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Hi,
I have a 14"/F4.5 Zambuto mirror and it is exceptional. I have also used a couple of other Zambuto mirrors and they have been exceptional. Only used one Royce mirror and it was excellent.
That having been said they all make mistakes occasionally and produce something which leaves something to be desired, however the failure rate on behalf of both mirror makers, is exceptionally low, to my knowledge. I have also heard very good things about Gordon Waite, but haven't used one of his mirrors. Mark Suchting's mirrors are as good as anyone's on the planet, but I don't think he is taking orders at the moment. I have a 10"/F5.3 Suchting mirror in a miniaturised SDM truss scope which delivers stunning lunar/planetary views.
If I had the need to order another mirror (which I won't), I would order another mirror from Carl Zambuto, without hesitation.
One thing to consider is to go with the thinnest possible mirror substrate the chosen mirror maker is prepared to work with. This will be of enormous benefit in enabling the scope to reach thermal equilibrium and deliver its best performance early in each observing session. My 14" Zambuto mirror is only 1.3" thick, which is as thin as Carl Zambuto was prepared to make it. The scope delivers stunning images from early on in each observing session. My 10" Suchting mirror is just over 1" thick, which is as thin as Mark would go. Both scopes cool beautifully. The 18" Obsession with 2" thick OMI mirror takes forever to cool when the temperatures are falling.
Cheers,
John B
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