12.5" f/5, f/6 Alt-Azimuth Mount Newtonian Reflector

  • Quality Phenolic Coated Finn-Form® Construction
  • Adjustable Balance Point with Quick-Release Cams
  • 94% Reflective Primary and Secondary from Discovery
  • Mirror Cell
    • From University Optics, or
    • From DAR Astro Machining
  • Four Vane Spider
    • From University Optics, or
    • From Protostar with Built-In Anti-Dew Heater
  • 2" Focuser
    • Rack and Pinion from University Optics, or
    • Dual Rate Crayford from Starlight Instruments
  • Exclusive Cylindrical Roller Azimuth Thrust Bearing with Adjustable Brake
  • Teflon Elevation Bearing with 14" Diameter Trunions
  • Decorative Brass and Stainless Steel Hardware
  • Monokote® Tube Covering
  • Anti-Skid Rubber Feet
  • Eyepiece Holder
  • Available in Either f/5 or f/6 (f/6 pictured)
  • Weight
    • Base = 25 lbs
    • OTA = 67 lbs
12.5 Inch Scope
$675
Mount Only
$1850
Complete Kit
(With Optics)
$2450
Deluxe Kit
(With Optics)
Contents of Each Kit

Features
Our wooden parts are made from Finn-form®, one of the most rigid wood products available. Finn-form® is designed for precision concrete forms so it is exceptionally rigid, flat, and moisture resistant. The 3/4" material has 16 plies and is covered with a layer of Phenolic on both faces, producing an attractive, durable surface.

Our tooling can machine this wonderful material to within 1/1000th of an inch, so every part is assured perfect precision. All end surfaces are routed with a 45 degree chamfer to prevent splintering.

Our base assembly uses brass hardware, Teflon altitude bearings, and an exclusive cylindrical roller azimuth bearing for the smoothest motion available. The azimuth friction can be adjusted with a nylon brake for windy days or to lock the telescope right where you want it. We've strategically removed material on the side frames to produce a light structure, while maintaining exceptional strength where it counts.

An eyepiece holder is mounted on the 12.5" Telescope which will accept up to 4 1-1/4" eyepieces, and 2 2" eyepieces.

Our G-Frame Rockerbox® pivots open on stainless steel pins to allow for easy installation of the optical tube assembly.

Exclusive quick-release anodized aluminum cams and custom stainless steel hardware allow the tube to be easily rebalanced and rotated for optimum viewing. To our knowledge, our kits are the only commercially available scopes that can do both.

Large trunnions provide a steady mount and smooth motion on Teflon® pads.


We recommend covering the tube with Monokote®, a heat shrinkable plastic available in a wide variety of colors. This coating is durable, will keep out moisture, and can be easily repaired if it is damaged.

A variety of methods may be employed to darken the interior of the tube, including a matte board liner or simply paint.

Our kit includes black, aluminum lined end trim to protect the ends of your tube.

Complete Kit Deluxe Kit
2 Focuser
Complete Kit
The 2" University Optics all metal rack-and-pinion focuser uses precise gearing and a long stroke to ensure perfect adjustability with a wide range of eyepieces.

Deluxe Kit
The 2" Feather Touch Focuser from Starlight Instruments is a Crayford style unit with incredibly smooth, backlash-free motion, and a 10:1 fine focus knob. The base includes leveling set screws for adjusting the focuser barrel perfectly perpendicular to the tube. The supplied 1-1/4" eyepiece adapter utilizes a brass compression ring to prevent damage to the barrels of your eyepieces. The knobs can be inverted for right or left hand use.

feather Focuser
Complete Kit
A University Optics four-vane, cast aluminum spider securely holds a 2.14" secondary mirror.

Deluxe Kit
A Protostar four-vane spider with two lugs per vane holds a 1.83" secondary mirror. The unique clutch collimation system ensures your spider is not marred and can be rotated even under tension. A 12V anti-dew heater is built-in, which uses two vanes as conductors to prevent wires from interfering with the optical path.

Complete Kit
The University Optics mirror cell is solid cast aluminum for exceptional stabilty. The open design allows for optimum air flow, minimizing time waiting for the mirror to reach thermal equilibrium. Collimation is achieved without tools via three wing nuts easily accessible from the rear.

Deluxe Kit
The 9-point full flotation mirror cell from DAR Astro Machining, is amazingly solid, open, and light. The open design allows for optimum air flow, minimizing time waiting for the mirror to reach thermal equilibrium. Large plastic T-knobs are used for easy colimation.

Complete Kit & Deluxe Kit
Both kits use 94% reflective secondary and primary mirrors from Discovery. The Pyrex primary is a full 2" thick.
Call or write for alternate configurations.

Accessories

We offer a variety of eyepieces and a finder scope to compliment your e2 Telescope.

See photos from the development of the prototype!