Hubble Optics UL16 16" Premium Ultra Light Dobsonian Telescope

Hubble UL16 – 16" Lightweight Reflector Telescope

The Hubble UL16 is a made-to-order 16-inch Dobsonian telescope built for serious visual observers who want maximum aperture without sacrificing portability. Combining advanced mirror technology with precision engineering, the UL16 delivers exceptional deep-sky and planetary performance in a surprisingly manageable package.

Optical Performance

At the heart of the UL16 is a full 16-inch parabolic primary mirror featuring Hubble’s exclusive Sandwich Mirror Technology. This lightweight yet rigid design achieves diffraction-limited performance (Strehl 0.95+) while reaching thermal equilibrium up to ten times faster than traditional solid mirrors. Faster cooldown means reduced mirror seeing and sharper, steadier views sooner after setup.

Both primary and secondary mirrors feature 96% enhanced reflective coatings, maximising light throughput and contrast while minimising scatter. The result is brighter galaxies, improved nebular detail, and high-contrast planetary views even at high magnification.

Engineered for Precision

A carefully designed flotation mirror support system combined with independent collimation ensures the primary mirror is evenly supported, minimising astigmatism and maintaining optical accuracy across the sky. The UL16’s robust construction uses CNC-machined aluminium structural components and a steel mirror cell, providing excellent rigidity without unnecessary mass.

Smooth, Accurate Focusing

The UL16 is equipped with a 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser featuring linear bearings for smooth, backlash-free operation. Fine focus control allows precise adjustment at high magnifications and works seamlessly with heavy eyepieces or imaging accessories.

Big Aperture, Thoughtful Portability

Despite its impressive aperture, the UL16 is designed with transport in mind. The truss-tube construction breaks down easily for travel, while the fast focal ratios keep eyepiece height within a comfortable range. Whether observing from your backyard or transporting to dark skies, the UL16 balances power with practicality.

Unmatched Observing Potential

With significantly more light-gathering power than a 14-inch telescope, the UL16 reveals faint galaxies, subtle nebular structure, and fine planetary detail that smaller instruments simply cannot match. From resolving globular clusters to tracking delicate dust lanes in distant galaxies, the UL16 is built for observers who want to go deeper.

Push-To and Go-To Options

Guided Push-To Version

The UL16 Guided Push-To version features the SkyHub2 digital setting circle system, providing accurate real-time positioning without motorised tracking. High-resolution (8192 PPR) encoders on both axes continuously update your telescope’s position in compatible planetarium software.

Alignment is quick and intuitive using a one-star or optional two-star alignment. The system works with SkySafari, Stellarium, Cartes du Ciel, TheSky, and other ASCOM-compatible software on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Power consumption is extremely low, allowing up to 100 hours of operation from a 15,000 mAh USB power bank. WiFi and Bluetooth are supported (WiFi only for iOS).

Automatic Go-To Version

The UL16 Go-To version adds fully motorised pointing and tracking with a smart hand controller featuring a 30,000-object database. Multi-star alignment (1–9 stars) ensures precise pointing accuracy, while built-in encoders and a real-time clock maintain accurate sidereal, lunar, and solar tracking rates.

Control the system via WiFi or Bluetooth using SkySafari, Stellarium, or ASCOM/INDI-compatible software on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Adjustable slew and guide speeds, spiral search, and park/unpark functionality provide smooth, precise operation for extended observing sessions.

Choosing Your Focal Ratio: f/5 or f/4.5

The UL16 is available in f/5.0 or f/4.5, allowing you to tailor the telescope to your observing style.

Why choose f/5?

• Approximately 30% less coma than the f/4.5 version

• No coma corrector required for most observers

• Lower cost, saving around $500

• Smaller central obstruction (2.76" secondary vs 3.1" on f/4.5)

• Optimised for observers seeking the cleanest possible visual performance

Why choose f/4.5?

• Lower eyepiece height, no ladder required for most users

• Wider true field of view, ideal for large nebulae and star fields

• Slightly more compact overall system

• Coma is mild and often unnoticed by most observers without a corrector

Both focal ratios deliver outstanding views. The f/5 prioritises ultimate optical cleanliness, while the f/4.5 emphasises comfort and wide-field observing. Thanks to Hubble’s two-section truss design for f/5 (single-section for f/4.5), both versions remain equally portable and rigid.
Please note that counterweights are required for the f/5 configuration and are not included.

Specifications (UL16)