{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-14","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 14 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e350mm (14\") Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm Focal Length (f\/4.6)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Wavefront Hand-Figured Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined 9-Point Suspension Mirror Cell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12-Volt Mirror Cooling Fan\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\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\u003eIDEAL 14 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK IDEAL 14 OTA combines a large 350mm primary mirror with a fast f\/4.6 focal ratio for breathtaking wide-field views and deep-sky imaging capability. With a nominal focal length of 1600mm and a standard optical grade of 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, this telescope delivers high-contrast, sharp images verified by an included Zygo interferometer report. The entire assembly weighs a manageable 20kg, supported by a CNC-machined 9-point mirror cell and housed in a 1540mm aluminium tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003e1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics: Zygo-Verified Precision in a 350mm Mirror\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe heart of the IDEAL 14 is its hand-figured 350mm primary mirror, guaranteed to a minimum 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy. This standard of optical quality, which exceeds the common \"diffraction-limited\" benchmark, ensures that the maximum amount of light is focused into a tight, high-contrast point, revealing subtle details on planets and resolving faint stars in dense clusters. Every optic is supplied with its own Zygo interferometer test report, providing objective proof of its exceptional surface accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eEngineered for Stability: 9-Point Cell and 12V Cooling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eTo maintain optical alignment and thermal equilibrium, the IDEAL 14 employs robust mechanical systems. The 350mm primary mirror rests on a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell that distributes the 20kg tube's weight evenly, preventing flexure and preserving collimation as the telescope moves across the sky. An integrated 12-volt fan actively cools the primary mirror, reducing tube currents and ensuring the optics reach ambient temperature quickly for the sharpest possible views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEris 2\" Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e The in-house designed rack-and-pinion focuser provides a stable, shift-free platform for heavy eyepieces or an imaging train, with a smooth lock mechanism to hold accessories perfectly on-axis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAluminium Tube:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 385mm diameter aluminium tube offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, finished in a durable Galaxy Silver paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e75mm Secondary Mirror:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 75mm secondary mirror provides excellent illumination for wide-field eyepieces and large camera sensors without excessive obstruction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eChoosing Your Optical Grade: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic delivers superb images, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV are available for the most demanding visual observers and planetary imagers. A higher-grade mirror, with a surface closer to a perfect parabola, concentrates more light into the central Airy disk of a star image. This translates directly to higher contrast on low-contrast planetary features like the cloud bands of Saturn or the subtle festoons on Jupiter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV (Professional Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering, excellent for all-around visual use and deep-sky imaging, significantly outperforming mass-produced optics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV (Research Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e A noticeable step up for high-magnification planetary and lunar observation, revealing finer details more consistently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV (Ultra Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The ultimate in optical precision, providing the highest possible contrast and image fidelity, ideal for critical scientific work or capturing state-of-the-art planetary images.\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 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\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is required for the IDEAL 14 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 14 OTA has a nominal tube weight of 20kg. To ensure stability, especially for imaging, you will need a robust equatorial mount with a payload capacity of at least 25-30kg (55-66 lbs). Mounts in the EQ6-R Pro, Celestron CGX, or Losmandy G11 class are the minimum recommended for visual use, with higher-capacity mounts being preferable for astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the IDEAL 14's 1\/6 PV optical grade compare to \"diffraction-limited\" optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe term \"diffraction-limited\" typically refers to an optical system with a 1\/4 PV wavefront error. The IDEAL 14's standard 1\/6 PV wavefront is significantly more accurate. This higher precision means less light is scattered away from the central point of focus, resulting in higher contrast, sharper stars, and the ability to resolve finer details than a standard 1\/4 PV system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the practical difference I will see between the 1\/6 PV, 1\/8 PV, and 1\/10 PV optics on a target like Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOn a night of good seeing, the difference becomes more apparent at high magnification.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWith \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optics, you will clearly see Jupiter's main cloud belts and the Great Red Spot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eUpgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e will make smaller ovals, barges, and festoons within the belts appear with greater contrast and clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e upgrade provides the most stable and high-contrast image the atmosphere will allow, making the most subtle variations in color and texture visible with critical focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the f\/4.6 focal ratio of the IDEAL 14 good for deep-sky imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, an f\/4.6 focal ratio is considered fast and is excellent for deep-sky imaging. It allows you to collect a significant amount of light in a shorter period, reducing total exposure times on faint targets like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). However, fast Newtonians require a coma corrector to ensure sharp stars across the entire field of view of a large sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat collimation tools are recommended for an f\/4.6 Newtonian like the IDEAL 14?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe fast f\/4.6 optical system is sensitive to collimation errors. For precise alignment, a combination of a high-quality laser collimator and a Cheshire eyepiece or autocollimator is highly recommended. Precise collimation is essential to realize the full potential of the high-quality 1\/6 PV (or better) optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the IDEAL 14's Eris focuser support heavier imaging trains?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, the Eris 2\" Rack and Pinion focuser is specifically designed for increased strength and stability. Its rack and pinion mechanism is more robust than a standard Crayford design and is well-suited to holding heavier loads, such as a large sensor camera, filter wheel, and off-axis guider, without slipping or tilting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront standard (upgrades to 1\/8 PV \u0026amp; 1\/10 PV available)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e350mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1600mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/4.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75mm\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\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\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1540mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e385mm\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 Paint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt fan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\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":52942604927261,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-14","price":3985.33,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942604960029,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-14-1-8-PV","price":4211.38,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942604992797,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-14-1-10-PV","price":4281.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-14","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}