{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-6l","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 6L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150mm (6\") Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1200mm Focal Length at an f\/8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertified 1\/6 PV Wavefront Primary Mirror Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined 9-Point Suspension Mirror Cell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeighs a nominal 5kg for easy mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes a 12-volt mirror cooling fan\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 6L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 6L Optical Tube Assembly delivers planetary and lunar views typically reserved for much more expensive instruments. Its 150mm primary mirror is hand-figured to a certified 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, set at a native f\/8 focal ratio that excels at high-magnification observation. The entire optical system, weighing a nominal 5kg, is housed in a 1110mm aluminum tube supported by a CNC-machined 9-point mirror cell with 12-volt active cooling.\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 IDEAL 6L's 1\/6 PV Wavefront Primary Mirror\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike mass-produced reflectors, every IDEAL 6L is built around an optic with a guaranteed minimum performance level. The 150mm primary mirror is certified to a 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy, a standard that ensures sharp, high-contrast images free of astigmatism and spherical aberration. Every optic is supplied with its own Zygo laser interferometer report, providing objective proof of its quality—not just a subjective claim.\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\u003eCNC 9-Point Cell, 12V Cooling, and Eris 2\" Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical quality is maintained by a robust mechanical system. The primary mirror rests on a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell that provides uniform support, preventing mirror flexure that can degrade image quality as the telescope moves. A built-in 12-volt fan accelerates mirror cooling, reducing tube currents and allowing you to reach thermal equilibrium faster for stable, sharp views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the other end, the in-house designed Eris 2\" rack and pinion focuser provides a solid, stable platform for your eyepieces and cameras. Its smooth-lock mechanism grips accessories securely without introducing tilt, ensuring the optical path remains perfectly aligned even with heavier 2\" eyepieces.\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 IDEAL 6L's f\/8 Advantage: High-Contrast Planetary Viewing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 6L's 1200mm focal length results in an f\/8 focal ratio, a deliberate design choice for observers prioritizing detail on the Moon and planets. This slower f-ratio produces a less demanding light cone, which makes collimation easier to achieve and maintain. It also delivers higher contrast and works exceptionally well with simpler eyepiece designs, revealing subtle cloud bands on Jupiter and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings with clarity.\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\u003eIDEAL 6L: Choosing Between 1\/6, 1\/8, and 1\/10 PV Optics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic is a superb performer, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV are available for those seeking the ultimate level of optical perfection. The choice depends entirely on your observing goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV:\u003c\/strong\u003e An excellent grade that delivers sharp, detailed views far exceeding typical commercial standards. Ideal for all-around visual astronomy from deep sky to planets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional 1\/8 PV:\u003c\/strong\u003e A significant step up for dedicated planetary and lunar observers. This level of correction can reveal finer, lower-contrast details during moments of steady seeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra 1\/10 PV:\u003c\/strong\u003e Represents the pinnacle of Newtonian optics. This grade extracts the maximum possible resolution from the 150mm aperture, for observers who demand the most pristine image possible and have the steady skies to take advantage of it.\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 does the IDEAL 6L OTA require?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a nominal tube weight of \u003cstrong\u003e5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e and a length of \u003cstrong\u003e1110mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the IDEAL 6L is relatively lightweight but long. It requires an equatorial mount in the EQ5\/CG-5 class or higher to ensure stability, especially for astrophotography or high-magnification viewing where vibrations are more noticeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the IDEAL 6L's f\/8 design perform on planets like Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe f\/8 focal ratio is ideal for planetary work. On Jupiter, you can expect to clearly resolve the primary equatorial belts, the Great Red Spot, and shadow transits of the Galilean moons. The high-contrast optics will make it easier to discern subtle color variations and smaller storms within the cloud bands, especially when seeing conditions are good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is a Zygo interferometer report and why is it included with the IDEAL 6L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Zygo interferometer is a high-precision instrument that measures the exact shape of a mirror's surface using laser light. The report is a printout of this measurement, providing objective, numerical proof of the mirror's wavefront accuracy (e.g., \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e). It's included to guarantee that your telescope's optics meet the advertised specification, moving beyond subjective claims to verifiable data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV upgrade for the IDEAL 6L worth it for visual observing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most observers, the standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic is more than sufficient for stunning views. However, if your primary passion is high-resolution planetary, lunar, or double-star observing and you frequently have access to steady skies, the higher-grade optics can provide a noticeable increase in fine detail and contrast. The \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e upgrade is for the observer seeking the absolute theoretical maximum performance from a 150mm aperture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the Eris 2\" focuser on the IDEAL 6L handle a heavy eyepiece or a camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The \u003cstrong\u003eEris 2\" rack and pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for stability. Its rack and pinion mechanism is inherently stronger than many entry-level Crayford focusers, and the \"smooth lock\" feature ensures that once focus is set, it holds firm without slipping or tilting, even with heavier accessories like large wide-field eyepieces or DSLR cameras for planetary imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is the 36mm secondary mirror on the IDEAL 6L a good size?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e36mm\u003c\/strong\u003e secondary mirror creates a central obstruction of 24% by diameter. For a 150mm f\/8 Newtonian, this is an excellent balance, providing a fully illuminated field for visual use without being so large that it significantly reduces image contrast, which is critical for resolving fine planetary detail.\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\u003eOptics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard (Upgrades to 1\/8 PV \u0026amp; 1\/10 PV available)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e36mm\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\/Tube 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 Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Paint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGalaxy Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e178mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1110mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product is an Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) only. Mount, eyepieces, and other accessories are not included.\u003c\/p\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":52942595588381,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-6L","price":698.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942595621149,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-6L-1-8-PV","price":749.01,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942595653917,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-6L-1-10-PV","price":763.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-6L-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_3163e7dc-d29c-45ec-93b4-dc149eabea2c.jpg?v=1789608210","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-6l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}