Primary mirror choices

[GrahamL]

I havn't been round much last couple of years aside the usual opticians
o/s are there any others new on the scene making sub 20 " .

Is Mark still in business I cant find a website anymore. ?

cheers
graham

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi Graham,

Mark hasn't made many mirrors over the last 5 years. Just a couple per year which have been "specials".

I think you need to look to an O/S mirror maker. I have used mirrors from all of the current big name mirror makers and if I was to buy another mirror it would unhesitatingly be from Carl Zambuto. An absolute gentleman to do business with and his mirrors are exceptional.

What aperture / f-ratio are you thinking about?

Cheers
John B

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

Hi Graham
There are GSO mirrors available from Bintel and Andrews. com, up to 16"/ 400mm at reasonable prices and also Mathew Lovell at Telescopes & Astronomy in S.A. also lists various size mirrors in his newsletters and on his website. Have no connection with any of them, other than spending money with them and appreciating there fine service.

[GrahamL]

Hi i was thinking 18 -20 inch short ish F/L

I have a 12" from Mark through Peter Reid from a few years back which is great . thinking a little bigger , but will think some more on it to .
Yes I've spoken to Carl previously John great guy and honest advice , wasn't sure whos new or not in the industry anymore .

thanks for your thoughts guys

[thomqos (Russell)]

I have a 10” refigured by Mark about 20 years ago. I once had a view of Saturn with it at 600x so sharp & 3D that my eyes nearly popped out. It’s not very often that happens though.

So a mirror from Mark Suchting is like gold if you can get one. He told me via PM a couple of years back that he wasn’t out of the mirror business, though he had stopped advertising & had taken his website down. I’d contact him via PM (satchmo)... it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Russ

[croweater (Richard)]

Originally Posted by GrahamL

Hi i was thinking 18 -20 inch short ish F/L

I have a 12" from Mark through Peter Reid from a few years back which is great . thinking a little bigger , but will think some more on it to .
Yes I've spoken to Carl previously John great guy and honest advice , wasn't sure whos new or not in the industry anymore .

thanks for your thoughts guys

Hi Graham. There is a bargain Sutching 18" f 3.5 dob in the classifieds with feathertouch and parracorr. Cheers Richard.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

I would be jumping all over that at that price. The primary / secondary / focuses alone are worth way more than the asking price of $4,750 for the entire scope and no waiting time.

Cheers
John B