Binoculars for the great Australia Outdoors!

Pentax's 10x50 S-Series SP Binocular features large oversized fully multicoated 50mm objectives to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path. Utilizing the traditional porro prism configuration gives scenes a rich depth of view for an immersive observation experience and provides a comfortable feel in the hand with a lot of surface area to maintain a sure grip. The large objectives and coatings maximize the amount of light getting to the user's eyes for exceptional low-light capabilities, and its high 10x magnification provides an immersive observation experience whether users are bird watching or comet hunting.

Fully-multi-coated optics assure maximum light transmission resulting in high quality viewing. Every surface of every element is fully coated minimizing internal glare and flare and giving a bright clear view. Aluminum-diecast body adds strength and durability. View your subjects even in dim light with high-quality BaK4 prisms that transmit more light at the edges to enhance illumination.

Binoculars for the great Australia Outdoors!

Pentax's 10x50 S-Series SP Binocular features large oversized fully multicoated 50mm objectives to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path. Utilizing the traditional porro prism configuration gives scenes a rich depth of view for an immersive observation experience and provides a comfortable feel in the hand with a lot of surface area to maintain a sure grip. The large objectives and coatings maximize the amount of light getting to the user's eyes for exceptional low-light capabilities, and its high 10x magnification provides an immersive observation experience whether users are bird watching or comet hunting.

Fully-multi-coated optics assure maximum light transmission resulting in high quality viewing. Every surface of every element is fully coated minimizing internal glare and flare and giving a bright clear view. Aluminum-diecast body adds strength and durability. View your subjects even in dim light with high-quality BaK4 prisms that transmit more light at the edges to enhance illumination.

Pentax SP 12x50 WP

Large objective lenses incorporated in the design allow for contrast-rich, bright viewing under all light conditions.

Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions.

Specialized protective coating (SD models only) repels dust, water and grease to keep your optics clean and your image quality at its peak.

Rigid body construction makes these binoculars extremely rugged to maintain optical alignment. This ensures comfortable viewing throughout the life of the product.

Waterproof and nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to handle the most extreme weather conditions (submersible to 1m).

Exceptional quality meets high-end expectations.

Pentax's 16x50 S-Series SP Binocular features large oversized fully multicoated 50mm objectives to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path. Utilizing the traditional porro prism configuration gives scenes a rich depth of view for an immersive observation experience and provides a comfortable feel in the hand with a lot of surface area to maintain a sure grip. The large objectives and coatings maximize the amount of light getting to the user's eyes for exceptional low-light capabilities, and its high 16x magnification provides an immersive observation experience whether users are bird watching or comet hunting.

Large objective lenses incorporated in the design allow for contrast-rich, bright viewing under all light conditions.

Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions.

Specialized protective coating (SD models only) repels dust, water and grease to keep your optics clean and your image quality at its peak.

Rigid body construction makes these binoculars extremely rugged to maintain optical alignment. This ensures comfortable viewing throughout the life of the product.

Waterproof and nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to handle the most extreme weather conditions (submersible to 1m).

Exceptional quality meets high-end expectations.

Large objective lenses incorporated in the design allow for contrast-rich, bright viewing under all light conditions.

Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions.

Specialized protective coating (SD models only) repels dust, water and grease to keep your optics clean and your image quality at its peak.

Rigid body construction makes these binoculars extremely rugged to maintain optical alignment. This ensures comfortable viewing throughout the life of the product.

Waterproof and nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to handle the most extreme weather conditions (submersible to 1m).

The Pentax's 8x40 S-Series SP Binocular boasts a wide 65.6° field of view and porro prisms that produce a rich depth of view. The 40mm objectives are fully multicoated to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path without making them overly cumbersome for a long day on the trail. The coatings ensure bright and clear high-contrast images even in low-light, and its utilitarian 8x magnification brings subjects close while maintaining wide 143m field of view at 1000m to capture the broader picture. The binocular sports a 13mm eye relief and the fold-down eyecups seal against the ocular cavity to block stray peripheral light which can dim images.

Fully-multi-coated optics assure maximum light transmission resulting in high quality viewing. Every surface of every element is fully coated minimizing internal glare and flare and giving a bright clear view. Aluminium-diecast body adds strength and durability. View your subjects even in dim light with high-quality BaK4 prisms that transmit more light at the edges to enhance illumination.

Specifications:

Exceptional quality meets high-end expectations.

Pentax's 8x40 S-Series SP WP Binocular can be used with confidence in all weather and lighting conditions. The 40mm objectives are fully multicoated to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission through the entire optical path without making them overly cumbersome for a long day on the trail. Utilizing the traditional porro prism configuration gives scenes a rich depth of view for an immersive observation experience and provides a comfortable feel in the hand with a lot of surface area to maintain a sure grip.

The coatings ensure bright and clear high-contrast images even in low-light, and its utilitarian 8x magnification brings subjects close while maintaining 363 field of view to preserve situational awareness.

Large objective lenses incorporated in the design allow for contrast-rich, bright viewing under all light conditions.

Premium multi-layer coatings assure the maximum light transmission through the binocular. The result is bright, crisp, true-to-life images in the widest range of viewing conditions.

Specialized protective coating (SD models only) repels dust, water and grease to keep your optics clean and your image quality at its peak.

Rigid body construction makes these binoculars extremely rugged to maintain optical alignment. This ensures comfortable viewing throughout the life of the product.

Waterproof and nitrogen-filled (JIS Class 6) to handle the most extreme weather conditions (submersible to 1m).

Specifications

SKU: 65871

The Pentax PF-65 EDA II Spotting Scope is a medium-sized and exquisite optical performer, with a brilliant 65mm objective lens and the ability to accept any 1.25" astronomy eyepiece as well as 67mm filters at the front of the objective. It is 100% waterproof and fogproof, with durable rubber armor over an all-metal housing that's got a rotating tripod collar with click stops every 45°. The fully multicoated optics feature Pentax's well-regarded SMC multicoating process, and an element of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass helps provide razor-sharp edge delineation to high-contrast subjects.

The PF-65 EDA II 1.25 diameter eyepiece specification allows less compacting of the light shaft produced by the objective lens, and thus a larger final image with superior depth perception. Any great 1.25" eyepiece can be used, from Pentax themselves to elite telescope manufacturers' eyepieces such as Meade, Celestron, Vixen, and of course Tele Vue. The PF-65 EDA II has a focal length of 319mm, so if you already have a 1.25" eyepiece, simply divide 319 by the focal length of your eyepiece to find the magnification. For example, if you have a 15mm Plossl eyepiece, then 319 / 15 roughly equals 21x magnification when used in this spotting scope.

Please note this spotting scope does not come standard with an eyepiece. A good suggestion would be:

• A superb large-class spotting scope with 45° angled viewing
• JIS Class 6 100% waterproof and fogproof construction
• Pentax's SMC multicoatings applied to every optical surface
• An ED glass element to provide ideal color correction and contrast
• Accepts 1.25" astronomy eyepieces
• Rotating tripod collar with click stops
• Retractable hood shields the objective from stray light or moisture
• Accepts 76mm filters

The Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope is a large and impressive optical performer, with a brilliant 80mm objective lens and the ability to accept any 1.25" astronomy eyepiece as well as 82mm filters at the front of the objective. It is 100% waterproof and fogproof, with durable rubber armor over an all-metal housing that's got a rotating tripod collar with click stops every 45°. The fully multicoated optics feature Pentax's well-regarded SMC multicoating process, and an element of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass helps provide razor-sharp edge delineation to high-contrast subjects.

The PF-80ED-A's 1.25 diameter eyepiece specification allows less compacting of the light shaft produced by the objective lens, and thus a larger final image with superior depth perception. Any great 1.25" eyepiece can be used, from Pentax themselves to elite telescope manufacturers' eyepieces such as Meade, Celestron, Vixen, and of course Tele Vue. The PF-80ED has a focal length of 518mm.

Please note this spotting scope does not come standard with an eyepiece. A good suggestion would be:

The PF-80ED-A is amongst the very short list of premium spotting scopes that includes a view-through case as standard equipment.

• A superb large-class spotting scope with 45° angled viewing
• JIS Class 6 100% waterproof and fogproof construction
• Pentax's SMC multicoatings applied to every optical surface
• An ED glass element to provide ideal color correction and contrast
• Accepts 1.25" astronomy eyepieces
• Rotating tripod collar with click stops
• Retractable hood shields the objective from stray light or moisture
• Accepts 82mm filters

Pentax's highly portable and functional U-Series UP Compact Binocular employs an innovative unibody design that locks the objective lenses into the body with the eyepieces set on a synchronized dual-axis mechanism that ensures they stay symmetrical in relation to the center axis of the optic when adjusting the interpupillary distance. The 25mm objective lenses are fully multicoated to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission to produce the brightest images possible. Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate distortion, especially around the edges, and corrects for lens astigmatism which can prevent sharp focusing.

Designed for easy carrying and stowing, the binocular features a lightweight fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate housing that is corrosion and impact resistant. The housing material is also temperature-resistant allowing for its use in extreme climates while reducing expansion and contraction wide temperature variations can cause, which can make the optical components move out of collimation over time.

Optical Performance

• 10x magnification
• 25mm objective lenses
• BAK4 porro-prism optical design
• Aspherical lens elements reduce distortion at the edges and corrects for lens astigmatism which can prevent sharp focusing
• Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics
• 325.5' field of view at 1000 yards
• 50° angle of view

Use and Handling

• Dual-axis synchronized eyepiece adjustment ensures symmetrical placement when changing interpupillary distances
• Knurled center focus wheel
• Twist-up eyecups for use with or without eye wear
• 15mm eye relief, 3.1mm exit pupil
• Standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount

Construction Details

• Lightweight fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate housing
• Housing is corrosion, temperature and impact-resistant
• Rubberized armoring protects against impacts and provides slip-resistant grip

Pentax's highly portable and functional U-Series UP Compact Binocular employs an innovative unibody design that locks the objective lenses into the body with the eyepieces set on a synchronized dual-axis mechanism that ensures they stay symmetrical in relation to the center axis of the optic when adjusting the interpupillary distance. The 25mm objective lenses are fully multicoated to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission to produce the brightest images possible. Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate distortion, especially around the edges, and corrects for lens astigmatism which can prevent sharp focusing.

Designed for easy carrying and stowing, the binocular features a lightweight fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate housing that is corrosion and impact resistant. The housing material is also temperature-resistant allowing for its use in extreme climates while reducing expansion and contraction wide temperature variations can cause, which can make the optical components move out of collimation over time.

Optical Performance

• 8x magnification
• 25mm objective lenses
• BAK4 porro-prism optical design
• Aspherical lens elements reduce distortion at the edges and corrects for lens astigmatism which can prevent sharp focusing
• Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics
• 325.5' field of view at 1000 yards
• 50° angle of view

Use and Handling

• Dual-axis synchronized eyepiece adjustment ensures symmetrical placement when changing interpupillary distances
• Knurled center focus wheel
• Twist-up eyecups for use with or without eye wear
• 15mm eye relief, 3.1mm exit pupil
• Standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount

Construction Details

• Lightweight fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate housing
• Housing is corrosion, temperature and impact-resistant
• Rubberized armoring protects against impacts and provides slip-resistant grip

World‘s first* three-in-one binoculars, to spot the excitement in three different ways

PENTAX VD 4×20 WP unique 3 in 1 binoculars, monoculars and telescope with the versatility to capture the emotion of a variety of scenes. Bright, clear, high contrast, excellent optical performance and high waterproof performance. Focusing at a minimum distance of 50cm (19.68 inches). Perfect for concerts, festivals, sports, theater, museums.

* Based on RICOH IMAGING research.(as of July, 2020)

Features

Additional Features:

High-grade design incorporating a number of metallic components.

Non-slip, rubber-coated exterior and seesaw-type focus mechanism to assure firm hold and provide single-hand operation.

A short minimum focusing distance of 70 centimeters to facilitate close-range observation at such locations as art galleries and museums.

Specifications

In The Box

• Pentax 4X20 VD WP 3-in-1 Binocular
• Case
• Convertible Strap

Compact, lightweight, high-performance monocular, providing single-hand focusing operation.

PENTAX Monocular VM 6×21 WP, Easy to use with just one hand. Universal design that is ergonomically easy to operate. Bright and clear view with high contrast and excellent optical performance. Waterproof to 1m. Minimum focus distance of 70cm.

There's also some optional accessories available -

Features:

Compact, Lightweight, High-Performance Monocular. Provides Single-Hand Focusing Operation.

PENTAX Monocular VM 6×21 WP Monocular Complete Kit provides an easy grip by either hand and features a newly designed focus mechanism to facilitate focus adjustment by the holding hand.

Thanks to a minimum focusing distance of 70 centimeters and a wide focus adjustment range allowing close-range observations, this monocular can be used in a wide range of applications, from magnified views of distant scenery to close-up observations of small objects.

Easy Operation with One Hand

It has a compact and lightweight design that fits in the palm of your hand, and the exterior design uses a non-slip rubber coating that makes it easy to grip with either hand. The seesaw-type focus adjustment mechanism allows you to focus while holding the main unit, so you can use it with peace of mind while walking in the mountains or while carrying luggage in one hand.

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Wide Range of Ways

By attaching a smartphone using the smartphone adapter "V-SA1", you can not only see powerful images with the naked eye, but also shoot them. Also, if you attach the macro stand "V-MS1" with an LED light, you can use it as a microscope with a close-up lens of about 18x ​​for magnified observation of minute objects. If the object is dark due to the shadow of the monocular during observation, you can observe it while illuminating it brightly with the built-in LED light. In addition, by using it together with the "V-SA1", it is possible to take and save super-close-up images, greatly expanding the scope of use of the main unit.

Features:

To optimize the performance of the PF-65ED/EDA 65mm ED Spotting Scopes, PENTAX has developed three compact, high-performance XF-series eyepieces, all featuring a bright, high-contrast image, 1.25" diameter barrel and focal lengths ideal for outdoor viewing and bird watching.

The SMC PENTAX XF Zoom Eyepiece 6.5mm-19.5mm features a focal-length range of 6.5mm to 19.5mm for a magnification of 20 to 60 times, with an apparent field of view of 42 to 60 degrees and an eye relief of 11mm to 15mm. It also offers a user-friendly rubber eyepiece ring to minimize the risk of scratching the observer's eyeglasses.

Please note this eyepiece will fit all telescopes that take 1.25" eyepieces.

Overview

These eyepieces are specially designed to offer an excellent field of view while the fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and color quality. The XW30-R and the XW-40R are the perfect eyepieces for viewing the nebula, planets and exploring the night sky.

At a glance

• 30mm Focal Length
• Wide 70° Field of View
• Extra-Low-Dispersion Lanthanum Glass
• Large 2" Diameter Nosepiece
• Exceptional 20mm Eye Relief
• Fully Multi-Coated & Phase Coated
• Slip-Resistant Textured Surface
• Twist-Up Rubber Eyecup

Specifications

In The Box

• Pentax XW30-R 30mm Wide-Angle Eyepiece (2")
• Plastic Case
• 2 x Caps

At a glance

• 40mm Focal Length
• Wide 70° Field of View
• Extra-Low-Dispersion Lanthanum Glass
• Large 2" Diameter Nosepiece
• Exceptional 20mm Eye Relief
• Fully Multi-Coated & Phase Coated
• Slip-Resistant Textured Surface
• Twist-Up Rubber Eyecup

Specifications

In The Box

• Pentax XW40-R 40mm Wide-Angle Eyepiece (2")
• Plastic Case
• 2 x Caps

Collapsible pier tripod for Sky-Watcher EQ8 mounts including:

• EQ8
• EQ8-R
• EQ8-Rh

New Pixfra Draco 4K Thermal Binoculars

Perfect for discovering widlife at night, nesting bird counts and more!

Ergonomic Grip, Lightweight Design

Draco features an ergonomic design with a lightweight 600g-class body, enabling easy portability, effortless one-handed operation, and clear, real-time insights into your surroundings anytime, anywhere.

Multi-Function Wheel and Four-Button Layout

The multi-function wheel paired with a four-button layout is designed to mirror the zoom mechanism of a traditional optical binocular. This intuitive setup ensures blind operation without errors, making it easy to press buttons without looking at the device.

4-in-1 Functionality

Draco is your all-in-one solution, integrating thermal imaging, 4K digital night vision, a laser range finder, and infrared illumination to meet diverse scenario and multi-functional needs.

Unmatched Image Quality, Superior in Every Frame

Draco leverages pixel-rich 4K UHD night vision to push clarity to new heights. In low-light conditions, it serves up exceptionally clear images that outperform competitors. Plus, enhanced night vision sensitivity ensures details stay visible, even when light is barely present.

High-Sensitivity Thermal Imaging

Powered by 15mK NETD detector, Draco delivers exceptional thermal images. It precisely captures even subtle temperature differences, clearly reveals target details in complex environments, and renders richer thermal layers—delivering unmatched clarity for thermal vision needs.

Immersive Display Clarity

0.49-Inch Full HD OLED display paired with 18x magnification ocular lens delivers an unparalleled visual experience for users while maintaining an excellent field of view. Additionally, Pixfra innovatively adopts a curved UI interface, maximizing the observation field for users.

IR Illumination Optional

The detachable 850/940nm infrared illuminator offers extended reach, adapting to various observational needs. Whether you’re observing wildlife or securing your property, it delivers excellent performance in darkness.

Long Runtime with Flexible Power Options

Draco delivers 9 hours of runtime and offers versatile charging: direct charging via AC power, charging via power banks, and separate battery charging via a battery compartment. It also operates on a single battery.

Pixfra Unique Chest Pack

Pixfra chest pack includes a special strap that keeps the Draco securely suspended, preventing it from touching the ground even if you release it, ensuring safe and convenient use.

Stable Dual-Band Wi-Fi Streaming

Draco supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G + 5G) for stable app video streaming—ensuring smooth, uninterrupted video even in complex wireless environments or over long distances, with reliable real-time visuals.

Specifications

Pixfra Mile 2 Thermal Monocular: creating new pathways for birding and conservation

Thermal imaging is changing the way we observe and count birds in their natural environment - at all times of the day or night, without intrusive lighting or disturbance.

Any birder knows there's often times when birds are hidden from view, either by foliage or the time of day. It becomes even more frustrating when bird counts are needed to estimate population or species locations for conservation efforts and protection and they simply can't be properly seen. 

In situations like this, no matter how powerful the binoculars you're using, the birds will remain hidden.

Thermal imaging devices lets you "see"  birds via the heat their bodies produce - revealing them in bushes and trees or when there's simply not enough natural light otherwise.

Have a chat to the experts at BINTEL about how new generation devices like the Pixfra Mile 2 can help how you discover new ways to view nature.

Includes:

• 15mm lens
• 2.33x-18.64x magnification
• View wildlife up to 800m away
• 8 Hours Battery Life
• Share your live views with up to up 4 people nearby
• Vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane detector.
• Ultra-low power consumption.
• Connects to the mobile app through Wi-Fi.
• Six colour palettes.
• Built-in EMMC (16 GB).
• Electronic compass for quick direction identification.
• Lightweight and portable.
• IP67 rated.

A design wonder
Hidden Power Switch, Non-Slip Silicone Texture, and a Smooth, Continuous Exterior for Unmatched Ergonomics.

Compact size that sits easily in your hand
Truly pocked sized, the PixFra Mile 2 Series monoculars fit the palm of your hand and can be used for extended periods of time without fatigue. 

Despite the compact design, the Mile 2 also produces 640x512 resolution images on your devices.

Logical, Easy to Use Button Layout
Perfect for night-time use or low light conditions, the control button layout is thoughtfully laid out and can be easily used one-handed without a second thought .

Main Features

Pixfra Mile 2 Thermal Monocular: creating new pathways for birding and conservation

Thermal imaging is changing the way we observe and count birds in their natural environment - at all times of the day or night, without intrusive lighting or disturbance.

Any birder knows there's often times when birds are hidden from view, either by foliage or the time of day. It becomes even more frustrating when bird counts are needed to estimate population or species locations for conservation efforts and protection and they simply can't be properly seen. 

In situations like this, no matter how powerful the binoculars you're using, the birds will remain hidden.

Thermal imaging devices lets you "see"  birds via the heat their bodies produce - revealing them in bushes and trees or when there's simply not enough natural light otherwise.

Have a chat to the experts at BINTEL about how new generation devices like the Pixfra Mile 2 can help how you discover new ways to view nature.

Includes:

• 19mm lens
• 2.05x-16.64x magnification
• View wildlife up to 1000m away
• 8 Hours Battery Life
• Share your live views with up to up 4 people nearby
• Vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane detector.
• Ultra-low power consumption.
• Connects to the mobile app through Wi-Fi.
• Six colour palettes.
• Built-in EMMC (16 GB).
• Electronic compass for quick direction identification.
• Lightweight and portable.
• IP67 rated.

A design wonder
Hidden Power Switch, Non-Slip Silicone Texture, and a Smooth, Continuous Exterior for Unmatched Ergonomics.

Compact size that sits easily in your hand
Truly pocked sized, the PixFra Mile 2 Series monoculars fit the palm of your hand and can be used for extended periods of time without fatigue. 

Despite the compact design, the Mile 2 also produces 640x512 resolution images on your devices.

Logical, Easy to Use Button Layout
Perfect for night-time use or low light conditions, the control button layout is thoughtfully laid out and can be easily used one-handed without a second thought .

Main Features

Pixfra Mile 2 Thermal Monocular: creating new pathways for birding and conservation

Thermal imaging is changing the way we observe and count birds in their natural environment - at all times of the day or night, without intrusive lighting or disturbance.

Any birder knows there's often times when birds are hidden from view, either by foliage or the time of day. It becomes even more frustrating when bird counts are needed to estimate population or species locations for conservation efforts and protection and they simply can't be properly seen. 

In situations like this, no matter how powerful the binoculars you're using, the birds will remain hidden.

Thermal imaging devices lets you "see"  birds via the heat their bodies produce - revealing them in bushes and trees or when there's simply not enough natural light otherwise.

Have a chat to the experts at BINTEL about how new generation devices like the Pixfra Mile 2 can help how you discover new ways to view nature.

Includes:

• 25mm lens
• 2.70x-21.6x magnification
• View wildlife up to 1300m away
• 8 Hours Battery Life
• Share your live views with up to up 4 people nearby
• Vanadium oxide uncooled focal plane detector.
• Ultra-low power consumption.
• Connects to the mobile app through Wi-Fi.
• Six colour palettes.
• Built-in EMMC (16 GB).
• Electronic compass for quick direction identification.
• Lightweight and portable.
• IP67 rated.

A design wonder
Hidden Power Switch, Non-Slip Silicone Texture, and a Smooth, Continuous Exterior for Unmatched Ergonomics.

Compact size that sits easily in your hand
Truly pocked sized, the PixFra Mile 2 Series monoculars fit the palm of your hand and can be used for extended periods of time without fatigue. 

Despite the compact design, the Mile 2 also produces 640x512 resolution images on your devices.

Logical, Easy to Use Button Layout
Perfect for night-time use or low light conditions, the control button layout is thoughtfully laid out and can be easily used one-handed without a second thought .

Main Features

PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica

Capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible is something our team is passionate about. From design to manufacture, our goal with the Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) 12.5″ telescope was centered around performance and ease of use. The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos. Offering the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, the stray light control of advanced baffles, structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA), and decades of telescope design experience, the CDK12.5 is an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. CDK12.5 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 70 x 70 arcminute field of view when using large camera sensors. When equipment fades into the background and simply performs, the astrophotography experience becomes even more fun and rewarding!

The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica is a 12.5 inch (0.32 m) f/8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The telescope has a closed carbon fiber tube, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope. The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 covers a 52 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 21kg and comes standard with the large capacity 2.75 inch Hedrick focuser.

Technology

The CDK Optical Design

The CDK telescope is based on a new optical design developed by Dave Rowe. The goal of the design is to make an affordable astrographic telescope with a large enough imaging plane to take advantage of the large format CCD cameras of today. Most telescope images degrade as you move off-axis from either coma, off-axis astigmatism, or field curvature. The CDK design suffers from none of these problems. The CDK is coma free, has no off-axis astigmatism, and has a flat field. The design is a simple and elegant solution to the problems posed above. The CDK consists of three components: an ellipsoidal primary mirror, a spherical secondary mirror and a lens group. All these components are optimized to work in concert in order to create superb pinpoint stars across the entire 52mm image plane.

Optical Performance

Shown are two simulations showing the CDK’s stunning performance. The first is a diffraction simulation and the second is a spot diagram. In both simulations the small squares are 9×9 microns, about the size of a CCD pixel. In the diffraction simulation the star images on axis and off-axis are nearly identical. In the spot diagram 21mm off-axis the spot size is an incredible 6 microns RMS diameter. This means stars across a 52 mm image circle are going to be pinpoints as small as the atmospheric seeing will allow.

Both of the simulations take into consideration a flat field, which is a more accurate representation of how the optics would perform on a flat CCD camera chip. For visual use some amount of field curvature would be allowed since the eye is able to compensate for a curved field. The diffraction simulation was calculated at 585nm. The spot diagram was calculated at 720, 585, and 430nm. Many companies show spot diagrams in only one wavelength, but you cannot see the chromatic performance with only one wavelength.

Comparison: CDK vs. Ritchey Chrétien

The simulations shown compares the optical performance of the CDK design to the Ritchey Chrétien (RC) design. The Ritchey design was popularized as an astroimaging telescope due to its use in many professional

observatories. Although very difficult and expensive to manufacture and align, the Ritchey is successful in eliminating many of the problems that plague many other designs, namely off-axis coma. However the Ritchey does nothing to eliminate the damaging effects of off-axis astigmatism and field curvature.

The CDK design tackles the off-axis coma problem by integrating a pair of correcting lenses into a two mirror design. The beauty is that this design also corrects for astigmatism and field curvature. Because the lenses are relatively close to the focal plane (unlike the Schmidt corrector plate found in various Schmidt Cassegrain designs), and because these lenses work together as a doublet, there is no chromatic aberration. The CDK offers a wide aberration-free, flat field of view that allows the user to take full advantage of the very large imaging chip cameras in the market place today.

Having an aberration free telescope design means nothing if the optics cannot be aligned properly. Many Ritchey owners never get to take full advantage of their instrument’s performance because the Ritchey is very difficult to collimate. Aligning the hyperbolic secondary mirror’s optical axis to the optical axis of the primary mirror is critical in the Ritchey design, and the tolerances are unforgiving. The secondary mirror of the CDK design is spherical. It has no optical axis and so the centering tolerance of the CDK secondary mirror is comparatively huge. With the help of some very simple tools, the CDK user will be able to set the secondary spacing, collimate the optics and begin enjoying the full performance potential the instrument has to offer within a few minutes.

The drastic difference in performance between the CDK and the RC is apparent. The biggest component that degrades the off-axis performance of the RC is the defocus due to field curvature. In many diagrams shown by RC manufacturers, the diagrams look better than this because they are showing a curved field. This is fine for visual use because the eye can compensate for some amount of curvature of field. But CCD arrays are flat and so in order to evaluate the performance a spot diagrams and/or diffraction simulations requires a flat field as shown.

PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Specifications

OPTICAL SYSTEM

SECONDARY MIRROR

PRIMARY MIRROR

LENS GROUP

SHIPPING

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Collimation and Spacing Instructions

Now, one person can easily balance a CDK on the L-Series mounts using the Ascend accessory! The Ascend can attach to either the front or rear of the #200919 Dovetail Clamp and precisely slide the CDK forward or back for accurate balance. Ascend uses a long pushrod to safely balance in the mount’s declination/altitude axis with the turn of a bolt.