{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-8l","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 8L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e200mm Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1200mm Focal Length (f\/6)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC 9-Point Suspension Mirror Cell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser\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\u003eIDEAL 8L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 8L Optical Tube Assembly combines a 200mm primary mirror with a 1200mm focal length, creating a versatile f\/6 system for high-resolution planetary views and deep-sky imaging. Each OTA is built around a hand-figured primary mirror guaranteed to a 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, supported by a 9-point CNC-machined suspension cell and weighing a manageable 8kg.\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 8L: 200mm f\/6 Primary with Certified 1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the IDEAL 8L is a 200mm parabolic primary mirror, hand-figured to a minimum standard of 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy. This figure, verified by an included Zygo interferometer report, ensures that the telescope delivers sharp, high-contrast images free from the subtle aberrations that soften details in mass-produced optics. The 1200mm focal length results in an f\/6 focal ratio—a versatile sweet spot that provides enough magnification for detailed lunar and planetary work while remaining fast enough for capturing faint nebulae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e This grade significantly exceeds the \"diffraction-limited\" standard (1\/4 PV), delivering visibly sharper planetary detail and tighter star points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional Upgrades (1\/8 PV \u0026amp; 1\/10 PV):\u003c\/strong\u003e For the most demanding applications, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV wavefront accuracy are available, pushing theoretical optical limits for the highest possible contrast and resolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50mm Secondary Mirror:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 50mm secondary mirror is sized for full illumination of the focal plane without excessive obstruction, preserving image contrast.\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\u003eCNC 9-Point Cell and 12V Fan: Stable Optics and Rapid Cooling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary mirror's certified accuracy is maintained by a robust mechanical design. A fully CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell supports the 200mm mirror's 8kg weight evenly, preventing gravitational flexure that can distort the optical figure and degrade image quality. This ensures your collimation remains stable throughout an observing session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo achieve peak optical performance, the primary mirror must reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air. The IDEAL 8L includes an integrated 12-volt fan at the rear of the mirror cell, which dramatically accelerates cooling time. This minimizes internal tube currents, allowing you to get sharp, steady views much faster after setting up.\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\u003eEris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser: Precision and Stability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 8L is equipped with a purpose-built Eris 2\" rack and pinion focuser. Unlike common Crayford designs that can slip under heavy loads, the rack and pinion mechanism provides a positive, non-slip action capable of supporting heavier eyepieces and full imaging trains. A smooth-lock mechanism secures the drawtube without shifting the optical axis, preserving critical focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focuser accepts standard 2\" accessories and includes a 31.7mm (1.25\") adapter, allowing you to use the full range of eyepieces and accessories. The entire OTA is housed in a durable 225mm diameter aluminium tube finished in Galaxy Silver, keeping the total weight to only 8kg for easy mounting.\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 is the main advantage of the IDEAL 8L's 1\/6 PV wavefront optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e means the mirror surface deviates from a perfect parabola by no more than 1\/6th the wavelength of light. This is significantly more accurate than the industry standard for \"diffraction-limited\" (1\/4 PV). The practical result is higher image contrast, which allows you to see finer details like Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings and delicate cloud bands on Jupiter more clearly and consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs it worth upgrading the IDEAL 8L 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\u003eFor most visual observers, the standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic is exceptional. Upgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for dedicated planetary imagers or visual observers seeking the absolute pinnacle of optical performance. These higher grades of correction can reveal subtle, low-contrast details that are otherwise lost to minute scattering, especially during moments of excellent atmospheric seeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the IDEAL 8L perform on Jupiter with its 1200mm focal length?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e200mm aperture\u003c\/strong\u003e provides excellent resolving power for Jupiter, while the \u003cstrong\u003e1200mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you a good image scale right out of the box. With a 6mm eyepiece, you'd achieve 200x magnification, ideal for resolving the Great Red Spot, intricate cloud belts, and the shadows of Galilean moons transiting the planet's disk. The high-quality 1\/6 PV mirror ensures these details are rendered with maximum sharpness and contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is needed for the IDEAL 8L OTA, given its 8kg weight?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a tube weight of \u003cstrong\u003e8kg\u003c\/strong\u003e and a length of \u003cstrong\u003e1130mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the IDEAL 8L requires a sturdy equatorial mount. For visual use, a mount in the EQ5\/CG-5 class is the minimum requirement. For astrophotography, a mount with a higher payload capacity, such as one from the EQ6\/CGEM class, is strongly recommended to handle the additional weight of a camera and guide scope and to ensure tracking stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the Eris 2\" focuser on the IDEAL 8L handle a heavy imaging camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The \u003cstrong\u003eEris 2\" focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a rack and pinion design specifically for this purpose. Unlike Crayford-style focusers which can slip under the weight of a heavy camera, filter wheel, and off-axis guider, the geared mechanism of the R+P focuser ensures a positive, secure hold without any slippage, even when pointed near the zenith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow important is the 12V cooling fan on the IDEAL 8L's primary mirror?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e12V fan\u003c\/strong\u003e is critical for reaching peak performance quickly. A 200mm mirror has significant thermal mass and can take over an hour to cool to the ambient night air temperature on its own. The fan reduces this time to 15-20 minutes, actively removing the warm boundary layer of air above the mirror that causes \"tube currents\" and distorted, wavy images.\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\u003e200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal 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\/6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront (optional upgrades to 1\/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\u003e50mm\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 Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1130mm\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 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":52942598209821,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8L","price":1233.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942598242589,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8L-1-8-PV","price":1315.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942598275357,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-8L-1-10-PV","price":1330.27,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-8L-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_036d161f-39a7-4be9-b578-4f9a8132d1c7.jpg?v=1789608230","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-8l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}