as good as an ST-4... Could not stand manual guiding at Mt. Pinos where the temperatures go below 20°F. If my ST-4 ever fails, I pack up and go home. Yet, after 9 years of using the same ST-4, this has almost never happened!... When asked for my opinion regarding purchase of your autoguider versus a competitor's, I say 'You can spend a few hundred dollars more and get an autoguider that works (ST-4) or you can save a few hundred and purchase an autoguider that NEVER works..'." - J. F., California.

SBIG Quality and Reliability

"Just wanted to say thank you for a fine product. I have been thoroughly enjoying my (updated) ST-8E. It performs flawlessly. The CWF-8 and the new filters are wonderful, too. In my business, no one say thanks for a fine job, anymore; and so I wanted to do just that." - L. D.

"You guys do a super job and as a product development engineer (EE) ... I can appreciate the effort required to produce such good products ! Thanks!" - S. J.

"My overall feeling about SBIG is excellent." - S. D., France.

"I like the fact that SBIG offers an upgrade path as the technology improves. This is important as it does not obsolete my investment." - T. A., Illinois.

"I never have had a problem in the 5 years I have owned the camera." - B. C., Illinois.

"Had the thing taking images the first night out. Once I learned to properly balance the scope, the camera has been a pleasure on deep space objects..." - D. F., Georgia.

"I've always liked SBIG products and when you got the e chip going decided it was time to bite the bullet and get started... This is all for photometry for the AAVSO. I'm sure I'll just shoot some stuff for fun but photometry is the reason I'm getting it along with the capability of looking for SN for fun...The ST-7 had a nice price point, autoguiding was a necessity. I thought about a ST-6 vs. ST-7 for a couple years but the ST-7e did it for me." - J. D., Maryland.

"Best way to stir up enthusiasm among our members which had fallen badly due to light pollution in our area. It has worked beautifully and is probably responsible for the increased activity in our club! I think that your company is one of the best I have ever dealt with and have said so to our board of directors... They will be ordering a ST9 soon." - S. J., Wisconsin.

"I feel the ST-5C is the finest camera available for imaging the Planets. I am totally happy with its performance, a joy to use. My experience with SBIG cameras has been nothing but success, I have used extensively both the ST-7 and ST-5C and both are superb cameras. Also the CCDOPS operating software is excellent for camera control and operation." - D. P., Norfolk, UK.

"[... severe light pollution at my site] CCDs offer me an opportunity to image objects that are invisible visually... You have always offered excellent service and support!!" -C. F., Florida.

"Keep up the good quality & service. I never hesitate buying from someone I can trust and that stands behind their products." - G. G., Illinois.

"Almost every CCD astronomer I know really appreciate what a good job you guys do." - D. G., California.

"I have had no problems with my ST-5C. In addition, it operates flawlessly and in the manner described in the product literature. Besides, SBIG makes products that last... SBIG has an excellent customer relation." - T. E., Oregon.

"You people are the best!" - R. S., Arizona.

"[We] Needed a scientific grade instrument for our new observatory, so we purchased two ST8's photography and photometry and astrometry and asteroid searching, nova searching etc...SBIG is a superb company which I highly recommend to colleagues in the professional community." - D. B., Pennsylvania.

"I am so pleased with my ST-7, I'm upgrading to the new ST-7E ABG with hopes of getting an ST-8E ABG soon." - J. G., Connecticut.

"I have had a very positive experience with SBIG. Please continue to offer products for the advanced amateur in addition to less expensive products with wider appeal. Thanks." - N. M., Washington.

"At the time I purchased my ST-7 I was concerned about the size of the investment, but its ability to self-guide really sold me, and I knew that SBIG had an excellent reputation. I have never regretted that decision and I continue to be amazed by the capabilities of the camera." - V. R., Colorado.

"I am very happy with my ST-7 so far. Am just starting the Herschel II observing program and am doing the whole thing with my 8" and ST-7. It is a great match-up!" - A. K., Wisconsin.

"SBIG offers an outstanding product. Keep up the good work." - D. J., California.

"This camera is really awesome, it's much easier to get good images then film." - S. H., California.

"I thought the use of CCD would enhance my astronomy experience. I was right. I observe from my back yard where street lights are a big hindrance. By using a long due shield I can defeat much of the effect of the street lights on the camera. I can now image galaxies that might not even be smudges visually. - D. M., Nevada.

"I want to compliment SBIG as a company for turning out fine products and backing them with good user support. I wish every company was run like yours. Thanks!" - S. L., Arizona.

"Finally the technique made it possible to photograph deep sky objects and getting the results only prof. astronomers could get when I was a kid. A new universe opened up to an amateur astronomer. I love it! Please keep on developing the fantastic SBIG CCD cameras... THANKS!" - A. N., Norway.

"You have achieved being "easy to use". This saves the user money and adds to his pleasure. You company understands what it takes to have customers take pride in their purchase." - W. E., California.

"My impression is that SBIG deserves its excellent reputation." - A. B., California.

"Thanks for caring about the end-users that we are." - L. H., Luxmbourg.

SBIG Customer Support

"Many thanks for your prompt and friendly answer to my help request. I'm happy to say that I was able to solve the problem and that everything is now working perfectly to my great relief and satisfaction. As a demonstration I attach the first two pictures taken two nights ago with my brand new PixCel237. They were taken from the garden of my house in the countryside, which is lit by sodium streetlights and while the neighbors were having a party. The camera was attached to a 4 inches f/6.3 Meade 2045D Schmidt Cassegrain. I find the results simply astonishing. And I can't wait to hook the camera to my fast 8 inches f/4 Newtonian." - G. P., Rome, Italy.

"My experience with your customer service is top notch. I have seen numerous SBIG cameras out there and found that the people that owned them had the least trouble operating their systems (as compared to your competitors). I'm am looking forward with anticipation to getting my camera and taking the plunge!" - J. R., Georgia.

"Two things why SBIG makes the best CCD cameras. The camera works as promised. Phone customer support. These two things is why I bought from SBIG. And why I will continue to buy from SBIG. You have me for life!" - T. G., Minnesota.

"SBIG reputation for customer service. Living so far away from USA, I need a reliable piece of equipment. I prefer to own such equipment that I may be able to repair. But if the manufacturer has reputation of providing good service, nothing beats. I have been on SBIG user mailing list, APML, MAPUG and have been reading the posts which finally gave me the confidence that I can safely go in for SBIG." - P. A., Manila, Philippines.

"I think your service to the customer is outstanding. Few companies, in any field give the ongoing support that SBIG does." - C. G., Arizona.

"I think you do a GREAT job. I wish all my dealings were with such conscientious people!" - J. P., Colorado.

"Keep up the great work--you are one of the ONLY companies I deal with these days that seems to care about customer service--that fact ALONE will make me a lifelong SBIG customer and advocator." - M. C., California.