14 replies to this topic

[Supernova74]

Hi all 

 

I recently required this little gem of a refractor telescope

 

its understandable that Moonraker telescopes is not going to appeal to everyone and was unaware if i should place this thread in the classic section of CN or the refractor section which i decided to place this thread.I personally wouldn’t call it a classic it’s more retro! i guess as this moonraker (GALAXY CLASS) was manufactured in the 21st century.the telescope is a 90mm (3.5”) f8.9 achromat which is manufactured out of MgF2 Japanese glass elements and i must admit was very impressed with the optical quality and would definitely say it’s on par with a ED doublet.However do many amateurs actually use these steam punk,slightly industrial looking refractor telescopes in the field,and I’m not so sure!.So as the telescope will be for sale shortly I’m unware the path i should take.Do i advertise in the CN sections or perhaps go to a specialist auction site instead.

 

far as I’m aware mark at moonraker has now retired and these telescopes are no longer in production.I did also look at the price list of these instruments so i am aware how much they cost originally.

 

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Edited by Supernova74, 15 April 2025 - 11:03 AM.

[Astroman007]

It's a great scope and I understand you're pumped but does it really require five identical posts?

 

Yes, not a classic. Why not keep it? Every backyard astronomer should have a good 90 to 100mm refractor IMO.

[Supernova74]

It's a great scope and I understand you're pumped but does it really require five identical posts?

 

Yes, not a classic. Why not keep it? Every backyard astronomer should have a good 90 to 100mm refractor IMO.

Yes was aware of that as when i posted the first time round the screen went white lol 

[CharLakeAstro]

Wow, that scope sure is beautiful. I would  most certainly use it out under the stars, but also keep it on display in my office as eye candy. 

[VA3DSO]

Yes was aware of that as when i posted the first time round the screen went white lol 

I've had the same issue when posting - after clicking "Post" I sometimes just get a blank white screen - but my post is there. I've seen many people with multiple identical posts so don't feel bad! 

Edited by Rick-T137, 15 April 2025 - 12:25 PM.

[havasman]

Those are the most beautiful refractors I know of and if I had one, an unlikely eventuality, I'm sure it would not leave even if all it did was sit on a mount in the den. If I ever saw one on an observing field I would certainly visit with the owner and hope to get a look through it.

[RichA]

Go to an auction site. Sell to the monied rubes

[John Huntley]

That one was up for sale for a while recently here in the UK. It's a wonderful looking instrument but perhaps a little "niche" ?

 

You could try a lower price perhaps ?

[betacygni]

Trick on valuing rare and generally unavailable scopes is to start at the higher end, assuming you are in no hurry to sell. The issue of course as mentioned prior is that it’s quite niche being an expensive achromat. Additionally people that really wanted one probably would have purchased one when they were available, so that’s going to leave a pretty tiny market, especially at higher prices.

Good luck with the sale, always really wanted one of those scopes. I’m one of those that view telescopes as works on art in themselves, this scope surely is that.

Edited by betacygni, 15 April 2025 - 11:55 PM.

[db2005]

Nice scope!

 

I recall drooling over the Moonraker scopes years ago; that special unique appeal of steampunk/astronomy/jewelry design-language is sure to attract some attention in any living room display, although the very shiny surfaces are probably somewhat impractical in real use.

 

Unless my memory is faulty I believe I read somewhere that Moonraker were using optics which were supplied by Tele Vue in the USA.

Edited by db2005, 16 April 2025 - 12:25 AM.

[Supernova74]

Nice scope!

 

I recall drooling over the Moonraker scopes years ago; that special unique appeal of steampunk/astronomy/jewelry design-language is sure to attract some attention in any living room display, although the very shiny surfaces are probably somewhat impractical in real use.

 

Unless my memory is faulty I believe I read somewhere that Moonraker were using optics which were supplied by Tele Vue in the USA.

Richard day used televue objective lenses of (skylight telescopes) similer to moonraker aesthetically.

mark at moonraker also fussy about the lenses he uses various lenses such as jaegers,Istar R35 objective lenses,

[kmparsons]

I have a candy-apple red 100mm f/10 Richard Day made for me several years ago. It has an outstanding Vixen objective. it is wonderful to look at and to look through. It makes you realize how great refractors could be even in the "pre-apo" era. 

[R Botero]

Richard day used televue objective lenses of (skylight telescopes) similer to moonraker aesthetically.

mark at moonraker also fussy about the lenses he uses various lenses such as jaegers,Istar R35 objective lenses,

Mark would make an OTA for whatever lens you'd give him.  I gave him a 94mm f/7 Brandon triplet lens made by Roland Christen in the late 80s and he made me this one a bit more than 10 years ago.  I actually had two of those lenses but one was chipped and there went my dream of a binoscope made by Moonraker!

 

 

I am saddened to hear he is not making scopes anymore.  I enjoyed visiting his workshop a lot.

 

Roberto

[zjc26138]

They sure are beautiful scopes!

[Terra Nova]

Hi all 

 

I recently required this little gem of a refractor telescope

 

its understandable that Moonraker telescopes is not going to appeal to everyone and was unaware if i should place this thread in the classic section of CN or the refractor section which i decided to place this thread.I personally wouldn’t call it a classic it’s more retro! i guess as this moonraker (GALAXY CLASS) was manufactured in the 21st century.the telescope is a 90mm (3.5”) f8.9 achromat which is manufactured out of MgF2 Japanese glass elements and i must admit was very impressed with the optical quality and would definitely say it’s on par with a ED doublet.However do many amateurs actually use these steam punk,slightly industrial looking refractor telescopes in the field,and I’m not so sure!.So as the telescope will be for sale shortly I’m unware the path i should take.Do i advertise in the CN sections or perhaps go to a specialist auction site instead.

 

far as I’m aware mark at moonraker has now retired and these telescopes are no longer in production.I did also look at the price list of these instruments so i am aware how much they cost originally.

Congratulations! Moonraker’s are lovely instruments, and rather rare as they are truly bespoke one-offs. Mark did gorgeous work and he was willing to work with the customer on the design. I had an Astronomy friend (now deceased) that had one the Mark made just for him. He was very proud of it. Really cool, Steampunkish retro-Victorian designs. I know you will enjoy it.