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[Richard]

Can someone who knows help me? I'm deciding on a dob. I've narrowed my search down to either a Starmaster (Zambuto mirror) or an Obsession (OMI mirror). Carl Zambuto reportedly is THE grandmaster of mirror making in the US today. How much better are his mirrors vs the likes of other premium mirrors like an OMI in the Obsession? Any and all comments welcomed!!

Richard

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

You got the astronomical bug bad...real bad.

These are both excellent scopes, and I am hard pressed to recommend either one. I have peered thru an Obsession on occasion and it was quite an excellent piece of equipment. Nicely crafted and the optics were great. The light gathering capability and resolution are the best I have seen. In comparison, I also looked through a much larger 24" truss dob, and the images were not as clear and sharp as the 15" (?) obsession.

Cloudynights.com would have excellent shootouts in this caliber of scope.

I don't know what Zambruto puts in his mirror, of if he made a pact with the devil...but people who own one are staunch disciples.

Excellent types of scopes you have elected to choose from. Both will serve well, it's just now which one will edge out the other in personal preference.

Let's see where your discrimination takes you. Too cool...

[Richard]

Thanks Joe, Alan told me there is a member on the list who built her own dob. Just wondering who that person is and if she would have any more insight. FYI I did get an email from Ed Ting of Scopereview.com fame and he said that both are great and most likely I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Rich

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

Yep... he is certainly correct. But choosing between two great scopes ain't such a bad thing...

The homemade 10" dob belongs to our resident asteroid hunter Chicago Astronomer Becky (Stargazer). It is quite a cool scope with a drive and video hookup. A good chance to catch her scope and an Obession is to attend the next Triton College public viewing session. They have a skyshow prior to the event, but I just go for the observation sessions. Get there early, for the parking goes quick and the local police proudly exhibit the Barney Fife syndrome.

I'm sure Becky will respond to this, but if she doesn't catch it, you can always click on her name and send her a private mail.

It would be a nice idea for us to gather at Triton for the next viewing, and compare notes on the viewing.

[Richard]

Thanks Joe!

Paging Becky.... paging Becky....

[stargazer]

Ok Guys Im here.

First let me say Triton is this sat the 19th. I of course will be there with the scope.

Ok now for the Mirrors. Yes you want a good Mirror. That will make all the difference. I have a Gomer Mirror in my scope and still to this day LOVE it. I refuse to give it up. As for Zambuto Mirrors I have heard good and bad. I have seen some real bad ones and then some good ones. If I had to rate between him and Dan I would say Dans are better by far. I see things in my 10" that I shouldnt. Dans are all hand done, Zambuto's are machine done. Dan is also doing the next Mirror for us. If you want to ask any questions off this board you can either email me or IM me and we will talk. I will call you if you want.

Becky

[Richard]

Thanks Becky I saw one of Dan's mirrors at 2020 Telescopes, sure was a beauty. Tested at 1/14th wave length.

If I'm correct, I thought that Zambuto's mirrors were hand ground? Also do you know anything about the OMI mirrors?

I'd love to try to make it to Triton this weekend, but can't be sure. Where exactly is the college?


Rich

[stargazer]

Rich,

As far asI know they are not hand done. As for the college it is on 5th ave in River Grove. Down the street from the Race Track. Just go to the Cernen Earth and Space Center. Dans Mirrors are extremely nice and well worth the money for them. As for OMI no I dont know anything about them. Ive heard people like them but I have never seen one. Sorry I cant help you there.

Becky