Thinking About a New Scope? Think Big!
Latest News & Updates
Pyrex glass discontinued
Corning closed the Pyrex factory in December 2007. After 75 years providing glass for astronomical mirrors, there will be no more Pyrex mirror blanks. Alternate suppliers of borosilicate glass (Pyrex) charge much more. We pre-purchased nearly a thousand 2” thick large aperture Pyrex blanks before they shut down. That’s one reason why we can offer the best optics and telescopes at lower prices than our competitors.
Jupiter & Saturn images
February 2011
Taken by Refet Dehari with 15" Classic.
New website
November 2010
Welcome to our NEW website. We hope you find it informative and easy to navigate. If you find any problems, please let us know.
This news section will expand, so check back often.
24 year anniversary
In 1987 I introduced the Classic Obsession 20”, the most imitated large aperture telescope in the world. I was and still am obsessed with deep sky astronomy and producing the finest instruments possible. Since then I’ve built over 2000 Obsession telescopes, wrote the number one selling book on building big Dobs, started the Ultra Compact line of scopes in 2008, and provided nearly all the design innovations that everyone else copies. Choose from the warm and beauty of the Classic Obsession or the modern Ultra Compact telescope. Either choice is the best instrument available anywhere at any price. An Obsession Telescope will provide you with a lifetime of observing fun. DAVE KRIEGE
Pyrex glass discontinued
Corning closed the Pyrex factory in December 2007. After 75 years providing glass for astronomical mirrors there will be no more Pyrex mirror blanks. Alternate suppliers of borosilicate glass (Pyrex) charge much more. We pre-purchased nearly a thousand 2” thick large aperture Pyrex blanks before they shut down. That’s one reason why we can offer the best optics/telescopes at lower prices than our competitors.
Award winning Obsession 15” f/4.2 UC and 18” f/4.2 UC (Ultra Compact)
See video on our web site or last 15 minutes of the DVD
Introducing entirely new products. The Ultra Compact telescopes are for people that want large aperture that will fit in any car. Completely new design and extremely compact - but same optical, build quality, and ease of use as the Classic Obsession. Awarded 2008 Hot Product by Sky & Telescope magazine, Cloudy Nights Gear of the year 2008 award, Astronomy magazine 2008 Top Ten award, Cloudy Night Reviews Readers Choice – 2007 Top Products award. For info, photos and a streaming video of the 15” UC and 18" UC please see our web site. Both the 15 and 18 inch Ultra Compact Obsessions include premium Feathertouch focuser, Telrad, and counter weight kit. Cost is the same as Classic 15 and 18 inch models with same items. Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer and ServoCAT GoTo drive options available on both. And if you prefer the warmth and beauty of a fine wood instrument we still offer the famous Classic Obsession series of telescopes.
22 f/4.2 Ultra Compact
We are constantly being asked to make a larger Ultra Compact scope. So we introduced the 22 f/4.2 UC in January 2010. Same award winning design but with 8 truss poles instead of six. Same premium Galaxy and OMI optics. All optics are tested and figured with wave fringe analysis interferometry, the Gold Standard in the business.
Premium optics and Ion Deposition enhanced coatings
Obsessions are built with diffraction limited optics from Galaxy and OMI (Optical Mechanics Inc). All on 2 inch glass. No cheap astigmatic bendy thin mirrors like others use. No fragile plate glass sandwich mirrors. No cutting corners.
These optics have the finest specs on the market, are certified with laser interferometry and have ID (Ion Deposition) 96% enhanced coating. Enhanced Ion deposition is the smoothest, most durable, most opaque (no pin holes) and most reflective coating possible. Now you can have the best optics, the best coatings and the best delivery. Call or email for price & delivery. Secondary mirrors are 1/10 wave or better with interferometry certification and coated with 98% Brilliant-Diamond enhanced aluminum. These are the finest flats and coatings offered anywhere.
OEM discount pricing on all Televue products
Obsession is also a Televue dealer. When you buy an Obsession you get Original Equipment Manufactures discount pricing on all Televue eyepieces, coma correctors, barlows, filters, etc.
New Super 10K res encoders
Now when you choose the Argo Navis Digital Setting Circles or ServoCAT GoTo drive for your scope you get 10000 count encoders. Standard on all Obsessions, these super res encoders increase targeting accuracy. No other scope has these.
GOTO TRACKING DRIVE - ARGO NAVIS DIGITAL SETTING CIRCLES
Available now. We can install the new Generation 2 ServoCAT GoTo tracking drive on your new Obsession. Combined with the powerful Argo Navis digital setting circles and 10K super res encoders, this system makes your large aperture telescope a fantastic observational instrument. Seamless operation. Precise tracking and GoTo capability at the push of a button to over 29000 objects. Features so advanced we can't describe them all on this page. Whether you get the ServoCAT GoTo tracking system or if you just want the advanced features of the Argo Navis digital setting circles you'll get factory installation. For more info please see enclosed product sheets.
