{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-vx8","title":"Orion Optics UK VX8 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e200mm (8-inch) Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e900mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast f\/4.5 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV Wavefront Hand-Figured Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight 7kg Aluminium Tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2\" Focuser with Reduction Gearing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9-Point CNC Mirror Cell with 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\u003eOrion Optics UK VX8 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX8 Optical Tube Assembly combines a fast f\/4.5 focal ratio with a 200mm primary mirror, hand-figured to a demanding 1\/6 PV wavefront standard and supplied with a Zygo interferometer report. Weighing a mere 7kg in its 860mm aluminium tube, this Newtonian is engineered for high-resolution imaging and deep-sky observation. The 900mm focal length provides an excellent image scale for a wide range of targets, supported by a CNC-machined 9-point mirror cell and active fan 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\u003eHand-Figured 1\/6 PV Wavefront Optics with Zygo Certification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the VX8 is a 200mm primary mirror finished by hand to a guaranteed 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy. Unlike mass-produced optics, each mirror is individually tested on a Zygo laser interferometer, the same equipment used in professional optical labs. This process ensures the mirror's surface deviates from a perfect parabola by a tiny fraction of a wavelength of light, resulting in higher contrast, sharper stars, and the ability to resolve finer planetary detail.\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\u003eA Fast f\/4.5 System Weighing Just 7kg\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VX8's f\/4.5 focal ratio is ideal for deep-sky imaging, allowing you to capture significant signal on faint nebulae and galaxies with shorter exposure times. This optical speed reduces demands on your mount's tracking accuracy and lets you complete imaging projects more efficiently. The entire assembly weighs only 7kg and has a tube length of 860mm, making it compatible with a wide range of mid-sized equatorial mounts and easy to transport to dark-sky sites.\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\u003ePrecision Focusing and Active Thermal Management\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAchieving critical focus is essential with a fast optical system, and the VX8 is equipped with a 2\" focuser with reduction gearing for fine control. This allows for precise, minute adjustments necessary to get sharp stars across the field. The primary mirror is supported by a 9-point CNC-machined cell that prevents flexure, while an integrated cooling fan helps the mirror reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air quickly, minimizing tube currents and ensuring your views are steady and sharp 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\u003eChoosing Your Optical Grade: 1\/6 PV, 1\/8 PV, or 1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic delivers excellent performance, Orion Optics UK offers optional upgrades for the most demanding observers. Moving from 1\/6 to 1\/8 PV provides a noticeable increase in contrast, especially valuable for resolving subtle cloud bands on Jupiter or faint detail in planetary nebulae. The 1\/10 PV \"Ultra\" grade represents the pinnacle of Newtonian optics, delivering near-perfect wavefronts for the highest possible resolution and image fidelity, revealing details that are simply lost in lesser systems.\u003c\/p\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 do I need for the Orion Optics VX8 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a tube weight of only \u003cstrong\u003e7kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX8 is quite versatile. It performs well on mid-range equatorial mounts rated for a payload capacity of 13-15kg (28-33 lbs) for imaging. This leaves ample capacity for a guide scope, camera, and other accessories without straining the mount's mechanics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the real-world difference between the 1\/6 PV and 1\/10 PV optics on the VX8?\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. On a planet like Jupiter, a \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e mirror will show finer, higher-contrast detail in the cloud bands and more intricate structure in the Great Red Spot compared to the already excellent \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic. For deep-sky imaging, the higher-grade optic produces tighter, more point-like stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the VX8's f\/4.5 optics perform for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4.5\u003c\/strong\u003e focal ratio is ideal for large, bright targets like the Orion Nebula (M42). You can capture the faint outer loops and intricate details within the Trapezium region with significantly shorter sub-exposures compared to an f\/8 or f\/10 system. For best results across the entire field, pairing the VX8 with a coma corrector is highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the standard 1\/6 PV VX8 good enough for resolving detail like Jupiter's Great Red Spot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. A \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e optic is a high-performance standard that easily exceeds the \"diffraction-limited\" benchmark. Under steady seeing conditions, the standard VX8 will provide sharp, detailed views of Jupiter, clearly showing the Great Red Spot, major cloud bands, and even the shadows of its Galilean moons during transits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the VX8 require a coma corrector for imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, like all fast Newtonian telescopes, the VX8 will exhibit coma, an optical aberration that makes stars at the edge of the field appear elongated. For serious astrophotography with modern sensors, using a high-quality coma corrector is essential to achieve sharp, round stars across the entire image frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the Zygo interferometer report included with the VX8 tell me?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Zygo report is a certificate of optical quality for your specific mirror. It provides a detailed map of the mirror's surface and quantifies its accuracy, including the final Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront error. This document is your proof that the optics meet or exceed the advertised specification (e.g., \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e), providing confidence that you have received a genuinely high-quality, hand-finished mirror.\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\u003e200mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e900mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/4.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optical Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront (optional upgrades to 1\/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\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e860mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e225mm\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\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9-point CNC\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\u003eMirror Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFan\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":52942642479389,"sku":"OOUK-VX8","price":1205.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942642512157,"sku":"OOUK-VX8-1-8-PV-OPTICS","price":1287.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942642544925,"sku":"OOUK-VX8-1-10-PV-OPTICS","price":1309.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-VX8-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_2a3b5723-03fc-491b-8771-1402fd3063fc.jpg?v=1789608530","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/orion-optics-uk-vx8","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}