• Feathertouch 2″ Diameter Dual Speed Focuser with 2.5″ of Travel.
• Great choice for refractors and Ritchey Chretien and CDK telescopes.
• It is precision engineered to deliver smooth operation and no image shift.

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.

• Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 mount with this external Right Ascension axis balance accessory.
• Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory users have the ability to fine tune Right Ascension balance.
• The accessory includes one 2, 5, and 10 lb weights.
• Please note this balance accessory requires the Right Ascension sliding weight accessory (L500204) to be already installed inside the mount in order to fit the additional weight system.
• The L500204 is a required product to install with the item(s) L500206/L600206 for L-500, L-550, and L-600 Direct Drive Mounts.

• Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 mount with this internal Right Ascension sliding weight balance accessory.
• The accessory includes one 5 lb weight and shaft that installs inside the Right Ascension axis.
• Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory, users have the ability to fine-tune Right Ascension balance.
• The L500204 balance accessory is required to install the L500206 Right Ascension balance accessory.
• This item is included with the L-600 Direct Drive Mount.

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask - Celestron 11 Classic

About Bahtinov Masks

Pavel Bahtinov, a Russian amateur telescope maker and astronomer, created this simple, very intuitive method and the device has universally been named after him: The Bahtinov Mask.

Attach a camera to the telescope, center a fairly bright star and achieve rough focus. Then place the mask over the front aperture of your telescope by “hanging” it on the plastic screws from the front dew shield (Custom fit masks for specific telescopes are also available). Take a short exposure. The image of the star will show diffraction spikes. The “center” spike will most likely be shifted to one side or the other. This is showing the defocus.

Adjust the focus of the telescope and re-expose the star, once again showing the diffraction spike pattern. Iterate the process until the central diffraction spike is centered against the star and the other spikes. When a symmetrical pattern is achieved, the best possible focus has been obtained.  Simply remove the mask, center the target object and take amazing, sharp images!

Farpoint manufactures this "lifesaving" astrophotography tool out of virtually indestructible ABS plastic, which comes in three major types and in a range of sizes. In addition to Bahtinov masks for telescopes, Farpoint also makes Bahtinov masks for DSLR camera lenses.

The PlaneWave T-600 Direct Drive Gimbal is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotography, complex astronomical research, SSA/SDA, and FSOC applications. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, this gimbal provides a robust, precise, versatile observational platform suitable for demanding environments.

Core Features of the T-600 Gimbal

High-Torque Direct-Drive Motors

The T-600 Gimbal has high-torque, double-stacked direct-drive motors, ensuring smooth, fast, and virtually silent operation. This feature is critical for tracking celestial objects with minimal vibration and supreme accuracy, accommodating substantial payloads effectively.

High-Resolution Absolute Encoders

With high-resolution absolute encoders on each axis, it offers incredibly precise pointing and tracking capabilities, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed celestial images and conducting rigorous scientific observations.

Zero Backlash and Periodic Error

The design of the T-600 Gimbal eliminates backlash and periodic error, facilitating consistent and reliable tracking that enhances astrophotography and supports precise applications in research and space surveillance.

Advanced Customization Options

The T-600 includes optional contact gasket seals for full weatherization and supports limitless Az rotation, making it adaptable for specific research observational requirements across various environments.

Rugged and Environment-ready

Designed with rugged environments in mind, the gimbal features electronics enclosed within the mount and weatherproof cable pass-throughs, ensuring durability and reliability in light-to-moderate rain and preventing debris entry.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

With its robust load capacity and exceptional slew speeds, it allows astrophotographers to reposition heavy equipment quickly and smoothly, capturing breathtaking images of the cosmos with ease and efficiency.

Research

Researchers will find the gimbal’s precise tracking and advanced software ideal for detailed celestial observations and data collection, particularly in demanding environments where equipment adaptability and operational reliability are paramount.

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

Professionals in SSA/SDA will benefit from the T-600 Gimbal’s high-precision tracking and configurable features, which are perfect for monitoring space debris and tracking satellites, ensuring accurate surveillance and data collection in space domain awareness initiatives.

System Performance

Mount system

Mechanical structure

Motion control

Included items

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 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.

Description

Advanced Kowa XD optical performance in a rugged compact body.

These binoculars offer high optical performance comprising bright and clear images, high resolution, and high contrast. They are easy to use and are perfect for outdoor observation. The high quality models are perfect for beginners to experienced users who want to enjoy sharp and accurately reproduced colour and contrast when viewing the natural world. Even for a large objective 56mm binocular - the BDXD are lightweight and compact, perfect for low light applications without compromising on image quality. The XD lenses and bright wide field of view delivers sharp images without chromatic aberration. A multi-coating processing is applied to all lenses and prism surfaces delivering a bright and clear field of view. Close focus performance is exceptional on all models. A tough fully waterproof and nitrogen magnesium alloy filled body makes these binocualrs suited for even the harshest of outdoor environments. Large bright 56mm objective lenses increase light transmission even further for excellent low light performance.

Techn. Details

Description

Advanced Kowa XD optical performance in a rugged compact body.

These binoculars offer high optical performance comprising bright and clear images, high resolution, and high contrast. They are easy to use and are perfect for outdoor observation. The high quality models are perfect for beginners to experienced users who want to enjoy sharp and accurately reproduced colour and contrast when viewing the natural world. Even for a large objective 56mm binocular - the BDXD are lightweight and compact, perfect for low light applications without compromising on image quality. The XD lenses and bright wide field of view delivers sharp images without chromatic aberration. A multi-coating processing is applied to all lenses and prism surfaces delivering a bright and clear field of view. Close focus performance is exceptional on all models. A tough fully waterproof and nitrogen filled magnesium alloy body makes these binocualrs suited for even the harshest of outdoor environments. Large bright 56mm objective lenses increase light transmission even further for excellent low light performance.

Techn. Details

Description

Advanced Kowa XD optical performance in a rugged compact body.

These binoculars offer high optical performance comprising bright and clear images, high resolution, and high contrast. They are easy to use and are perfect for outdoor observation. The high quality models are perfect for beginners to experienced users who want to enjoy sharp and accurately reproduced colour and contrast when viewing the natural world. Even for a large objective 56mm binocular - the BDXD are lightweight and compact, perfect for low light applications without compromising on image quality. The XD lenses and bright wide field of view delivers sharp images without chromatic aberration. A multi-coating processing is applied to all lenses and prism surfaces delivering a bright and clear field of view. Close focus performance is exceptional on all models. A tough fully waterproof and nitrogen filled magnesium alloy body makes these binocualrs suited for even the harshest of outdoor environments. Large bright 56mm objective lenses increase light transmission even further for excellent low light performance.

Tech Details

• Optimised for the Sky-Watcher Esprit 70EDX
• Reduces the telescopes focal length by a factor of 0.92x
• Provides much improved field-edge correction

Sky-Watcher 0.92x Reducer for Esprit 70EDX

Designed for serious astrophotographers. Optimised for the Sky-Watcher Esprit 70EDX. They effectively reduce the telescopes focal length by a factor of 0.92x and provide much improved field edge correction.

New from Sky-Watcher - the smallest member of their Esprit range of APO triplet refractors

The Sky-Watcher 70mm Esprit 70EDX Triplet APO Refractor is a professional instrument for the most demanding and exacting astrophotographers. The air spaced apochromatic triplet lenses have exceptional colour correction over the entire visible spectrum there is no chromatic aberration even on bright objects! Knife edge baffles reduce internal reflections and increase contrast, helping to bring out faint structure in deep sky objects.

Main Features:

• Air Spaced 70mm Apochromatic Triplet
• 490mm Focal Length
• Fully multi coated lenses
• Optional 0.92x Reducer Available

In The Box:

• 70/490 Apochromatic Refractor
• Retractable Dew Shield
• D Style dovetail Bar and rings w/handle
• Aluminium Foam-Lined Case

Specifications:

Fujinon Binocular's flagship model with outstanding optical performance and durability. Robust body with airtight, waterproof structure, enabling use in harsh conditions from -20℃ to +50℃.

Contains Fujinon's proprietary field flattener lens for a sharp field of view with no distortion throughout the field of view. All lenses and prisms boast high-quality EBC multi-coating, increasing light permeability for bright, natural colour reproduction.

The 7x50FMTRC-SX has a built-in compass with maximum error of ±0.5°. The scale can be used to identify the object's direction, measure distance, and determine the size of a target object. The compass is global, accurately measuring direction in both northern and southern hemispheres.

Key Features

Subject Matter
Bird Watching/Outdoor, Stargazing/Nature, Professional Observation/Surveillance

Magnification
7

Objective diameter (mm)
50

Field of view
7.5

Apparent field of view *1
198

Width (mm)
218

Depth (mm)
93

Weight without battery (g)
1,460

Water Resistant *2
2m for 5min

Operating Tempeture
-20℃～+50℃

1. Apparent field of view based on ISO14132-1:2002
   2. Does not mean it can be used in water.

Fujinon Binocular's flagship model with outstanding optical performance and durability. Robust body with airtight, waterproof structure, enabling use in harsh conditions from -20℃ to +50℃.

Contains Fujinon's proprietary field flattener lens for a sharp field of view with no distortion throughout the field of view. All lenses and prisms boast high-quality EBC multi-coating, increasing light permeability for bright, natural colour reproduction.

Key Features

Subject Matter
Bird Watching/Outdoor, Professional Observation/Surveillance, Stargazing/Nature

Magnification
7

Objective diameter (mm)
50

Field of view
7.5

Apparent field of view *1
198

Width (mm)
218

Depth (mm)
78.5

Weight without battery (g)
1,410

Water Resistant *2
2m for 5min

Operating Tempeture
-20℃～+50℃

1. Apparent field of view based on ISO14132-1:2002
2. Does not mean it can be used in water.

Fujinon Binocular's flagship model with outstanding optical performance and durability. Robust body with airtight, waterproof structure, enabling use in harsh conditions from -20℃ to +50℃.

Contains Fujinon's proprietary field flattener lens for a sharp field of view with no distortion throughout the field of view. All lenses and prisms boast high-quality EBC multi-coating, increasing light permeability for bright, natural colour reproduction.

Key Features

Subject Matter
Bird Watching/Outdoor, Professional Observation/Surveillance, Stargazing/Nature

Magnification
10

Objective diameter (mm)
70

Field of view
5.3

Apparent field of view *1
280

Width (mm)
238

Depth (mm)
88.5

Weight without battery (g)
2,010

Water Resistant *2
2m for 5min

Operating Tempeture
-20℃～+50℃

1. Apparent field of view based on ISO14132-1:2002
2. Does not mean it can be used in water.

All lenses and prisms boast high-quality EBC multi-coating, increasing light permeability for bright, natural colour reproduction. Highly waterproof and extremely durable body, enabling use in harsh conditions from -20℃ to +50℃.

Key Features

Subject Matter
Bird Watching/Outdoor, Professional Observation/Surveillance, Stargazing/Nature

Magnification
10

Objective diameter (mm)
70

Field of view
5.3

Apparent field of view *1
269

Width (mm)
238

Depth (mm)
88.5

Weight without battery (g)
1,880

Water Resistant *2
2m for 5min

Operating Tempeture
-20℃～+50℃

1. Apparent field of view based on ISO14132-1:2002
2. Does not mean it can be used in water.

All lenses and prisms boast high-quality EBC multi-coating, increasing light permeability for bright, natural colour reproduction. Highly waterproof and extremely durable body, enabling use in harsh conditions from -20℃ to +50℃.

Key Features

Subject Matter
Bird Watching/Outdoor, Professional Observation/Surveillance, Stargazing/Nature

Magnification
7

Objective diameter (mm)
50

Field of view
7.5

Apparent field of view *1
187

Width (mm)
218

Depth (mm)
93

Weight without battery (g)
1,360

Water Resistant *2
2m for 5min

Operating Tempeture
-20℃～+50℃

1. Apparent field of view based on ISO14132-1:2002
2. Does not mean it can be used in water.