Recommend Aussie Primary Mirrors?

[Astro78]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone knows of anybody in Australia who makes or at least sells good quality 8 inch mirrors?

any help is always appreciated :)

[Blue Skies]

There's Mark at Deep Sky Optics (http://deepsky.cia.com.au/optics/) - he's on here as Satchmo. Otherwise you're looking at the Asian imports, or special order from the US.

[Stevo69]

Blue Skies, you beat me to it!

Astro 78, try Mark. Here is my thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=23264) when I was looking for my Dob mirrors. He comes highly recommended. It all depends on your budget and needs, of course.

[Astro78]

Thanks Guys really appreciate your responses.

I spoke with Mark last week (great guy who gave me plenty of time and advice). Unfortunately he no longer does 8" mirrors.

Have also found Astronomy Alive (also great guy) but way off budget.

There must be others. Anyone retired feeling the craving out there??

[Blue Skies]

A high quality 8" is a rather strange request in these times, I must admit. I am curious to as to why you particularly want such a relatively small sized mirror at such high quality. I fear your only option is to chase overseas for a Zambuto mirror second hand.
Perhaps you should look a little closer at the Skywatcher/Synta mirrors, I had a very discerning friend by one and he was most impressed with the quality which he considered a bonus at the time.

[Starkler]

Actually I wouldn't mind contructing a high quality 6" travel newt.
RF Royce in the US does high quality small mirrors.
http://www.rfroyce.com/products_ast.htm

[Blue Skies]

A travelscope did cross my mind, but then if I was planning a travelscope for myself I wouldn't care so much about the optics as the portability as it could easily get trashed along the way, hence my curiosity as to the need for such an item.

[Astro78]

thanks for the links guys.

Basically the only reason for an 8" is the one i've got now needs a re-coating so figured it was marginal to just buy a new one, and if possible a better one.

Perhaps another look at the Synta might be the G.O.

RF Royce being US$800 is twice the budget - looks like i'm dreaming.