{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-8","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 8 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e200mm (8\") Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e900mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast f\/4.5 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuaranteed 1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined 9-Point Mirror Cell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7kg 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 8 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK IDEAL 8 combines a fast, 200mm f\/4.5 optical system with a guaranteed 1\/6 PV wavefront primary mirror for exceptional astro-imaging capability. Its 900mm focal length provides a wide field of view, while the entire aluminium tube assembly weighs a manageable 7kg. Every optic is supported by a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell and includes a Zygo interferometer report certifying its accuracy.\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\u003eGuaranteed 1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics: The Orion Optics UK Difference\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike mass-produced reflectors that often cite a theoretical \"diffraction limited\" standard (equivalent to 1\/4 PV wavefront), every IDEAL 8 OTA comes with a hand-figured primary mirror guaranteed to achieve 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy. This superior optical quality, verified by an included Zygo interferometer test report, translates directly to higher-contrast planetary views and tighter, more defined stars in deep-sky images. For the most demanding applications, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV are available.\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\u003eA 200mm f\/4.5 System for Wide-Field Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a 200mm aperture and a fast f\/4.5 focal ratio, the IDEAL 8 is built for capturing large deep-sky objects. This optical speed allows you to gather significant signal in shorter exposure times, reducing demands on your mount's tracking. The 900mm focal length is ideal for framing expansive targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) with modern astronomy cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocal Ratio (f\/4.5):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces exposure time compared to slower f\/6 or f\/8 systems, capturing faint nebulosity more efficiently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAperture (200mm):\u003c\/strong\u003e Gathers ample light for resolving detail in galaxies and star clusters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComa Correction Trade-Off:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like all fast Newtonians, the IDEAL 8 will show coma at the edge of the field; pairing it with a high-quality coma corrector is essential for achieving sharp stars across the entire imaging sensor.\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\u003eEngineered for Stability: 9-Point Cell, Active Cooling, and Eris Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical quality is matched by a robust mechanical design. A CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell supports the primary mirror without inducing astigmatism or flexure as the telescope moves. 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 solid, slip-free platform for heavy imaging trains, with a smooth lock mechanism to hold focus securely.\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 makes the IDEAL 8's 1\/6 PV optics different from standard Newtonians?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost standard Newtonians are specified as \"diffraction limited,\" which corresponds to a 1\/4 PV wavefront accuracy. The \u003cstrong\u003eIDEAL 8 guarantees a 1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e, a significantly higher standard of optical precision. This is achieved through hand-figuring and is verified with an individual Zygo interferometer report for each mirror, resulting in higher image contrast and sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the f\/4.5 focal ratio of the IDEAL 8 benefit deep-sky imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn f\/4.5 system is considered \"fast,\" meaning it collects light more rapidly than a telescope with a higher f-ratio (like f\/8 or f\/10). For imagers, this means you can achieve the same image brightness in a much shorter exposure time. This reduces the strain on your mount's tracking and allows you to capture more data in a single night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill I see a difference between the 1\/6 PV and 1\/10 PV upgrade on a target like Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, especially during moments of steady seeing. While the 1\/6 PV standard provides excellent views, upgrading to 1\/10 PV pushes the mirror's surface accuracy to the limit. On a detailed target like Jupiter, this translates to finer, higher-contrast details in the cloud bands and more subtle features becoming visible. The higher the optical quality, the more resilient the image is to atmospheric turbulence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 9-point mirror cell in the IDEAL 8?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CNC-machined 9-point cell provides optimal support for the 200mm primary mirror. It distributes the weight of the glass evenly across nine specific points, preventing gravity from deforming the mirror's precise shape as the telescope is aimed at different parts of the sky. This ensures the telescope maintains its collimation and optical performance regardless of its orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 7kg weight of the IDEAL 8 OTA manageable for portable mounts?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a nominal weight of \u003cstrong\u003e7kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, the IDEAL 8 optical tube is relatively lightweight for its 200mm aperture. This makes it compatible with a wide range of mid-range equatorial mounts (typically those rated for 13-15kg or more for imaging), including many popular portable setups. Always account for the additional weight of your camera, guide scope, and other accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the function of the 12-volt fan on the IDEAL 8?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integrated 12-volt fan is a crucial feature for thermal management. It actively draws air over the back of the primary mirror, helping it reach the same temperature as the outside air much faster. This process, called thermal equalization, minimizes \"tube currents\"—internal air turbulence that can soften the image—leading to sharper, more stable views.\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\u003eOptics 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\u003e200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e900mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/4.5\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 Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt fan\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 Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e225mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e860mm\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":52942596899101,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8","price":1219.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942596931869,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8-1-8-PV","price":1301.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942596964637,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8-1-10-PV","price":1316.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-8-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_b4c117bd-1387-4576-935c-b3beedbbe56a.jpg?v=1789608219","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-8","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}