In 2006, Skylight was envisioned as a place to buy antique, vintage, or generally interesting Astronomy gear.
In 2009, the first Skylight Premium refractor was created; the Skylight F15.
Skylight Premium refractors are a new way of looking at telescopes. Instead of simply owning the latest assembly of parts from the CNC mill, Skylight refractors hark back to another time, where the craftsman had his hands on every part. Skylight Refractors are made in small numbers (typically between 10-15 pieces), so when these are gone, they're gone. Most parts of my refractors are made by hand, and those elements not made by me, are made by nearby machinists in Southwest London. The optical tubes themselves are hand made.
The costs of manufacturing items by hand in Europe is expensive and means the end result itself, while quite spectacular, is in itself, expensive. If you can appreciate the concept, you will understand why this is the case. In other industries, artisans can charge healthy 4-figure or even 5-figure sums for the results of their craft, and with this in mind, I believe Skylight Premium refractors to be quite reasonable.
Anyone can visit the nearest astronomical supplier's website and get the latest shiny scope…but to view the skies through a quality hand-made or vintage refractor which is not easily replaced is special, and adds another dimension to your experience.
Skylight is not a big unit shifter. It does not pretend to be, nor does it aspire to be. Every sale is a personal experience involving a unique instrument.
That is the Skylight difference.
If you have a question, or would like some advice, please ask. There are no stupid questions, only stupid responses. I don’t pretend to know everything, but I will certainly help or advise if I can.
Thanks for reading,
Richard Day
Friends:
Cloudy Nights Simply the best Astronomy Resource on the web.
The Widescreen Centre London's only Astronomy shop
Choosing & Using a Refracting Telescope by Neil English
Astronomy Technology Today One of the finest Astro magazines available
Astronomy Now Magazine Without question, the best UK Astro magazine
Astrofest/London Cramped? yes...Busy? yes...But, never, ever boring!
UK Astronomy Buy and Sell The best place to shop for used gear...but be quick!
Vintage/Antique Catalogues & Manuals Missing one? Robert Provin probably has it on this excellent site