{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-16","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 16 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e400mm (16\") Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast f\/4 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics with Zygo Report\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined 9-Point Mirror Cell with 12V Fan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29kg 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\u003eIDEAL 16 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK IDEAL 16 Optical Tube Assembly combines a massive 400mm aperture with a fast f\/4 focal ratio for unparalleled deep-sky imaging and observation. Its 1600mm focal length provides the scale for detailed planetary views, all built upon a hand-figured primary mirror guaranteed to a 1\/6 PV wavefront standard. The entire 29kg assembly is supported by a CNC-machined 9-point mirror cell, ensuring the primary optic maintains its precise figure regardless of orientation.\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\u003e400mm f\/4 Primary Mirror: A 1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the IDEAL 16 is a 400mm primary mirror, hand-figured in the UK to a demanding 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy. This grade exceeds the \"diffraction-limited\" standard, delivering visibly higher contrast on planetary details and tighter star points. The fast f\/4 focal ratio creates an incredibly bright image plane and a wide field of view, allowing you to capture vast nebulae like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) in a single frame with reduced exposure times. Every optic is supplied with its own Zygo interferometer test report, providing certified proof of its exceptional 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\u003eEngineered for Stability: 29kg Aluminium Tube and 9-Point Cell\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large, fast mirror is only as good as its support system. The IDEAL 16 utilizes a robust 9-point suspension mirror cell, CNC-machined for precision, to distribute the mirror's weight evenly and prevent performance-robbing flexure. The 1580mm aluminium tube keeps the total weight to a manageable 29kg, while an integrated 12-volt fan accelerates mirror cooling to ambient temperature, minimizing tube currents and ensuring sharp views sooner.\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\u003ePrecise Focusing: The Eris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo handle modern imaging cameras and heavy eyepiece combinations, the IDEAL 16 is equipped with a robust Eris 2\" rack and pinion focuser. This design offers a significant advantage over simpler Crayford focusers by providing a positive, slip-free rack gear, ensuring it can hold heavy equipment without shifting focus. A smooth-locking mechanism secures your eyepiece or camera with perfect centrality to the 82mm secondary mirror, preserving the optical alignment critical for a fast f\/4 system.\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 Grade: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV Optics Explained\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV wavefront optic delivers exceptional views, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV are available for the most demanding applications. Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront error measures how closely the mirror's surface matches a perfect parabola; a smaller fraction indicates a more precise figure. Upgrading from 1\/6 to 1\/10 PV yields a noticeable increase in fine detail and contrast, especially crucial for high-resolution planetary imaging where every fraction of a wavelength counts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV (Professional Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering. Delivers sharp, high-contrast images far superior to mass-produced optics. Excellent for both deep-sky and planetary observing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV (Research Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e A significant step up, providing finer resolution of details like Jupiter's cloud bands or Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings under good seeing conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV (Ultra Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The pinnacle of optical quality. This level of precision ensures the telescope is limited only by atmospheric conditions, not its optics, delivering the sharpest and highest-contrast images physically possible from a 400mm 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 kind of mount is required for the IDEAL 16 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a nominal tube weight of \u003cstrong\u003e29kg\u003c\/strong\u003e and a length of \u003cstrong\u003e1580mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the IDEAL 16 requires a substantial equatorial mount. You should look for a mount with a payload capacity of at least 45-50kg for visual use, and preferably higher for stable astrophotography to account for cameras, guide scopes, and other accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 1\/10 PV upgrade on the IDEAL 16 worth it for imaging Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, for dedicated planetary imagers, the 1\/10 PV upgrade is a significant investment. The higher surface accuracy translates directly to higher contrast on low-contrast features, such as subtle swirls in Jupiter's zones or faint festoons. While the 1\/6 PV standard is excellent, the 1\/10 PV ensures your final image resolution is limited by the atmosphere, not the telescope's mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the IDEAL 16 perform on a large target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 16's combination of a \u003cstrong\u003e400mm\u003c\/strong\u003e aperture and \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4\u003c\/strong\u003e focal ratio is perfect for large targets like M31. The massive light-gathering ability will reveal faint outer dust lanes and companion galaxies M32 and M110 with stunning clarity. The fast focal ratio provides a wide field of view, allowing you to frame the entire galaxy with appropriate eyepieces or a full-frame camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 9-point mirror cell on the IDEAL 16?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large \u003cstrong\u003e400mm\u003c\/strong\u003e mirror is heavy and can deform under its own weight if not supported properly. The \u003cstrong\u003eCNC 9 point suspension\u003c\/strong\u003e cell provides precisely calculated support points across the back of the mirror. This prevents sagging and flexure as the telescope moves across the sky, maintaining the mirror's precise optical figure and ensuring sharp focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the fast f\/4 optical system of the IDEAL 16 require a coma corrector?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, like all fast Newtonian telescopes, the IDEAL 16 will exhibit coma, an aberration that makes stars at the edge of the field of view appear elongated. For astrophotography or wide-field visual observation with 2\" eyepieces, using a high-quality coma corrector is essential to achieve sharp, point-like stars across the entire frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is the 12-volt fan important for the IDEAL 16's 400mm mirror?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large \u003cstrong\u003e400mm\u003c\/strong\u003e mirror has significant thermal mass and can take hours to cool to the ambient night air temperature. The integrated \u003cstrong\u003e12 volt fan\u003c\/strong\u003e actively circulates air behind the mirror, dramatically reducing this cooldown time. This minimizes \"tube currents\"—thermals rising from the mirror that distort the view—allowing you to start high-magnification observing or imaging much faster.\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\u003eNewtonian Reflector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400mm\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptics Upgrade Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 PV, 1\/10 PV\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\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 Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e434mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1580mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e29kg (nominal)\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\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eIDEAL 16 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\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":52942606172445,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-16","price":5129.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942606205213,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-16-1-8-PV","price":5472.27,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942606237981,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-16-1-10-PV","price":5802.44,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-12-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_5821cbd9-9929-4566-8353-d2a09b3f85f9.jpg?v=1789608284","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-16","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}