Skylight Telescopes AR101/15

[Rainmaker]

Back in 2006 Richard Day began Skylight Telescopes, London, making some magnificent refractors in style of the classic 18th and 19th century makers like Wray, Broadhurst, Clark et al...

This is one of only two all brass 101mm F15 versions that were sold. This one was made in January/February 2015 and sent to the Colony in March of that year... There is a third all brass version, albeit sans optics, that Richard kept for himself. The optics were supplied by TeleVue and are a fully coated achromatic doublet specifically designed for Skylight Telescopes.

Optics: TeleVue 101mm F15
OTA: Full brass construction
Focuser: Starlight Instruments Feathertouch FTF2535HD
Mount: TeleVue Gibraltar5
Tripod: English Oak by Skylight Telescopes
Finderscope: Custom brass tube with brass Plössl eyepiece
Diagonal: Baader BBHS Sitall 2"

Richard also made 60mm versions as well as several custom ones including one 8.5" F12 behemoth.

[anj026]

Beautiful telecope Matt. I have a big soft spot for f15 refractors!

[Rainmaker]

I'm looking forward to getting this to a dark site Andy, at F15 a well made achromat is surprisingly 'apochromatic' :lol:

My wife is even happy for this one to be left set up in the lounge room :eyepop: so I thought I would see how she coped with this:

(She didn't like my storage idea, "The brass ones can stay, the rest out !")

[FlashDrive]

That is so nice .... beautiful :)

[Camelopardalis]

Beautiful scope, Matt :thumbsup:

I have the 102 and love using it, but keeping the brass clean after a cold, dewy night of Milky Way sweeping is a trick ;)

[Atmos]

I like the refractor congregation you have amassing in the lounge :lol:

I did eyeball this when it went up in the classifieds, would have been easy for me to make the 30 minute drive. I didn't research or appreciate the significance of this particular brass refractor until you posted a bit more information about it and as much as I considered it, funds wouldn't allow.

I felt the focal ratio was a nice progression for me though, F/9 to F/12 and then to F/15 ;)

[Rainmaker]

I think I might make a cover that can be left on during observing to keep the dew etc off the brass ;)



Colin, I had previously spoken with Julian about this scope and knew its history so when I saw the ad I was on the phone to him and in the car 15 minutes later.
Whilst I wouldn't wish it upon you, I am glad you didn't have the spare cash then..... :lol: :hi:

[Atmos]

By the sounds of it you well and truly beat me to it :lol:

[FlashDrive]

Good Score Matt .... If I had the free cash to ' splash ' around, it would be very tempting .....:)

[Rainmaker]

I had to borrow it from the Dear Wifey.... ;)

[ariefm71]

Very nice refractor Matt. A work of art. Now you just need a 5” fluorite doublet and you’re done :)

[Rainmaker]

and a 7" triplet..:question:

[HowellObsy]

Always a delight to see someone making custom gear and doing a great job. Great work !!
Well done :)

[Rainmaker]

It is a pity that the demand was not enough for Richard to continue making these custom scopes. His craftsmanship is a real credit to him.

These are big scopes to transport and aren't everyone's cup of tea... for me it is as much a joy to have in the house as I expect it will be to use at outreach sessions..... :)

[Rainmaker]

The Skylight makes for fine solar viewing: