OMCOM 515G Refractor Telescope

Circa Late 1990's to Early 2000's

A classic 6-inch (150mm) Newtonian reflector designed primarily for astronomical observation. Its specific design and equatorial mount make it best suited for specific environments:

Primary Use Case: Astronomical Observation

• Deep-Sky Exploration: With its 6-inch aperture, it is excellent for viewing faint objects like nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies (such as the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula) from dark-sky sites.

• Lunar and Planetary Detail: It provides crisp, high-contrast views of lunar craters, Jupiter's moons and cloud bands, and Saturn's rings.

• Backyard Stargazing: Its portable design allows for easy setup on a stable, flat surface in backyards or on balconies, provided there is a clear view of the sky.

Secondary Use Case: Daytime Terrestrial Viewing

While not its primary purpose, you can use a Newtonian reflector for land-based observation with certain adjustments:

• Long-Range Surveillance: Can be used for birdwatching, nature observation, or ship/plane spotting over vast distances.

• Image Orientation: By default, the image will be inverted (upside-down). To correct this for land use, you must use an erecting eyepiece or stand with your back to the object and look into the vertical focuser.

• Safety Warning: NEVER point the telescope at or near the sun during daytime use, as this will cause permanent eye damage and destroy the optics.

Historical Significance:

The OMCOM 515G holds historical significance as a cornerstone of the Canadian amateur astronomy market from the 1980s through the late 1990s.

1. SKY INSTRUMENTS Legacy

It was the flagship 6-inch reflector for SKY INSTRUMENTS  (Richmond, B.C.). The brand eventually evolved into ANTARES, which remains a well-known name in high-quality telescope components today.

2. The Japanese-Canadian Connection

During this era, Omcon sourced premium mirrors and eyepieces from Japanese optical factories. This provided Canadian hobbyists with professional-grade clarity—far superior to the "department store" telescopes of the time—at an accessible price.

3. The "Sweet Spot" Design

The 515G popularized the 6-inch Newtonian as the ideal "all-purpose" telescope. It offered enough light-gathering power to see deep-space nebulae while remaining portable enough for backyard use, setting the standard for the modern hobbyist setup.

4. Mechanical Durability



Unlike modern plastic-heavy entry-level telescopes, the 515G was built with heavy-duty metal mounts and housings. Its longevity is its legacy; many units are still in active use 30+ years later, prized for their ruggedness and "crisp" vintage optics.

(H-78cm x W-18cm x D-66cm)