{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ct14-optical-tube-assembly","title":"Orion Optics UK CT14 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e350mm (14\") Aperture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm Focal Length (f\/4.6)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuaranteed 1\/10 PV Wavefront Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon Fibre Sandwich Tube Construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26kg Optical 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\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 CT14 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK CT14 Optical Tube Assembly combines a massive 350mm aperture with a fast 1600mm (f\/4.6) focal length, all built around a primary mirror hand-figured to a guaranteed 1\/10 PV wavefront accuracy. This instrument is engineered for ultimate imaging stability, featuring a zero-expansion carbon fibre sandwich tube that maintains focus through changing temperatures. Weighing approximately 26kg, the CT14 delivers research-grade optical performance for serious planetary and deep-sky astrophotographers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003e1\/10 PV Wavefront Optics: The CT14's Hand-Figured 350mm Primary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe heart of the CT14 is its 350mm Suprax primary mirror, which is not just machine-polished but hand-finished to an exceptional 1\/10 PV wavefront standard. This figure represents the peak-to-valley error across the optical surface, and 1\/10th wave is the highest grade Orion Optics UK produces. This level of precision, verified by an included Zygo interferometer report, ensures that the maximum amount of light is concentrated into the smallest possible point, yielding incredibly sharp, high-contrast images of planets and tight stellar fields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Hilux Coatings:\u003c\/strong\u003e The primary and secondary mirrors feature high-reflectivity Hilux coatings to maximize light transmission for brighter views of faint deep-sky objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e82mm Secondary Mirror:\u003c\/strong\u003e The optimized secondary mirror provides excellent field illumination for large-sensor cameras without excessive obstruction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eZero-Expansion Carbon Fibre Tube and 9-Point Mirror Cell\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eOptical precision requires mechanical stability. The CT14's 400mm diameter tube is a sandwich-construction carbon fibre design with virtually zero thermal expansion, ensuring the 1600mm focal length remains constant as temperatures drop. The primary mirror is supported by a CNC machined, 9-point flotation cell that prevents flexure and astigmatism as the 26kg tube moves across the sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive Cooling:\u003c\/strong\u003e The mirror cell includes an integrated fan system that can be run continuously to speed up thermal equalization, minimizing tube currents and ensuring the optics perform at their peak from the start of your session.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCNC Tube Rings:\u003c\/strong\u003e A pair of heavy-duty, CNC-machined tube rings weighing 3kg provides a rigid and secure mounting platform for this large-aperture instrument.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003ePrecision 2\" Focuser and 8x50 Finder\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe CT14 is equipped with a high-quality 2\" rack and pinion focuser with reduction gearing for fine focus control, critical for achieving sharp results at f\/4.6. A 40mm threaded extension tube is included for reaching focus with a variety of cameras and eyepieces. For locating targets, a straight-through 8x50 achromatic finder scope is fitted to the tube, providing bright, wide-field views to complement the main telescope's narrow, high-magnification field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eBeyond Diffraction-Limited: Why the CT14's 1\/10 PV Standard Matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eMany telescopes are advertised as \"diffraction-limited,\" which corresponds to a 1\/4 PV wavefront accuracy. The CT14's 1\/10 PV standard is significantly more precise, a difference that becomes obvious when observing planets at high magnification. The improved surface accuracy reduces scattered light and sharpens fine details, rendering more subtle cloud bands on Jupiter and cleaner divisions in Saturn's rings. For the CT14, this research-grade figure isn't an expensive upgrade—it's the baseline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the Orion Optics UK CT14's 1\/10 PV wavefront accuracy mean for imaging Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFor a target like Jupiter, the CT14's \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV wavefront optics\u003c\/strong\u003e minimize light scatter, which directly translates to higher contrast. You will resolve finer, more delicate details in the cloud bands, see more intricate structure within the Great Red Spot, and achieve a sharper overall image compared to a standard 1\/4 PV (\"diffraction-limited\") mirror of the same 350mm aperture.\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 CT14 Optical Tube?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe CT14 optical tube weighs approximately \u003cstrong\u003e26kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the rings add another \u003cstrong\u003e3kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, for a total of 29kg before adding a camera, guide scope, or other accessories. You will need a high-capacity German equatorial mount with a payload rating of at least 45kg (100 lbs) for stable imaging performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the f\/4.6 focal ratio of the CT14 require a coma corrector for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. Like all fast Newtonian telescopes, the CT14 will exhibit coma at the edges of the field, especially with larger camera sensors. To achieve sharp, point-like stars across the entire frame, using a high-quality coma corrector designed for f\/4.6 systems is essential for astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the CT14's carbon fibre tube benefit long-exposure imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ecarbon fibre sandwich\u003c\/strong\u003e construction has a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion. This means as the ambient temperature drops during an imaging session, the \u003cstrong\u003e1430mm\u003c\/strong\u003e tube will not shrink. This keeps the focal plane stable, preventing focus shift and ensuring your images remain sharp throughout the night without constant refocusing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the advantage of the CT14's 9-point mirror cell?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eA large \u003cstrong\u003e350mm\u003c\/strong\u003e primary mirror is heavy and can deform under its own weight if not properly supported. The \u003cstrong\u003e9-point suspension mirror cell\u003c\/strong\u003e distributes the weight of the mirror evenly across nine optimized points. This prevents gravitational sagging and flexure as the telescope points to different parts of the sky, preserving the mirror's precise 1\/10 PV figure and preventing optical aberrations like astigmatism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Orion Optics UK CT14 for visual observation of the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The CT14's large \u003cstrong\u003e350mm\u003c\/strong\u003e aperture is exceptional for visual deep-sky observing. When paired with a wide-field 2\" eyepiece and a quality O-III filter, the Veil Nebula will show stunning, intricate filamentary detail. The fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4.6\u003c\/strong\u003e focal ratio provides a bright image, making it a powerful instrument for hunting down faint nebulae and galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e350mm\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\/4.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/10 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuprax\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Coatings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnhanced Hilux\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e82mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon fibre sandwich\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1430mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26kg approx.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" focuser with reduction gearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtension Tubes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40mm long, screw threaded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinder Scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8x50\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpider\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable 4-vane, stainless steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC machined aluminium, 9 point suspension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Holder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined aluminium, rotatable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Rings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC machined tube rings, anodised black\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight of Rings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoxed Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBox 1: 172x58x58mm, Box 2: 58x58x34mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoxed Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBox 1: 20kg, Box 2: 14kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\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":52942380433693,"sku":"OOUK-CT14-OPTICAL-TUBE-ASSEMBLY","price":6695.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Logo_b64200b7-8fb9-4862-8722-a8cb7101fa00.jpg?v=1789607222","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ct14-optical-tube-assembly","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}