Skip to content
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.

Orion Optics UK Truss Shroud for 16″ Telescopes

by Orion Optics UK
SKU OOUK-ODK16TR-MS
$1,263.14 - $1,263.14
$1,263.14
$1,263.14 - $1,263.14
$1,263.14
Price Match Policy!
  • Blocks stray light in open-tube truss designs
  • Improves image contrast for faint deep-sky objects
  • Breathable material helps maintain thermal equilibrium
  • Flexible fabric fits around focusers, finders, and dovetails
  • Designed specifically for 16-inch truss telescopes
Backordered
Request Stock Alert
Availability Info
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Truss Shroud for 16″ Telescopes

    This Truss Shroud for 16″ Telescopes is essential for maximizing contrast in any open-tube instrument by completely blocking stray light from reaching the focal plane. Made from a flexible, black latex-type material, it is engineered to eliminate internal reflections and skyglow that can wash out faint galaxies and nebulae, restoring a dark background to your images and visual observations. Its adaptable design allows it to be manipulated to fit securely around focusers, dovetail plates, and other accessories without compromising coverage.

    Stray Light Suppression for 16" Truss Telescopes

    The open-frame design of a 16" truss telescope is excellent for portability and rapid cooling, but it leaves the optical path vulnerable to stray light from streetlights, moon glow, or even a nearby laptop screen. This shroud creates a dark optical tunnel, effectively converting your truss tube into a solid tube environment. This single change dramatically increases image contrast, making it easier to resolve faint details like the outer arms of the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) or the delicate filaments of the Orion Nebula (M42).

    Optimized Airflow and Dew Prevention

    Unlike non-breathable materials that can trap heat and create tube currents that degrade seeing, this shroud is made from a material that allows for passive airflow. It helps your telescope reach and maintain thermal equilibrium with the ambient air while still blocking disruptive wind gusts. The fabric also serves as a barrier against dew, preventing moisture from settling on your secondary mirror and extending your observing or imaging session on damp nights.

    Adaptive Fit for Focusers and Accessories

    A key challenge with any shroud is accommodating the various accessories attached to a telescope. This shroud's flexible, latex-type material can be easily stretched and positioned to create a snug fit around your focuser, finder scope, and dovetail plates. This ensures there are no light leaks, providing complete optical path protection regardless of your specific equipment configuration, a critical feature for astrophotographers running complex imaging trains.

  • Why do I need this Truss Shroud for my 16" telescope?

    An open-truss telescope, while lightweight, allows stray light to enter the optical path, which severely reduces contrast and makes it difficult to see faint objects. The Truss Shroud 16" blocks this light, creating a darker sky background and making faint details in galaxies and nebulae significantly more visible.

    Will this shroud cause my 16" telescope to overheat or create tube currents?

    No, the material is specifically chosen to be breathable. This allows heat to dissipate and prevents the formation of warm air pockets (tube currents) that can harm image stability. It blocks wind while allowing the telescope's structure to remain at thermal equilibrium with the surrounding air.

    How does the Truss Shroud 16" fit around my focuser and other accessories?

    The shroud is made from a flexible, stretchable material. You can easily manipulate it to fit snugly around your focuser, finder scope brackets, and dovetail plates. This adaptability ensures a tight seal against light leaks without interfering with your equipment.

    Will using the Truss Shroud 16" improve my views of faint objects like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?

    Absolutely. The Veil Nebula is a classic example of a faint, low-contrast object that benefits immensely from a dark sky background. By eliminating stray light, the Truss Shroud 16" will make the delicate filaments of the nebula stand out much more clearly against the blackness of space, especially from light-polluted locations.

    Is the material on the Truss Shroud 16" waterproof?

    The material is highly effective at preventing dew from forming on your secondary mirror. While it will repel light moisture, it is not designed to be fully waterproof in heavy rain. Its primary functions are blocking light and dew while maintaining breathability.

    How difficult is it to install the Truss Shroud 16" in the dark?

    Installation is straightforward. The elastic nature of the material allows it to be easily stretched over the truss poles and upper cage of your telescope. While it adds one extra step to your setup routine, most users find they can install it in just a minute or two, even in the dark.

  • Compatibility 16-inch Open-Frame Truss Telescopes
    Material Flexible, breathable black latex-type fabric
    Primary Function Stray light and dew suppression
  • Orion Optics UK 1-Year Warranty