{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-10","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 10 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e250mm (10-inch) Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1200mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/4.8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Wavefront Hand-Figured Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11kg Nominal Tube Weight\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 IDEAL 10 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK IDEAL 10 Optical Tube Assembly combines a fast 250mm f\/4.8 optical system with a guaranteed 1\/6 PV wavefront primary mirror for exceptional deep-sky and planetary capability. Its 1200mm focal length provides the magnification needed for resolving fine detail, while the entire 1140mm aluminium tube weighs a manageable 11kg. Support for the 250mm primary is handled by a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell, ensuring optical stability as the telescope moves.\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\u003eIDEAL 10: A 250mm f\/4.8 Newtonian for High-Contrast Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its 250mm aperture, the IDEAL 10 gathers enough light to reveal faint details in distant galaxies and nebulae. The f\/4.8 focal ratio creates a wide field of view and reduces exposure times for astrophotography, allowing you to capture more data in a single session. This combination of aperture and speed makes the IDEAL 10 a powerful, dual-purpose instrument for both visual observers seeking immersive views and imagers wanting a fast, high-resolution system.\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\u003eCertified 1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics: The Orion Optics UK Guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery IDEAL 10 includes a primary mirror hand-figured to a minimum 1\/6 PV (Peak-to-Valley) wavefront accuracy, a standard many manufacturers consider a premium upgrade. This figure represents how closely the mirror's surface matches a perfect parabola; a smaller fraction means higher precision, resulting in sharper stars and higher contrast on planetary details. Each optic is tested on a Zygo laser interferometer and supplied with its own report, guaranteeing its performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard Grade (1\/6 PV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers excellent, high-contrast views far exceeding mass-produced optics. This is the guaranteed minimum quality for every IDEAL telescope.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Grade (1\/8 PV Upgrade):\u003c\/strong\u003e An optional upgrade for discerning observers, offering visibly higher contrast on challenging targets like Jupiter's cloud bands and lunar rilles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResearch Grade (1\/10 PV Upgrade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The highest level of correction available, providing near-perfect images limited only by atmospheric seeing. This grade is for those who require the absolute maximum resolution from a 250mm aperture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRock-Solid Imaging Platform: A 9-Point Cell and 2\" Eris Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior optics require an equally robust mechanical system. The IDEAL 10's 250mm mirror is supported by a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell that prevents flexure and maintains collimation. A built-in 12-volt fan accelerates mirror cooling to ambient temperature, minimizing tube currents and ensuring sharp images sooner. The in-house designed Eris 2\" Rack and Pinion focuser provides a rigid, zero-slip drawtube with a smooth lock, capable of holding heavy imaging cameras and eyepieces perfectly centered on the optical axis.\u003c\/p\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 each available optical grade, under identical conditions -- a visual illustration of how each step up in wavefront accuracy sharpens contrast and fine detail.\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_8-PV.jpg\" alt=\"Saturn viewed through 1\/8 PV Research grade optics\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\/8 PV (Research)\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 1\/10 PV Ultra grade optics\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\/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 does the IDEAL 10's 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy mean for observing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePV (Peak-to-Valley) wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e measures the precision of the mirror's curve. A 1\/6 PV rating means the IDEAL 10's optics are figured to a very high standard, delivering sharper stars and higher contrast than typical \"diffraction-limited\" optics. This results in more visible detail on planets and tighter star clusters. Every Orion Optics UK mirror includes a Zygo interferometer test report certifying its quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the IDEAL 10 OTA good for imaging planets like Jupiter and Saturn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The 250mm aperture provides excellent resolution, and the 1200mm focal length is a great starting point for high-magnification planetary work. When combined with a 2.5x or 3x Barlow lens, the IDEAL 10 can easily achieve the focal ratios needed for detailed planetary imaging. For the best possible results, consider the optional 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV optical upgrades, which maximize image contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhen should I upgrade the IDEAL 10 to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optics are excellent for all-around use, you should consider an upgrade if your primary focus is high-resolution planetary or lunar observing.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e for a noticeable increase in contrast and fine detail, making it easier to see subtle features in Jupiter's atmosphere or the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e if you want the ultimate optical precision, where the telescope's performance is limited only by the seeing conditions, not the mirror itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the 9-point mirror cell on the IDEAL 10 improve performance?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large 250mm mirror can deform under its own weight if not supported correctly, distorting the image. The CNC-machined 9-point cell on the IDEAL 10 distributes the mirror's 11kg weight evenly across nine optimized points. This prevents gravitational flexure as the tube moves, preserving the mirror's precise figure and maintaining sharp focus and collimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount do I need for the 11kg IDEAL 10 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a tube weight of 11kg and a length of 1140mm, the IDEAL 10 requires a stable equatorial mount with a payload capacity of at least 15-20kg (33-44 lbs) for visual use, and preferably higher for astrophotography. Mounts in the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, Celestron CGX, or iOptron CEM40 class are appropriate choices to ensure stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the f\/4.8 focal ratio affect viewing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with the IDEAL 10?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe f\/4.8 ratio gives the IDEAL 10 a wide field of view for its aperture. When paired with a low-power, wide-field 2\" eyepiece, you can frame large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Pleiades (M45) within a single view. This fast focal ratio also results in a brighter image and a larger exit pupil at a given magnification, which is ideal for observing faint, extended deep-sky objects.\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\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNominal Focal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/4.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Upgrade Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e63mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEris 2\" Rack and Pinion with smooth lock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC 9 point suspension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror\/Tube Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt fan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNominal Tube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e280mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1140mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGalaxy Silver\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\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":52942599618845,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10","price":1612.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942599651613,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10-1-8-PV","price":1708.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942599684381,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10-1-10-PV","price":1782.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-10-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_e076c097-eb0b-4b9c-94f1-67492c79546a.jpg?v=1789608239","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-10","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}