I'm almost done my 10" dob, I bought a Synta mirror, available in Canada from Efston Science or Island Eyepiece -> $400 CAN. Your US buck will go far up here.

The Synta mirror is Chinese. This manufacturer had a favourable review from T. Dickinson, a prominent Canadian astronomer, that's why I bought it. I looked at Coulter, but my research gave me the impression of dubious quality.

Last night, I looked at a full moon through my unfinished dob (no focuser on it yet, just held an eyepiece near the hole, so obviously not collimated, mirrors are dusty), and was blown away. Moon surface was remarkably detailed. This was my first look through any telescope, was pretty excited. I think I'll be happy with this mirror, and price was right.

One word of warning, measure your focal length, don't rely on manufacturer's spec.

Hope this helps.

Dave

• Synta mirror question - mattb - May 17, 2003 - 13:37 UTC
  • mirror thickness - sellors - May 23, 2003 - 16:09 UTC