24" RC F/8 Ritchey Chrétien- REDUCED

24" TRUE RITCHEY-CHRÉTIEN OPTICAL SET — STAR INSTRUMENTS / PAUL JONES

For sale is a true 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien optical system, with optics made by Paul Jones of Star Instruments.

 These are not untested project optics. This optical set was used successfully for many years in my automated supernova search and has been responsible for the discovery of hundreds of supernovae.

OPTICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Primary mirror: 24 inches
• Secondary mirror: 9 inches
• Mirror spacing: 50 inches
• Focal ratio: f/8
• Primary construction: Cellular, with solid outer and inner cores
• Primary mirror weight: 58 pounds

The optics were retested by Paul Jones of Star Instruments in 2024, prior to being offered for sale. The new interferogram is included with the listing.

For someone interested in building a serious large-aperture RC telescope, this optical set provides an opportunity to begin a project immediately rather than facing the potentially very long lead time involved in having a comparable set of custom optics manufactured.

For perspective, a completed Planwave RC OTA only in this aperture class can approach $100,000.

ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS AVAILABLE WITH THE SALE

I have a substantial collection of components and hardware that I can include with the optical set, including:

• Movable secondary assembly with secondary mirror holder plate
• Spider vane assembly
• Primary mirror cored cell holder
• Focal reducer in an Easy Guider
• Byers gears
• Numerous additional telescope components and hardware

I am also willing to consult with the buyer on completing the OTA and designing/building an appropriate mount. Having built and operated this telescope system myself, I can provide practical information about the mechanical and optical requirements. The old mount and OTA waighed 2.5 tons and was not practical to keep when I retired. 

For additional cost I can design and machine the back plate, front ring and carbon fiber truss rods. 

IMPORTANT

This is an optical set and associated components, not a completed OTA.To construct a complete optical tube assembly, the buyer would still need to fabricate or have fabricated components including:

Machined rear/back plate

Truss structure/box

Front ring

SHIPPING / PICKUP

The buyer is responsible for crating and shipping costs. Local pickup is also welcome and may be preferable given the size and value of the optics.

I am also willing to consider trades of comparable value.

After more than 42 years in astronomy, both professionally and as a hobby, I have retired and am gradually selling equipment that I no longer have a need for.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a proven, professionally made 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien optical system with documented performance history and recent optical testing.

Serious inquiries are welcome.

Tim Puckett
Puckett Observatory