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- MoonrakerTelescopes...No1 for custom refractors.
- You don't buy what we make.
- We make what you want to buy!
We will shortly be making a limited edition run of scopes and mounts based on this design. For more information please get in touch via the contact page.
That said a few peeps have commented and assumed that any bling {all of which is functional} on a Moonraker comes at the expense of the engine performance {optics}. No, with Moonraker builds it is not either or, but both, customer spec and desire is everything. Moonraker builds use Lzos, Zeiss, APM, D&G Astro Physics, Vixen, Carton etc. If you have a cherished lens you know where to bring it for a sympathetic OTA design.
Still not built a scope with a Tak lens yet............................................
I've said it before, and there's nothing like repetition,.... I make what you the individual want, not what I build and then sell you what I have in stock.
Most projects show below are now finished.
Two custom builds now finished and delivered to Italy a 140mm and a 102mm.
A few images of a finished 150mm f10 and another custom 60mm triplet Apo grab and go.
Finished and delivered to the USA ,the worlds most unique APM driven 6" refractor and Moonrakers 1st Maksutov.
Custom build, Custom Delta Pod, custom case custom parts................
At Moonraker we pride ourselves on handcrafted builds, where each telescope or accessory is made specifically for a client.
It may seem a little thing but the paraboloids are all made by hand on the lathe, not farmed out and not CNC'd. This may not be important to some clients, but the ethos of handmade is all important and part of the joy of creating.............
It may seem a little thing but the paraboloids are all made by hand on the lathe, not farmed out and not CNC'd. This may not be important to some clients, but the ethos of handmade is all important and part of the joy of creating.............
Now working in conjunction with APM in the UK................ A few shots of superstructure!
Moonraker is now, via our other company "Thurstan-Turner of London" working on an exclusive refractor hopefully to be shown at Astrofest. At Thurstan-Turner of London we will only be producing six scopes and six tripods a year. Below are a few shots of new items to be fitted to a couple of different scopes. the finder sight can move to any position within the stalk, it was a headache, but a eureka moment stopped me throwing a wobbly.
An F16.7 60mm at the final stages of kitting out then off to the USA......
Ready for a case fitting and then disassembled and plating....F7 102 triplet.. The dew shield at the back is another project.................
The Moonraker Brandon triplet solar scope...................
more chat on CN............. http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/486427-testing-new-gear-in-winter/?hl=%2Bmoonraker
An f13 finished over Christmas ready for delivery
Two Moonrakers ready to fly, just finished on Christmas Eve.
Custom 4" ready for final assembly and test flight + just a small selection of focusers for some of the commissions in the pipe line...........It's going to be a busy Christmas, Jan, Feb, March..........
At Moonraker we are happy to engrave bespoke messages and dedications, these are not CNC engraved, but enscribed by hand as they were in days of yore............Adding to the uniqueness of the telescope. Truly bespoke telescopes, created for one off's.. like You!
Moonraker 1st Maksutov 150 in early stages of prototype design.
This will have a 2" focuser, passive + induced cooling {Still making these bits} and will look like no other yet function perfectly {fingers crossed!!} Special rings, 60mm helical finder and dew shield and more, Everything is in mock up at present, even the brass screws....................... Also the Nautilus is coming along, there may be a passing nod to Unitron/polarex, not from a black and white perspective, but just because its long and thin, yet utilizing Moonrakers design concepts, colour schemes, functional rings, weights and ancillary mounting stalks etc, which has become a unique trade make of Moonraker design.
The mock up of a new scope the Nautilus.
“Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real.”
Jules Verne, Around the World in Eighty Days
This is just a mock up and will have extras still being made and totally unique to the model. Options available will include lens sizes from 76mm to 150mm+ or your own cherished cell with single or duel speed focusers. Finishes will include....well anything you want, just let me know.
Coming to a show near you soon, time willing, I just wish my imagination would slow down. If you're looking for a refractor that is the embodiment of artistic design and practical functionality this will be it The rocket, what's that all about....You'll see...
Jules Verne, Around the World in Eighty Days
This is just a mock up and will have extras still being made and totally unique to the model. Options available will include lens sizes from 76mm to 150mm+ or your own cherished cell with single or duel speed focusers. Finishes will include....well anything you want, just let me know.
Coming to a show near you soon, time willing, I just wish my imagination would slow down. If you're looking for a refractor that is the embodiment of artistic design and practical functionality this will be it The rocket, what's that all about....You'll see...
Full on, in your face, unashamed adulatory...... of the refractor kind. Fully Functional.
Custom 80mm strel 0.979 triplet ready for delivery. see diary entry below..........
Where will your imagination take you.............. 80mm triplet in production.
Pre-assembly of a 90mm triplet
There's still about a day or so's work to do and then test her before the client collects. Now some assembly images!! And now some assembled images.Nearly finished!
Rings and shiny things!!! & Finders keepers!
A small selection of tube ring designs going on three scopes nearing completion...................
3D planning of an apm 150mm f8 refractor for a client..........Such fun!
This is just play at the moment, in dialogue with the client, so we can create his "bliss" scope, so nothing fits and it's laid out so I can take measurements and play, yes play as this is the best way to come up with ideas. So nothing here is written in stone, but it's a starting point...........
Another 80mm f15 being assembled ready for delivery
Here is another 80mm f15 Moonraker Tesla Class refractor nearly finished and being assembled ready for delivery next week. The design and colour scheme in brass or gold and polished rings is Moonrakers unique signature combination. More images soon.
Last one with Jaegers 150mm f5 lens, nearly finished call for a price.
Using my last Jaegers for this one off refractor. Similar in design, but different to the other two "Wide Boy" scopes, this will have tube rings and carry handle, a polished 50mm finder and leather trim on the focuser or it can be left as standard. The scopes Gold powder coating has been lacquered for a rich tough finish and will be baffled and fully flocked and come mounted on a vixen or Losmandy plate, your choice.
Progress on a 80mm fpl53, 150mm f8 and 102 f13 and soon a 102 triplet f7 and more in the pipe line
Custom lens cell and counter cell, new bespoke rings and handles coming soon as well as numerous builds in the offing.
More ongoing projects......
NEWS FLASH........We are please to announce that Moonraker, in conjunction with Starlight instruments will soon
take receipt of the first {of many} Feathertouch focusers.
These ARE DIFFERENT, polished, anodized or plated to exactly match our unique range of refractors, more info on the blog
A service not available to any other telescope maker.
It's been a while in the offing, well since Summer of this year, but now the first focuser will be arriving shortly to have a Moonraker customized finish applied in the UK. I appreciate the help from Wayne and his patience and look forward to making these focusers available as options for all new builds and even adapting to fit an existing cherished scope that needs an upgrade. More info and images soon.
take receipt of the first {of many} Feathertouch focusers.
These ARE DIFFERENT, polished, anodized or plated to exactly match our unique range of refractors, more info on the blog
A service not available to any other telescope maker.
It's been a while in the offing, well since Summer of this year, but now the first focuser will be arriving shortly to have a Moonraker customized finish applied in the UK. I appreciate the help from Wayne and his patience and look forward to making these focusers available as options for all new builds and even adapting to fit an existing cherished scope that needs an upgrade. More info and images soon.
Another unique Moonraker in progress...triplet Astro physics.
More info soon....................Work in progress for a 94mm triplet for solar and night excursions as only Moonraker know how!
A selection awaiting the Moonraker chop shop!
Only Joking, but here are a few precious keepers that clients have sent or deliverd to have that Moonraker service. Re-baffling, chopping one, making adapters and having new livery. Scopes include a Tak 150mm, a large D&G and a Vixen super Polaris.
All superb scopes, all unique......Just like their owners. Also another 102 f7 triplet ready for dispatch, again as unique as the new owner..........
All superb scopes, all unique......Just like their owners. Also another 102 f7 triplet ready for dispatch, again as unique as the new owner..........
Five of fifteen custom builds under way............
It's exciting days at Moonraker, Whilst trying to build two new designs in time for the Shows next year I am being kept very busy with new orders from clients requesting unique telescopes. Over and above this I'm refurbishing numerous scopes and building counterweight systems for clients who like their scopes just the way they are. Below are a few images of five scopes starting to take shape from a 60mm triplet f7, NASA 94mm triplet f7, 90mm Vixen f8, Carton 102 f13 and a Moonraker 150mm f12, variety is surely the spice of life. Scopes are just like people, all unique each with it's own personality, style and designation.................Oh... and the four bags and bin all containing swarf is from two days serious manual turning on two lathes. On day two I had to rig up a cooling system to the motor as long term protection against cooking it!
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A few pieces of metal taking shape for some of the latest orders
This is a small selection of work in progress for some custom builds underway since my return from the Starmus conference. All of the blanks and tubes are just for counter cells, cells and dew shields ranging in size from 2.5" to 8". The coloured samples are test pieces having spent the summer hunting out the best anodizers in the south east of the UK. So moonraker can now offer virtually any colour including clear anodized in hard and normal coatings with the option for lacquer coating.
Custom 80mm Carton f15 nearly finished and ready for testing..............
Here is yet another Tesla Class refractor ready to be tested. This model is fully flocked from bow to stern including the focuser. Sporting four knife edge baffles and fully collimateable len cell with rotating focuser and leather trimmed {your colour choice} grab handle which can be located in different positions depending on the orientation of the mount.. Two more Tesla Class scopes of different sizes and FL are about to be made for clients. If you are interested in any kind of refractor design please do get in touch.
Who would have thought just 20 months ago when I was hoping, with luck to make 10 to 20 telescopes a year that I would now have created about 100 scopes of varying sizes including custom work on scope ancillaries, gone VAT registered and running a real small business. Business is the wrong word as I feel privileged to be able to wake up every morning and play!! It's not work, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!! Well almost.
Remember Moonraker is not just about Long focal length refractors, I'm currently working on numerous triplets and about to embark on a custom Maksutov-Cassegrain. The custom tripod is well under way and development images will be available in the near future.
At Moonraker you don't buy what we make, we make what you want to buy.
Who would have thought just 20 months ago when I was hoping, with luck to make 10 to 20 telescopes a year that I would now have created about 100 scopes of varying sizes including custom work on scope ancillaries, gone VAT registered and running a real small business. Business is the wrong word as I feel privileged to be able to wake up every morning and play!! It's not work, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!! Well almost.
Remember Moonraker is not just about Long focal length refractors, I'm currently working on numerous triplets and about to embark on a custom Maksutov-Cassegrain. The custom tripod is well under way and development images will be available in the near future.
At Moonraker you don't buy what we make, we make what you want to buy.
Custom finder on it's way to the USA
Two more custom builds under way..
Making a mount adapter for an FTX to fit an old tripod with no top!
Below are a few images of a mini pier and tripod top with leg clasps that I built on my day off from telescope building, that's another seven days flat out again...No rest for the wicked, but I really enjoyed it and now I have a working tripod and mount for displaying and using.
I'd purchased the legs a year or so ago from Richard at Skylight Telescopes, but they had no top plate, so I decided this weekend to get busy and transform the legs with polished metal work, machine three leg brackets and top plate {to match the original design which I eventually found} and then make a mini pier to take the fantastic FTX mount. The pier is in two parts to facilitate the central bolt and four fixing screws and works a dream. Now to put a new scope on it and test and all seems well.
I'd purchased the legs a year or so ago from Richard at Skylight Telescopes, but they had no top plate, so I decided this weekend to get busy and transform the legs with polished metal work, machine three leg brackets and top plate {to match the original design which I eventually found} and then make a mini pier to take the fantastic FTX mount. The pier is in two parts to facilitate the central bolt and four fixing screws and works a dream. Now to put a new scope on it and test and all seems well.
The Moonraker Astro Physics 6" triplet now complete.
Another project, A wide field Wray 36" F6.3 Military lens.
Under this plastic tubing lies a brass celled classic late 1930's lens set with variable diaphragm. This will be a unique one off RFT. Just need to disassemble this baby and get to work.............Easier said than done!!!!!
The Darkside has arrived APM Lzos 123 nearly finished and off down South.
Functional, bespoke art. Finished.
And this is what the client had to say upon receipt
"Dear Mark:
My scope arrived today safe and sound and I just finished unpacking it. I was stunned, speechless.
Although a lot of the beauty of your scopes can be seen in the photos, there is nothing like seeing the real thing in person. The scope is a “modern heirloom” art piece that looks like in belongs in a space museum. Instead of storing it in a box, I am going to hang it on a wall of my house when it is not in use. I can’t wait to look through it under the stars.
Thank you so much for sharing your work with me.
Sincerely,
Derek"
"Dear Mark:
My scope arrived today safe and sound and I just finished unpacking it. I was stunned, speechless.
Although a lot of the beauty of your scopes can be seen in the photos, there is nothing like seeing the real thing in person. The scope is a “modern heirloom” art piece that looks like in belongs in a space museum. Instead of storing it in a box, I am going to hang it on a wall of my house when it is not in use. I can’t wait to look through it under the stars.
Thank you so much for sharing your work with me.
Sincerely,
Derek"
Custom 102 f13 and bespoke box leaving for the States .
More images on the blog page.
Custom re-build for Bonnie Scotland! 90mm f15.
Moonraker a 102 ed f7 and a re-worked CG-5 mount.
Just finished and ready for delivery, The mount looks cool, as does the scope and in 24 degrees {nearly 80 degrees in old money} the scope is only ambient air temperature, if it were black or any colour for that matter, you'd be able to fry eggs on it!!
The start of a complete Irving 76mm re-build for a client.
Designing and making parts in sympathy with the original scope, but with a bit of a twist. Anyone can stick a bit of pipe or tube on the end, this one had a bit of drain pipe, functional but nor elegant. Now it's having a chimney stack!! The top of the stack echos the polished focus/tube adapter which Mr Irving made proud of the tube. More images as work progresses. More images added and nearly finished, just baffles and counter weight brackets then testing.
Nearing completion the 5" Dark Matter triplet.
{Unique Moonraker design} also known as " Schiaparelli"
The new 102 F12................ And now the f16.5 3" Gentlemans refractor.............Nebula and Terminator Class
These are available in any colour you like, even powder coated/anodized bright work. A variety of finders can be made, this is a customised Vixen 50mm. Also available with counter weight system and choice of focusers. This one has been designed to work with Bino viewers using a 2" diagonal and with a 1.25" diagonal they can be used without the mini barlow. Also focuses using lenses from 40mm down to 6mm without an extension tube.
Another moonraker special close to finishing for a US client
Nearing completion, The 60mm f16 all brass "Teslascope"
I'm creating a range of unique Brass and gold refractors inspired by such luminaries as Nikola Tesla. These will be the most unique scopes of their kind made today. Each one will be markedly different for the next and the clients input is welcome as they can be inscribed and personalized. Below are a couple of images of the second in this range.
Another 102 f7 doublet in pre flight mode, where the full cell and counter cell are nearing completion. The cell is built into a housing rather than just being stuck on the end of a countercell, allowing for a slightly longer tube and better essetic finish.Still a lot to do, but the guide is finished......
5" triplet underway................
80mm Zeiss custom build in progress
Just finished, yet another 102 f13 custom refractor........Think I'm running out of lenses!!
A few images of a 6" telescope being built for the owner of Harrison Telescopes. It's good to know that cherished glass is to be re-housed in a scope built but Moonraker. This is a great endorsement for the quality of work carried out. More images as it nears completion.
TWO NEW CUSTOM 102 F13'S NEARING COMPLETION AND READY FOR FIRST LIGHT THEN TO THE USA AND UK.
Next two custom build orders have just arrived, a unique Moonraker to house a Zeiss 80/1200 AS lens arriving from the USA. Looking for to this..........And a special 102 ed f7 {a lens I'd saved for my self} for a gentleman in the UK.
Look what just arrived for another custom build.It's the biggest I've seen to date!!
Here at last is the lens for another special project to be started, Really looking forward to designing this refractor around such a beautiful lens.
ABOUT MOONRAKER
It was Spring 2012 “Moonraker telescopes” was conceived and over the ensuing months I set about designing and building unique, beautiful and totally functional achromat and Apochromatic refractors.
I wanted to create telescopes that were not only stunning to look at, but the vistas served up to the eye by the quality optics
would be of the highest quality.
I have always had an interest in Astronomy, my first book purchased from W H Smith in about 1968 was Patrick Moore’s “Observers pocket book”. Being eight years of age the contents went right over my head, mother was right, the large book with the colour images on the solar system, would have been a better choice to kindle my desire to learn more about the universe...........
That said, I have always maintained an interest in all things astronomical and over the past two years have been enjoying the rigors of numb fingers and ever present clouds under light polluted sky’s in search of awe and wonder, which has been found aplenty. I regularly attend Star Parties and whilst not being very vocal on “cloudy nights” I’m always logging on to keep up to speed on the astronomical community.
I hope their design is sympathetic to their designation, a device for engaging with the heavens, an apparatus for looking into the past {weather permitting}. Plus, the polished aluminium finish is highly efficient at reducing cool down time.
Other finishes are now available.
Regarding options on designs, well it’s over to you; I either make the scopes as they appear on the website or with your input create an altogether different animal. If you want a powder coated paint finish instead of polished aluminium that’s fine or gold plate or brass and if you have your own cherished optics and want a telescope designed around them that is also fine.
Hopefully this gives you a little insight into Moonraker Telescopes, creators of unique high quality refractors.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Mark Turner.
It was Spring 2012 “Moonraker telescopes” was conceived and over the ensuing months I set about designing and building unique, beautiful and totally functional achromat and Apochromatic refractors.
I wanted to create telescopes that were not only stunning to look at, but the vistas served up to the eye by the quality optics
would be of the highest quality.
I have always had an interest in Astronomy, my first book purchased from W H Smith in about 1968 was Patrick Moore’s “Observers pocket book”. Being eight years of age the contents went right over my head, mother was right, the large book with the colour images on the solar system, would have been a better choice to kindle my desire to learn more about the universe...........
That said, I have always maintained an interest in all things astronomical and over the past two years have been enjoying the rigors of numb fingers and ever present clouds under light polluted sky’s in search of awe and wonder, which has been found aplenty. I regularly attend Star Parties and whilst not being very vocal on “cloudy nights” I’m always logging on to keep up to speed on the astronomical community.
I hope their design is sympathetic to their designation, a device for engaging with the heavens, an apparatus for looking into the past {weather permitting}. Plus, the polished aluminium finish is highly efficient at reducing cool down time.
Other finishes are now available.
Regarding options on designs, well it’s over to you; I either make the scopes as they appear on the website or with your input create an altogether different animal. If you want a powder coated paint finish instead of polished aluminium that’s fine or gold plate or brass and if you have your own cherished optics and want a telescope designed around them that is also fine.
Hopefully this gives you a little insight into Moonraker Telescopes, creators of unique high quality refractors.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Mark Turner.
Moonraker telescopes designs. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
All Moonraker telescope designs are unique. Until the advent of Moonraker telescopes, no other refractor designs utilised the configuration of polished metals, polished and coated OTA’s and gold/brass finishes plated or otherwise. No counter cells have been designed previously in this fashion and the same applies to tube rings, “aero rings”, finder storks, thumb screws and finder scope designs. Dew shield design is also unique in as much as length/ proportion of the scope focal length was considered from a practical as well as ascetic perspective as well as the inclusion of a contrasting lip to perfectly finish off the design.
It has been commented upon on by numerous people that the Moonraker "look" is totally unique in the astronomy/telescope industry. The fact that designs such as this have not existed before bare this out. Even Sky at Night magazine in a review on one of our refractors commented on the design as;
" unique, handcrafted, distinctive, instantly recognisable, beautifully tactile and practical, a telescope that manages to look different, a great example of British design and craftmanship, a future classic." Their words not mine, how nice is that.
Imitation they say, is the sincerest form of flattery, yet in a niche market {especially when a written and verbal agreement is in place}, whilst it is flattering, shows a complete lack of imagination on behalf of others that choose to emulate.
At Moonraker we build our telescopes in-house. Every other modern telescope, cheap or expensive, is hand assembled, and to that extent all telescopes can be said to be handmade, but we pride ourselves on the fact that the designing, turning and milling and building is all our own work and as such this makes us and the telescopes created unique.
You are always welcome to visit, just drop us a line via the contact page.
All Moonraker telescope designs are unique. Until the advent of Moonraker telescopes, no other refractor designs utilised the configuration of polished metals, polished and coated OTA’s and gold/brass finishes plated or otherwise. No counter cells have been designed previously in this fashion and the same applies to tube rings, “aero rings”, finder storks, thumb screws and finder scope designs. Dew shield design is also unique in as much as length/ proportion of the scope focal length was considered from a practical as well as ascetic perspective as well as the inclusion of a contrasting lip to perfectly finish off the design.
It has been commented upon on by numerous people that the Moonraker "look" is totally unique in the astronomy/telescope industry. The fact that designs such as this have not existed before bare this out. Even Sky at Night magazine in a review on one of our refractors commented on the design as;
" unique, handcrafted, distinctive, instantly recognisable, beautifully tactile and practical, a telescope that manages to look different, a great example of British design and craftmanship, a future classic." Their words not mine, how nice is that.
Imitation they say, is the sincerest form of flattery, yet in a niche market {especially when a written and verbal agreement is in place}, whilst it is flattering, shows a complete lack of imagination on behalf of others that choose to emulate.
At Moonraker we build our telescopes in-house. Every other modern telescope, cheap or expensive, is hand assembled, and to that extent all telescopes can be said to be handmade, but we pride ourselves on the fact that the designing, turning and milling and building is all our own work and as such this makes us and the telescopes created unique.
You are always welcome to visit, just drop us a line via the contact page.
Complete rebuild and customization of a cherished bespoke brass telescope....Moonrakered!!
I'm not this Ugly.Honest. Here installing and testing a custom 100mm with 66mm guide and 30mm finder.
More images to come soon................Back to the lathe!!
Custom proto-type of the 102 ed and 102 triplet custom designs.