{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ag10-optical-tube-assembly-only","title":"Orion Optics UK AG10 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e250mm (10-inch) Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e950mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtremely Fast f\/3.8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50mm Fully Corrected Flat Image Field\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon Fibre Sandwich Tube Construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3-inch Ceres Rack and Pinion Focuser with 10:1 Reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrion Optics UK AG10 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK AG10 Astrograph combines a 250mm primary mirror with an exceptionally fast f\/3.8 focal ratio to dramatically reduce exposure times. Its integrated 4-lens ED corrector produces a 50mm flat field, delivering pinpoint stars from a 3.0µm on-axis spot size to just 7.2µm at the edge of the frame. Housed in a rigid carbon fibre sandwich tube weighing approximately 12kg, the AG10 is a purpose-built instrument for serious deep-sky imagers using large-format sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFast f\/3.8 Optics with a 50mm Corrected Field\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the AG10 is its optical speed. At f\/3.8, you can capture deep signal on faint targets in a fraction of the time required by f\/8 or f\/10 systems. This speed is made usable by a sophisticated 4-lens ED corrector integrated into the optical path. This design delivers a 50mm diameter, fully-corrected image circle, ensuring your images are free of coma and field curvature even on full-frame and larger sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical correction is engineered to produce incredibly tight stars, with a measured spot size of only 3.0µm on-axis and 7.2µm at the field edge. This level of correction allows you to take full advantage of the resolving power of modern, small-pixel CMOS and CCD cameras, capturing fine details in distant galaxies and nebulae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCarbon Fibre Sandwich Tube: 12kg of Thermal Stability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maintain precise focus through changing temperatures, the AG10 is built with a carbon fibre sandwich tube. This material exhibits a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, preventing the 950mm focal length from shifting as the night air cools. The entire optical tube assembly weighs approximately 12kg, placing it within the capacity of many mid-range equatorial mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tube measures 810mm in length with a 300mm diameter, providing ample rigidity to support the optical components without flexure. All mechanical components, including the mirror cell and mounting hardware, are CNC machined from aluminum for a precise, stable fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3-inch Ceres Focuser and 9-Point Mirror Cell\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG10 is equipped with a robust 3-inch Ceres rack and pinion focuser. This large-aperture focuser is designed to carry heavy imaging trains, including large cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guiders, without sagging or shifting. The 10:1 dual-speed reduction allows for extremely fine focus adjustments, which is critical for achieving sharp stars at such a fast focal ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 250mm primary mirror is supported by a 9-point suspension mirror cell, also CNC machined. This cell distributes the weight of the mirror evenly to prevent astigmatism and other optical distortions, preserving the hand-figured quality of the primary optic regardless of the telescope's orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eActive Thermal Management: 3 Integrated Cooling Fans\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large primary mirror must reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air to deliver sharp images. The AG10 accelerates this process with three controllable cooling fans built directly into the rear mirror cell. This active cooling system dramatically reduces the time it takes for the 250mm mirror to acclimate, letting you start imaging sooner and minimizing the effects of tube currents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrion Optics AG10 vs. a 10-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Astrograph\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagers considering a 10-inch astrograph often compare the AG10 Newtonian to a similarly-sized Ritchey-Chrétien (RC). While both are excellent instruments, they serve different priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvantage RC:\u003c\/strong\u003e A well-collimated RC offers excellent correction across a large field without a corrector in the optical train and is inherently free of coma. They typically have longer focal lengths, making them well-suited for smaller targets like planetary nebulae and galaxies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvantage AG10:\u003c\/strong\u003e The primary advantage is speed. At f\/3.8, the AG10 gathers light over four times faster than a typical f\/8 RC, meaning a 5-minute exposure on the AG10 is equivalent to a 20-minute exposure on the RC. The AG10's built-in 4-lens corrector delivers a 50mm flat field out of the box, whereas an RC often requires an additional, costly field flattener or reducer to achieve similar performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComparing the Optical Grades\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images below show the same view of Saturn captured through the included Professional grade and the optional Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) upgrade, under identical conditions -- a visual illustration of the difference in contrast and fine detail the upgrade delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-comparison-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-comparison-item\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Saturn-1_6-PV.jpg\" alt=\"Saturn viewed through 1\/6 PV Professional grade optics\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\/6 PV (Professional)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-comparison-item\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Saturn-1_10-PV.jpg\" alt=\"Saturn viewed through the Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) grade optics upgrade\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLambda\/10 PV (Ultra)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main advantage of the AG10's f\/3.8 focal ratio?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary advantage of an \u003cstrong\u003ef\/3.8 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e is the significant reduction in exposure time. Compared to a more common f\/8 system, the AG10 captures the same amount of light on a target in approximately one-quarter of the time. This allows you to gather more data in a single night and reduces the demands on your mount's tracking accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow large a sensor can the Orion Optics AG10 fully illuminate and correct?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG10 is designed to produce a \u003cstrong\u003e50mm flat, corrected image circle\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is large enough to accommodate full-frame sensors (36x24mm) and even some medium-format sensors without significant vignetting or distortion at the corners, making it ideal for capturing wide-field mosaics of targets like the North America Nebula (NGC 7000).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill I need to collimate the AG10 frequently?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all fast Newtonians, the AG10 requires precise collimation for optimal performance. However, its rigid carbon fibre tube and CNC-machined components provide excellent stability. While you should check collimation before each imaging session, the telescope is designed to hold that alignment well during transport and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is required for the AG10 Optical Tube?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG10 OTA weighs approximately \u003cstrong\u003e12kg (26.5 lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e. For astrophotography, you will also add a camera, guider, and other accessories, likely bringing the total payload to 15-18kg. A mount with a rated payload capacity of at least 45-50 lbs (approx. 20-23kg) is recommended to ensure stable, precise tracking for long exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the AG10 perform on a target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG10 is exceptionally well-suited for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Its \u003cstrong\u003e950mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e50mm corrected field\u003c\/strong\u003e allow you to frame the entire galaxy and its companions (M32 and M110) on a full-frame sensor. The fast f\/3.8 optics will capture faint outer dust lanes and star-forming regions with relatively short sub-exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the AG10 come with a specific optical grade like 1\/8 PV?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG10 ships with Orion Optics UK's Professional (1\/6 PV) hand-figured optics as standard, confirmed by Zygo interferometer testing and supplied with its own test report. For imagers who want the tightest possible star images, an Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) hand-figured optics upgrade is available. The tight \u003cstrong\u003e3.0µm on-axis spot size\u003c\/strong\u003e is a direct result of this precision manufacturing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e950mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/3.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon Fibre Sandwich\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 12kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e810mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC machined aluminum, 9-point suspension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\" Ceres Rack and Pinion with 10:1 reduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCorrector Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-lens ED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCorrected Field Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus Distance to Image Plane\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e79mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpot Size (On-Axis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.0µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpot Size (Field Edge)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.2µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 controllable fans\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC machined aluminum cradles and dovetail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAG10 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eCNC Tube Rings (Cradles)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDovetail Mounting Bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/orion-optics-uk-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOrion Optics UK 1-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Orion Optics UK","offers":[{"title":"Professional (1\/6 PV)","offer_id":52942360084765,"sku":"OOUK-AG10-OPTICAL-TUBE-ASSEMBLY-ONLY","price":7106.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942360117533,"sku":"OOUK-AG10-OPTICAL-TUBE-ASSEMBLY-ONLY-2","price":7217.16,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Logo_cf105491-29bd-4e55-b4cf-e5613b077b53.jpg?v=1789606641","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ag10-optical-tube-assembly-only","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}