Founder Optics

[IB20]

Don’t know a lot about this brand but awhile ago I took a punt on the Founder Optics 1.25” dielectric mirror diagonal and I’ve been extremely happy with it. Love the locking collet mechanism (I don’t use undercut EPs 😅) and it’s optically excellent. It also looks and feels quality, love the alien green!

Have a Tak prism with my slower 3” but read BillP’s diagonal review piece on CN and with my 4” f7 thought I’d try it with a mirror diagonal. I have absolutely no complaints and am not looking to upgrade, which for me says a lot about this diagonal’s performance.

[cajen2]

I think their 'Marvel' EP range are clones of the StellaLyra 80° LER/UWAs, which are made by Long Perng. Don't know about the diagonal.

Edited October 21, 2023 by cajen2

[cajen2]

Additional: the Marvels are currently even cheaper than the SLs at £159. That's amazing value for quality EPs, especially the 14 and 20mm 2" ones.

Edited October 21, 2023 by cajen2

[John]

6 minutes ago, cajen2 said:

I think their 'Marvel' EP range are clones of the StellaLyra 80° LER/UWAs, which are made by Long Perng. Don't know about the diagonal.

I think the diagonal is by Long Perng as well.

It's good stuff judging from the items that I've tried from that source.

 

 

[cajen2]

They do a couple of high-quality (well, quite expensive, anyway) APO fracs too, which come with inspection certificates.

[John]

In the BillP review of diagonals I think the Astro Tech ones are also Long Perng products. 

I've owned both the 1.25 inch and 2 inch versions at some time or another under various brandings. 

 

[cajen2]

I realise the 'alien green' is their USP, but I find it an acquired taste. Not sure I'd want it on my quiet, dignified-looking Starfield 102! 😂

[IB20]

7 hours ago, John said:

In the BillP review of diagonals I think the Astro Tech ones are also Long Perng products. 

I've owned both the 1.25 inch and 2 inch versions at some time or another under various brandings. 

 

Hmmm interesting. Bill’s piece reported that the AT diagonal was softer on the moon at high mags. I have noticed such but attributed it to the scope and seeing. Will compare with the Tak prism next chance I get!

[jjohnson3803]

I'd buy their kit just for the green!  😄 

OTOH, my 72ED has red accents and focuser, so it would probably look like a Christmas decoration.