I'm Mark Rieck, owner of Teton Telescope. Being an avid astronomer for many years, I became disheartened at what I saw as a void in our hobby spurred by trends of the last few years. I've seen talented folks bringing exceptional instruments to the amateur fall by the wayside one by one. During the same time, imports from China have grown in popularity. I'm glad the Far East has decided to improve their offerings, which is great for the community in general. Despite that, I see great danger in the ever growing perception that these instruments are the equal of superior optical systems, which they are not. The interferometer tells no lies. Inconsistency due to a lack of quality control still abounds. It is both excellence AND consistency in achieving that level that is and always has been the mark of superior optical systems.
 
The systems that Teton Telescope represents were not a product of random choice. Being lableled as an equipment junkie by my contemporaries has allowed me to own and use a shameless variety of scopes of all types. I developed a taste for fine optics be they refractor, reflector, or catadioptric. I also learned that in the end, steering my choices in this direction actually ended being 'smart money' spent. Smart decisions are not always the most expensive, but rather the result of finding what is the best balance of performance and cost. I spent literally months pursuing arrangements with companies I know offer this balance, and will continue to do the same.
 
Also fading fast in truly personalized service, which should be part of every experience both before and after the sale. There are a few simple facts that drive our philosophy. One is that every person has a unique set of needs and preferences. If the salesman at the superstore isn't asking as many or more questions than you in the first few minutes, you can lay odds they are not placing your needs over theirs.

Second is being there for service. Good service is not defined by throwing you another sample to see if you'll accept it. It is defined by having products that rarely need service to begin with, and offering expert and timely service if and when they do. Also included is truth. EVERY instrument ever made includes trade-offs. That's the nature of the telescope. We'll tell you pros and cons and how they should affect your final decision. Those that don't are hiding the facts from you.  
 
Teton Telescope's major partners are Intes Micro of Russia in conjunction with ITE Astronomy of Florida. We handle a vast majority of service in-house at Teton. If major work due to an accident is ever needed, ITE's full service optics shop is at our disposal. The shop also tests every single optic special ordered from Intes Micro by Teton Telescope, insuring our minimum standards are exactly what we get.
 
For a bulk of Teton's refractors, we work with APM of Germany. APM has the worldwide exclusive on American designed optics made by LZOS of Russia(and LOMO for 80mm, 95mm, and 102mm models). These lenses are arguably what revolutionized the apo refractor world some years ago into the boom of popularity they enjoy today. Each is tested via interferometer and the test results supplied with every serial numbered lens assembly. Tube assemblies are sourced from APM. Final assembly of instruments is performed here at Teton, including Feathertouch focusers obtained from Starlight Instruments of Illinois. Each instrument is tested in it's fully assembled form to insure precise alignment and optimal performance.
 
Teton also works directly with other leading manufacturers to provide a variety of instruments and accys all reknowned for quality, consistency, and value.