{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-vx12l","title":"Orion Optics UK VX12L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e300mm (12\") Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/5.3 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Wavefront Hand-Figured Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined 9-Point Mirror Cell with Cooling Fan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16kg 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 VX12L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX12L combines a large 300mm aperture with a 1600mm focal length in a versatile f\/5.3 Newtonian design. This optical tube is built around a hand-figured primary mirror guaranteed to a 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, with each optic verified by a Zygo interferometer report. Weighing a manageable 16kg for its size, the aluminium tube is supported by a CNC-machined 9-point mirror cell designed for stable, high-contrast imaging.\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\u003eHand-Figured 1\/6 PV Primary Mirror: Zygo-Verified Precision\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the VX12L is its 300mm primary mirror, which is hand-finished in the UK to a minimum 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy. This standard is significantly higher than typical mass-produced optics and ensures sharp, high-contrast views. Every mirror is tested on a Zygo laser interferometer, the same equipment used in professional optical labs, and is supplied with its own test report to certify its quality.\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 VX12L's 9-Point Cell and Active Cooling System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maintain optical alignment and performance, the 300mm mirror is supported by a computer-optimized, CNC-machined 9-point flotation cell. This cell distributes the mirror's weight evenly, preventing astigmatism and other distortions as the telescope moves. An integrated cooling fan accelerates thermal equilibrium, reducing tube currents and ensuring the sharpest possible images from the start of your session.\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\u003eImaging with a 300mm f\/5.3 Newtonian\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its 300mm aperture, the VX12L gathers a tremendous amount of light, resolving faint details in distant galaxies and nebulae. The 1600mm focal length provides the image scale needed for detailed views of the Moon and planets, while the f\/5.3 focal ratio is fast enough to capture deep-sky objects with reasonably short exposure times. The instrument includes a 2\" focuser with reduction gearing for the fine adjustments necessary to achieve critical focus, especially for astrophotography.\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\u003eChoosing Your Optical Grade: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic delivers excellent images, Orion Optics UK offers upgrades for the most demanding observers. Moving to a 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV 'Ultra' mirror provides a tangible increase in image fidelity, most noticeable during high-magnification planetary viewing. A more accurate wavefront concentrates more light into the central Airy disk, resulting in higher contrast on subtle details like Jupiter's cloud bands or the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings under steady seeing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV (Standard):\u003c\/strong\u003e An excellent all-around choice for visual and imaging, far exceeding the quality of standard commercial telescopes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV (Professional):\u003c\/strong\u003e A noticeable step up for dedicated lunar and planetary observers, delivering higher contrast and finer detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV (Ultra):\u003c\/strong\u003e The ultimate in optical precision, for those seeking to extract every last bit of resolution possible from a 300mm aperture.\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\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 real-world difference between the 1\/6 PV, 1\/8 PV, and 1\/10 PV optics on the VX12L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference is most apparent at high magnification on high-contrast targets. While the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic provides excellent, sharp views, upgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e increases image contrast and stability. You'll notice finer details on planets, tighter star points, and better resolution of close double stars. The 1\/10 PV 'Ultra' grade represents the practical limit of hand-figuring, ensuring the image is limited by atmospheric seeing, not the mirror itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the VX12L perform on a target like the Orion Nebula (M42) at f\/5.3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX12L is an exceptional instrument for large, bright nebulae like M42. The \u003cstrong\u003e300mm aperture\u003c\/strong\u003e gathers enough light to reveal faint outer loops and intricate detail within the Trapezium region. The \u003cstrong\u003ef\/5.3\u003c\/strong\u003e focal ratio provides a wide field of view with a coma corrector, allowing you to frame the entire nebula while being fast enough for efficient imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the VX12L resolve details like the Cassini Division on Saturn with the standard 1\/6 PV optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The \u003cstrong\u003e300mm aperture\u003c\/strong\u003e has more than enough theoretical resolution to easily show the Cassini Division, and the guaranteed \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e quality of the standard optics ensures the telescope can deliver that resolution in practice. Seeing conditions will be the limiting factor, but on a steady night, the VX12L will provide sharp, detailed views of Saturn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the VX12L's 9-point mirror cell protect the optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCNC-machined 9-point cell\u003c\/strong\u003e provides uniform support for the 300mm primary mirror across its entire surface. This prevents the mirror from sagging under its own weight as the telescope points to different parts of the sky, which would otherwise induce astigmatism and degrade the image. This precise support is critical for maintaining the mirror's hand-figured accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 16kg weight of the VX12L manageable for portable setups?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e16kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX12L optical tube is relatively lightweight for a 12\" Newtonian, thanks to its aluminium construction. While not a grab-and-go instrument, it can be transported and set up by one person. It requires a substantial equatorial mount (EQ6-R Pro class or larger) to carry it effectively for visual use or astrophotography.\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 Orion Optics UK VX12L OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to its \u003cstrong\u003e16kg weight\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e1510mm length\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX12L requires a heavy-duty equatorial mount. For visual observing, a mount with a payload capacity of at least 20kg (44 lbs) is recommended. For astrophotography, a mount with an even higher capacity, such as a Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro or similar, is necessary to ensure stability and precise tracking.\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\u003e300mm\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\/5.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optical Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Upgrade Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV Ultra\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\u003e2\" with reduction gearing\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\u003eIntegrated 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\u003e16kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e326mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1510mm\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":52942648017181,"sku":"OOUK-VX12L","price":2137.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942648049949,"sku":"OOUK-VX12L-1-8-PV-OPTICS","price":2270.86,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942648082717,"sku":"OOUK-VX12L-1-10-PV-OPTICS","price":2411.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-VX12-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_82cb4f44-7966-4c8c-be76-70b036828933.jpg?v=1789608578","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-vx12l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}