Opinions on 16" mirrors

[Marke (Mark)]

I have decided on a new project for next year , to build a Dob for myself.
Planning on getting a Telekit and building it up as a project with the misses - we are having withdrawals after building the obs
It will only get occasional use when going to dark sites as I want something to look thru while imaging.
For the moment I am thinking of putting a GSO 16" in it , other option is a Hubble Optics which is much cheaper but seems like a gamble with their quality ? .
At the other end I spoke with Terry Ostahowski in the US and he's price while a lot more (not to mention the waiting list ) was still a possibility but maybe over kill for the amount of use at the moment -
I can always swap mirrors latter if I need.
Just wondering if any one has suggestions or opinion ?

Mark

[clive milne]

Ask Peter Read from SDM telescopes his opinion on the Ostahowski optics he has had independently tested over the years.
The conversation might save you a pile of cash and a long wait.

The manufacturers that have proven track record of delivering consistently excellent optics include:
Mark Suchting,
Mike Lockwood,
Carl Zambuto.
This list is not exhaustive but not a bad start.

Incidentally, I believe that Peter has at least one, maybe two 18" mirrors sitting on the shelf ready to go (and at a very reasonable price). They have been tested and are of known good quality. If memory serves me correctly, they were made by Hudeck.

Obviously, I have no financial interest in any of this.

best
~c

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I'll backup what Clive said.
I spoke to Peter a while back about the 18" mirrors he has, and he offered to act as a go between with Astro Systems who make the telekit. Which was very generous.
Give him a call

[Marke (Mark)]

Clive I have already check most of the top makers including the ones you mentioned but they are getting way up there in price - trying to do it on a tight budget , but upgrading later may be an option depending on how much use it gets . For the moment it will be limited as imaging is my main interest .

[Marke (Mark)]

I will send Peter an email and see what he has on hand . I will be getting the raw un-assembled kit as a DIY nuy cant order till I have an idea of which mirror size and f ratio .

[clive milne]

Hey Mark,
This has your name on it...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TELEVUE-V...item20cdcef586
You have 50 minutes before the auction ends.

best
~c

[Marke (Mark)]

Originally Posted by clive milne

Hey Mark,
This has your name on it...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TELEVUE-V...item20cdcef586
You have 50 minutes before the auction ends.

best
~c

Yeah I know it does but damn pick up only , oh well next one

[clive milne]

Couriers can pick up....

[Marke (Mark)]

Thanks for the advise guys - Looks like I have an 18" f4.5 thanks to
Peter at SDM as others have said he very generous and helpfull .

[Paul Camilleri (Paul)]

Mark,

I have built a 16" Obssesion style DOB from Dave Kreige book, a great dob,
I got Mark Suchting to make the 16" F/4.5 Mirror..it's is a work of art if you want a great mirror to last a life time get Mark to make it...

[Marke (Mark)]

Paul , Mark has closed his book for the moment as he has a lot of work to do. The 18" will be quite nice I am sure and I am looking forward to building it even tho I will have to wait awhile now for funds to recover

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Marke
Very glad to hear one of those mirrors found a home.
Keep us posted on its progess!

Malcolm

[GrahamL]

Congradulations on taking on a most rewarding project
Are You Making your own mirror cell ?

[Marke (Mark)]

Mirror cell comes with the kit and its a full floating 18 point system
and looks quite impresive . It comes with everything including secondary
holder , moonlight focuser and even a filter changer undernieth the focuser.

Originally Posted by nightstalker

Congradulations on taking on a most rewarding project
Are You Making your own mirror cell ?

[Acrab (Victor Martinez)]

Originally Posted by clive milne

Ask Peter Read from SDM telescopes his opinion on the Ostahowski optics he has had independently tested over the years.
The conversation might save you a pile of cash and a long wait.

The manufacturers that have proven track record of delivering consistently excellent optics include:
Mark Suchting,
Mike Lockwood,
Carl Zambuto.
This list is not exhaustive but not a bad start.

Incidentally, I believe that Peter has at least one, maybe two 18" mirrors sitting on the shelf ready to go (and at a very reasonable price). They have been tested and are of known good quality. If memory serves me correctly, they were made by Hudeck.

Obviously, I have no financial interest in any of this.

best
~c

Hi Clive,
About Ostahowski's optics, I only can to say that I have one of his mirrors, and his performance is excelent. If I will buy another mirror, will be an Ostahowski's.
His interferometry numbers are very conservative and realistic, nothing of 0'999 Strehl. In the U.S. he has an excellent reputation, and his secundary mirrors are also much appreciated.