Crafting Precision Optics for Astronomy, Industry, and Science

Waite Research, founded by Gordon Waite, specializes in the design and fabrication of precision optics for astronomy, science, and industry. We produce premium telescope mirrors from 6 inches to 38.5 inches in diameter, including short focal-length designs for fast, compact systems.

In addition to our astronomy mirrors, we also build custom optical components for industrial and scientific instruments, tailored to exacting specifications. Every optic we produce reflects our commitment to innovation and dependable performance.

Gordon Waite on YouTube

With over 50 in-depth videos on mirror making and telescope building, Gordon Waite has built a YouTube channel that’s both educational and inspiring for amateur and professional astronomers alike. His hands-on demonstrations and clear explanations have attracted a worldwide audience, earning the channel more than 3 million views and a reputation as a go-to resource for precision optics and telescope craftsmanship. Gordon Waite YouTube Channel.  Read more

Gordon Waite’s New Ebook Is Here

After decades of making precision telescope mirrors professionally, Gordon Waite has put his mirror-making experience into a new hands-on guide, The No-Fail 6-Inch Telescope Mirror.

Gordon made his first telescope mirror as a teenager, learning many lessons through trial and error. This new book is the practical guide he wishes he had back then.

Using a 6-inch F/10 mirror as the project, Gordon walks readers through the entire process—from making the grinding tool and generating the curve to fine grinding, pitch lap making, polishing, testing progress, and preparing the finished mirror for coating.

The ebook is designed for new mirror makers who want a clear, reliable approach. It includes detailed workshop photographs, diagrams, checklists, troubleshooting advice, and clickable video demonstrations that let readers watch Gordon perform many of the techniques described in the book.

The goal is simple: take the mystery out of mirror making and help more amateur telescope makers experience the satisfaction of looking through a telescope with a mirror they made themselves.

The No-Fail 6-Inch Telescope Mirror is available now as a digital PDF ebook.

GET YOUR COPY — $27

This 20" F3.3 Renegade looks stunning with the cherry wood finish.

Innovative Design and Premium Mirror Deliver Top Performance

Waite Research's innovative Renegade telescope design and optics offer exquisite night views of Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon, as well as open clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

Renegade telescopes include premium, Waite Research mirrors, top-end Starlight Instruments Feather Touch focusers, and light-blocking fabric cloaks. 

Please email us to learn more about Renegade telescopes and premium optics.

This is one of the premium 20" f/3.3 telescope mirrors crafted by Gordon Waite at Waite Research in Chandler, Arizona — a fast, high-performance optic built for serious deep-sky observing.

"The expanse of the universe as you've never seen it before."