I say "blame it on the moon"! Back in the 80's I was very active in mirror making for my own needs completing a number Newtonian mirrors as well as a fine 4" F/16 refractor objective along with involvement in various refiguring projects involving diameters up to 20". It wasn't until the lunar imaging bug bit hard a few years ago that I started to push glass again. My main motivation for doing so was to have control over the quality, making sure I had the level of perfection needed for world class results.
A few years down the road and the above efforts have turned into a commercial service producing the kind of high quality optical surfaces needed for serious work. That is to say, accurate correction with a smooth figure and a good edge. Minimum test specification is a Strehl ratio of 0.97 or better. This image at right is a good example of what this level of performance means in actual practice. Mirrors made to this level of quality will deliver textbook diffraction images and the kind of high contrast detail that's a "must have" for both imagers and advanced visual observers.
Current mirror pricing includes shipping and standard aluminum coating, other coatings are available for an
additional fee. Non-standard focal lengths, f-ratios, other conics and
central perforations can also be produced for special projects.
Refiguring of your existing mirror is also available, see price list for details. This popular service is an excellent way to upgrade the performance of your existing mirror at substantial savings. Both services cover any size from 4.5" to 16". This is a direct and personal, mirror maker to ATM service. All mirrors are custom made, one at a time, per your specifications, by me. If you're interested in a new mirror that can deliver excellent performance at a reasonable cost or would like to improve the performance of the mirror you already have, send me an e-mail with your requirements.
Tony Gondola, BigEye Optics, Las Cruces New Mexico USA
Maurolycus imaged with 8" F/7.6
1/26 P/V, Strehl Ratio 0.98
"Just
come in from star testing that mirror of yours, got unusually
steady seeing this evening, I'm no expert, but I have spent some time
and effort with previous mirrors, and I've never been able to get such
perfect replica images inside and outside of focus before - real
textbook stuff, pat yourself on the back"
G. Mitchell, Devon UK
Observing report from P. Sutton, 8" F/6 refiguring
Newtonian Primary Mirror Price List
| 4.5" | F/16 to F/4 | $160.00 |
| 6" | F/12 to F/4 | $320.00 |
| 8" | F/8 to F/4 | $486.00 |
| 10" | F/8 to F/4 | $560.00 |
| 12.5" | F/8 to F/4 | $850.00 |
| 14" | F/6 to F/4 | $1470.00 |
| 16" | F/6 to F/4 | $1960.00 |
| Refiguring | $35.00 per inch |
Refiguring fee includes testing and standard aluminum re-coatng. Please note that some enhanced reflectance coatings can be very difficult to remove. If you have this type of coating please contact me first so we can discuss the options.
All standard mirrors listed to the
left are
manufactured using fine annealed, high quality Pyrex blanks. Other
diameters, focal lengths and substrates are available so if you don't see
what you need here please
contact me for
a quote.
I can also assist with mechanical and optical design work including mount optimization and ray tracing to help you make that dream project a reality.
All orders require a down-payment of 50% to start with balance due when the mirror is ready to ship. Current payment methods include all major credit cards, PayPal or certified check in US funds.
