New from Sky-Watcher: 400m (16") Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope

• View moon, planets, comets, stars, galaxies and nebulae
• Collapsible truss design – 30 minute setup time
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Backed by 5 Years Sky-Watcher Limited Warranty

The CDK500 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is a sophisticated solution designed for the serious astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This high-end system combines the powerful CDK20 optical tube with the precise L-500 direct-drive mount, creating an exceptional observational platform that excels in a variety of scientific and imaging applications.

Key Features of the CDK500 Observatory System

CDK20 Optical Tube Assembly

• Advanced Optical Design: Employs a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, achieving a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images over the entire viewing area.
• High-Quality Construction: Constructed with robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and enabling quick thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
• Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.
• Thermal Management: Incorporates an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that ensure rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent, high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.

CDK20 f/6.8 OTA

• Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 20-inch aperture, a shorter 3454 mm focal length at a faster f/6.8 focal ratio, and a shorter back focus of 223 mm.

CDK20 f/7.7 OTA

• Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 20-inch aperture, a longer 3947mm focal length at an f/7.7 focal ratio, and a longer 269.24 mm back focus.

L-500 Direct Drive Mount

• Direct Drive Motors: Features state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and rapid repositioning of celestial objects.
• High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, offering precise positioning and movement, which is crucial for elite astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
• Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Includes a finely adjustable balance system that enhances the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.
• Rapid Target Acquisition: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK500 is a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability, which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will find the CDK500 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.

Visual Observations

For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK500 provides vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-500 mount in the CDK500 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.

Mount systems

Control systems

Optical systems

Mechanical structure 

Motion control

System Performance 

Induced items

The CDK450 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is a sophisticated solution designed for the serious astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This high-end system combines the powerful CDK17 optical tube with the precise L-550 direct-drive mount, creating an exceptional observational platform that excels in a variety of scientific and imaging applications.

Key Features of the CDK450 Observatory System

CDK17 Optical Tube Assembly

• Advanced Optical Design: Employs a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, achieving a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images over the entire viewing area.
• High-Quality Construction: Constructed with robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and enabling quick thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
• Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.
• Thermal Management: Incorporates an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that ensure rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent, high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.

CDK17 f/6.8 OTA

• Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 17-inch aperture, a shorter 3454 mm focal length at a faster f/6.8 focal ratio, and a shorter back focus of 262 mm.

L-550 Direct Drive Mount

• Direct Drive Motors: Features state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and rapid repositioning of celestial objects.
• High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, offering precise positioning and movement, which is crucial for elite astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
• Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Includes a finely adjustable balance system that enhances the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.
• Rapid Target Acquisition: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK450 is a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability, which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors. The L-550 carries a greater payload capacity – perfect for holding a second telescope on the outside hub.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will find the CDK450 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.

Visual Observations

For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK450 provides vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-550 mount in the CDK450 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.

Mount system 

Control system

Optical systems

Motion control 

System Performance 

Included Items

The CDK400 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is designed for the sophisticated astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This premium package combines the high-performing CDK17 optical tube with the advanced L-500 direct-drive mount to provide a superior observational platform that excels in a range of applications, from detailed celestial research to high-end astrophotography.

Key Features of the CDK400 Observatory System

CDK17 Optical Tube Assembly

• Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 17-inch aperture and a 2939 mm focal length at an f/6.8 focal ratio, optimizing it for deep-sky imaging with excellent depth and clarity.
• Advanced Optical Design: Utilizes a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, delivering a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieving a perfectly flat field across a 70 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images across the entire viewing area.
• High-Quality Construction: Made with lightweight yet robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and allowing for rapid thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
• Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.
• Thermal Management: Features an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that promote rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.

L-500 Direct Drive Mount

• Direct Drive Motors: Employs state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, ensuring smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and swift repositioning of celestial objects.
• High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, providing exacting positioning and movement, crucial for top-tier astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
• Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Incorporates a finely adjustable balance system that improves the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.
• Rapid Target Acquisition: Achieves impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK400 stands out as a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will appreciate the CDK400 for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.

Visual Observations

For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK400 delivers vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-500 mount in the CDK400 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.

Mount System 

Control System

Optical Systems

Mechanical Structure

Motion control

System Performance 

Included items

The DeltaRho 350 Telescope System from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted for elite astronomers and astrophotographers who demand the best. Created with a passion for excellence, the DeltaRho 350 Telescope System brings groundbreaking features to advanced imaging, offering unmatched versatility across a spectrum of scientific and communicative applications. The DeltaRho 350 Telescope System from PlaneWave Instruments features a 350mm wide-field, f/3 aperture. This premium CDK optical tube combines a DeltaRho 350 with a L-350 direct drive mount.

RC20’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Ritchey-Chrétien Optics

The RC20 features a purely reflective Ritchey-Chrétien optical system, which includes high-quality mirrors with enhanced coatings. This setup minimizes chromatic aberration and ensures excellent light throughput, providing superb image fidelity and contrast. This optical design shines when making observations, primarily on-axis, and wide-field imaging is not a concern.

Mechanical Structure

Constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, including a dual carbon-fiber truss design, the 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien ensures structural integrity and reduces the overall weight. This makes it easier to handle and mount on various telescope mounts.

Thermal Management

Equipped with three cooling fans at the back of the telescope, the RC20 achieves thermal equilibrium quickly. This feature helps to reduce air turbulence inside the telescope tube, minimizing thermal distortions and maintaining optimal imaging conditions.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

The large aperture and precision optics of the 20-Inch Ritchey-Chrétien enable astrophotographers to capture detailed and crisp images of celestial phenomena, making it an excellent tool for capturing faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

Astronomy Research

With its reliable performance and detailed imaging capabilities, the 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien is a valuable asset for universities and research observatories that engage in complex studies such as stellar classification, photometric research, and other scientific investigations.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirro

Primary Mirror

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK24 features a generous 610 mm aperture paired with an f/6.5 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to capture light effectively. This combination is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, providing superb light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK24 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. Reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK24 offers durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance under varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK24 incorporates cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T applications, facilitating rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations can be susceptible to condensation, but the IRDK24 addresses this with sophisticated dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, thereby maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy: The IRDK24 is especially effective for infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications: With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK24 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR.

Optical Systems

Primary Mirror

Secondary Mirror

CDK24’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK24 features a substantial 610 mm aperture and a moderate f/6.5 focal ratio. This setup enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with remarkable detail, providing excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view for research and imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK24 offers exceptional image clarity. Its design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and delivers a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal post-processing adjustments.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK24 is lightweight and durable. Its thermal expansion coefficient ensures minimal focus shift as temperatures change, making it ideal for prolonged observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK24 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even with temperature fluctuations. Its high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK24 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

The telescope incorporates advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures that optical surfaces remain clear of condensation during humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

With its large image circle and exquisite field flatness, the CDK24 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research

The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK24 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations

The CDK24 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's large aperture and superior optical quality provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The CDK24 also lend itself to applications in Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Lens Group

Primary Mirror

IRDK20’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK20 features a substantial 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK20 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK20 provides durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK20 includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations can be prone to condensation, but the IRDK20 addresses this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK20 excels in infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is crucial for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK20 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR applications.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror

The IRDK14 from PlaneWave Instruments is a precisely engineered optical system designed for high performance in infrared wavelengths. It is an excellent tool for advanced astronomical research and remote sensing applications, offering superior performance for infrared imaging.

IRDK14’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK14 features a 356 mm aperture and an f/7.2 focal ratio, enhancing its capacity to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, providing exceptional light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK14 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it well-suited for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, and potential customers are encouraged to contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK14 offers durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance under various environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK14 includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This feature is critical for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations are prone to condensation, but the IRDK14 tackles this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces stay clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK14 excels in infrared astronomy, where its significant aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for precise observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK14 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR and other remote sensing applications.

Key Features Overview

The IRDK14 comes with impressive specifications tailored for infrared optimization:

• Gold-coated mirrors optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
• 14-inch (356 mm) aperture
• 2563 mm focal length
• f/7.2 focal ratio
• 282mm back focus from mounting surface
• 70mm image circle
• Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
• Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror

The BORG 90FL CR has exceptional optical resolution, accomplished by apochromat fluorite glass elements from Canon Optron, Inc. built in the optical design of the objective lens, and a super tele 500mm focal length and aperture of f/5.6.

A great piece of gear for observing celestial bodies and bird life in the Australian bush and city environments.

The 90mm front element diameter does not hamper the 90FL's extreme compact and lightweight capabilities thanks to the detachable carbon fiber made barrel. Recommended for starry sky, nebula, star cluster, and planet observation. You can convert this telescope to a tele lens by swapping the prism and eyepiece with a BORG camera mount adapter (sold separately).

• Objective lens equipped with apochromat fluorite glass elements from Canon Optron, Inc.
• Objective lens optical design: 2 elements in 2 groups, fluorite, apochromat, fully multicoated.
• Robust and beautiful carbon fiber barrel.
• BORG 80Ø barrel system.
• Rack & pinion focusing system.
• Erect prism (included) allows users to observe both on-ground objects and celestial bodies.
• 20mm and 9mm eyepieces included.
• Lightweight construction of 3 kilograms (including accessories).
• Arca-Swiss Quick Release System tripod plate.
• Objective lenses and major parts are Made in Japan.

'CR' stands for carbon fiber barrel and rack & pinion focusing system.

Camera mount adapters and other camera components are sold separately.

Main Features

Sky-Watcher 127mm/1500mm Skymax 127 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA

• Compact dimensions, ideal for transportation
• Practical main mirror focusing mechanism
• Universal accessory adaptation
• High contrast image without distracting false colour
• Quick release system for the tube
• Impressive viewing capabilities for its price range
• 5 years Sky-Watcher limited warranty

The Sky-Watcher Black Diamond 130/650 Photo Reflector OTA is a 130mm aperture Newtonian reflector with diffraction limited optics, all the light gathering power you need for visual use or astrophotography! Newtonian reflector telescopes are among the most cost effective design on the market, reaching much larger apertures than an equivalently priced refractor. The large aperture will help resolve faint, extended objects like nebulae and galaxies, whilst the 650mm focal length will reveal fine details of lunar craters.

The 130/650 Photo Reflector is equipped with an excellent Crayford dual speed focuser allowing fast, coarse regulation followed by a precise 10:1 reduction adjustment knob to reach the optimal focus. A 3 element 28mm LET eyepiece is provided, allowing 23x magnification and a 56° apparent field of view with 20mm of eye relief. The aluminised primary mirror is aspheric (parabolic profile) offering an optical system free from spherical aberration. The secondary mirror is thin to allow fast cooling and it is held by extra thin spider supports for minimal diffraction spike effects on bright stars and increased contrast.

In The Box:

• SkyWatcher Black Diamond 130/650 Photo Reflector OTA
• 28mm LET Eyepiece
• 6×30 Finder Scope
• 130mm Tube Rings
• Dovetail Bar

IRDK17’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK17 features a considerable 432 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to capture infrared light effectively. This configuration is ideal for precise infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering superior light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK17 is finely tuned for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective components made from fused silica. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it optimal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, enhancing the telescope's versatility—please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK17 ensures durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This feature guarantees consistent performance across various conditions and is suitable for intensive scientific and research applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK17 has cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This system is essential for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, reducing potential image distortion, and improving overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Given that infrared observations are prone to condensation, the IRDK17 incorporates advanced dew-prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and sharp imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK17 excels in infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is vital for uncovering astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or conventional optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK17 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including applications in LIDAR, leveraging its specialized optical capabilities.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Primary Mirror

Celestron C14-AF XLT Optical Tube Assembly

• 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly
• Aluminum Optical Tube
• Fastar Compatible
• Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
• 3910 mm focal length (f/11)
• 40 mm 1.25" eyepiece included (98x)
• Visual back allows for use with 2" accessories
• 9x50 finderscope to help accurately find objects
• 2" mirror diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
• Includes dovetail rail compatible with CGE mount

SPECIFICATIONS