{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-omc200-de-luxe-optical-tube-assembly-carbon-tube-1-8pv","title":"Orion Optics UK OMC200 De-Luxe Tube Assembly – Carbon Tube 1\/8PV","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e200mm (8\") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4000mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/20 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuaranteed 1\/8 PV Wavefront Accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVented Carbon Fibre Tube Construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100% Zero Image Shift Micrometer 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\u003eOrion Optics UK OMC200 De-Luxe Tube Assembly – Carbon Tube 1\/8PV\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK OMC200 De-Luxe delivers uncompromising planetary, lunar, and double-star views through its 200mm aperture and long 4000mm focal length. This f\/20 Maksutov-Cassegrain is built around hand-figured optics guaranteed to a research-grade 1\/8 PV wavefront accuracy, ensuring maximum contrast and sharpness. Housed in a 600mm vented carbon fibre tube, the entire assembly weighs only 9kg, placing high-resolution capability within reach of many modern mounts.\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\u003eThe 1\/8 PV Maksutov-Cassegrain System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core of the OMC200 is a 200mm optical system hand-finished in the UK to a demanding 1\/8 PV wavefront standard. This level of precision, typically reserved for research instruments, means the optics deliver textbook-perfect star images and capture the finest, lowest-contrast details on planetary surfaces. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design features a small 44mm secondary mirror, minimizing central obstruction to further enhance contrast, while Hilux coatings on both mirrors maximize light transmission.\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\u003eCarbon Fiber Tube and Zero-Shift Focusing at 4000mm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining precise focus at a 4000mm focal length is critical, and the OMC200's mechanical design is built for stability. The carbon fibre tube has a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, preventing focus shift during temperature changes, while integrated vents allow for faster thermal acclimation. Unlike typical Schmidt-Cassegrains, focusing is achieved with a 100% zero image shift micrometer, which moves the secondary mirror with extreme precision and completely eliminates the image movement that can plague primary mirror focusing systems.\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\u003eAn f\/20 Instrument for High-Resolution Targets\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe f\/20 focal ratio is a deliberate design choice that makes the OMC200 a specialist's tool for high-magnification observing and imaging. This long focal ratio provides high power with comfortable, long eye-relief eyepieces and eliminates the need for Barlow lenses, which can introduce optical aberrations. This makes it an ideal instrument for resolving tight double stars, intricate lunar rilles, and subtle cloud features on Jupiter and Saturn right at the native focal plane.\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\u003e1\/8 PV vs. Standard Optics: A Difference You Can See\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrion Optics UK offers multiple grades of optical quality, and the 1\/8 PV \"Research Grade\" of the OMC200 De-Luxe represents a significant step up from standard 1\/4 PV optics. This isn't just a number; it translates to visibly higher contrast and image sharpness at the eyepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigher Contrast:\u003c\/strong\u003e The smoother, more accurate mirror surface of 1\/8 PV optics scatters less light, rendering the blackness of space darker and faint planetary details more distinct.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSharper Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e During moments of steady atmospheric seeing, the superior wavefront correction allows the telescope to resolve finer details, such as the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings or delicate festoons in Jupiter's cloud belts, with greater clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImage Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e A more accurate wavefront is less susceptible to degradation from atmospheric turbulence, meaning you get more moments of perfect, stable viewing during an observing session.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\"\u003eWhy is the Orion Optics UK OMC200 De-Luxe f\/20?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe f\/20 focal ratio is optimized for high-magnification planetary, lunar, and double-star observation. It provides a large image scale without the need for additional amplifiers like Barlow lenses, which simplifies the optical train and maximizes contrast and sharpness on fine details. This makes the OMC200 a specialized instrument, trading wide-field capability for exceptional high-power views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the 1\/8 PV wavefront of the OMC200 mean for views of Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1\/8 PV wavefront error is significantly better than the \"diffraction-limited\" standard of 1\/4 PV. For an object like Jupiter, this translates to:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigher Contrast:\u003c\/strong\u003e The boundaries between cloud belts and zones will be sharper and more defined.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Detail:\u003c\/strong\u003e You will be able to more easily resolve small, low-contrast features like barges, ovals, and festoons within the cloud belts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBetter Color Fidelity:\u003c\/strong\u003e With less scattered light, the subtle color variations across the planet's disk are more apparent.\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 OMC200 De-Luxe focuser prevent image shift?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe OMC200 uses a \u003cstrong\u003emicrometer-style focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e that moves the secondary mirror, not the primary mirror. In many catadioptric telescopes, focusing is done by shifting the large primary mirror, which can cause it to tilt slightly, leading to \"image shift.\" By moving the much smaller, lighter secondary mirror, the OMC200's mechanism provides precise, stable focus with zero lateral image movement, which is critical for high-magnification imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the carbon fibre tube on the OMC200 De-Luxe a significant advantage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Carbon fibre has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it doesn't shrink or expand significantly as the ambient temperature changes throughout the night. At a long focal length of 4000mm, even a tiny change in tube length can shift the focal point. The carbon fibre tube ensures the focus you set at the beginning of the night remains sharp for hours, a crucial feature for long imaging sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the OMC200 De-Luxe for deep-sky imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile possible, it is not its primary design function. The very long f\/20 focal ratio results in a narrow field of view and requires much longer exposure times for faint deep-sky objects compared to faster instruments. The OMC200 excels at imaging smaller targets like planetary nebulae and globular clusters, but it is not well-suited for large nebulae or galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is required for the 9kg OMC200 De-Luxe OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the tube itself weighs only 9kg, the 4000mm focal length acts like a massive lever, magnifying any vibrations from wind or mount drives. For visual use, a mount rated for at least a 15-20kg payload (e.g., EQ6-R Pro class) is recommended for stability. For astrophotography, a higher capacity mount is essential to ensure sharp, untrailed 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\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaksutov-Cassegrain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\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\u003e4000mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWavefront Accuracy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e210mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Coatings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHilux on both mirrors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocusing Method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% zero image shift micrometer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon Fibre with vents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Back\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e31.7mm (1.25\"), 2\" available\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Fixing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDovetail of your choice\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":"Default Title","offer_id":52942379188509,"sku":"OOUK-OMC200-DE-LUXE-OPTICAL-TUBE","price":9946.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Logo_524ea082-3ca2-4b17-980a-a9c9b00d01df.jpg?v=1789607164","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-omc200-de-luxe-optical-tube-assembly-carbon-tube-1-8pv","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}