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 several mirrors later I'm finding myself in a position to expand the capacity of the shop to produce on a limited basis, the kind of high quality 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. Refiguring of your existing mirror is also available, see price list for details. The refiguring service is an excellent way to upgrade the performance of those low cost imported mirrors that have flooded the market recently. Both services cover any size from 4.5" to 16". For new work, custom focal ratios are available if you need to match an existing OTA. 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
Price List
| 4.5" | F/16 to F/4.5 | $160.00 |
| 6" | F/12 to F/4.5 | $320.00 |
| 8" | F/8 to F/4.5 | $486.00 |
| 10" | F/8 to F/4.5 | $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.
From time to time I also have mirrors in stock that are available for quick delivery. E-mail me to check on current inventory.
We are also capable of making other types of systems and components so if you have a design you'd like to try or need an unusual element, please feel free to contact me.
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.
