{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ag14-optical-tube-assembly-only","title":"Orion Optics UK AG14 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e350mm Primary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1330mm Focal Length (f\/3.8)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026gt;50mm Corrected Flat Field\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon Fibre Sandwich Tube Construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.4µm On-Axis Spot Size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3\" Ceres Rack and Pinion Focuser\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 AG14 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK AG14 Optical Tube Assembly combines a massive 350mm primary mirror with an incredibly fast f\/3.8 focal ratio to dramatically reduce exposure times on faint deep-sky objects. Its integrated 4-lens ED corrector delivers a flat field larger than 50mm, producing sharp stars with spot sizes as small as 3.4µm on-axis and 4.7µm at the field edge. This 1330mm focal length astrograph is engineered for the largest modern sensors, providing professional-grade results from a precision-built instrument.\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\u003ef\/3.8 Corrected Newtonian Optics: A \u0026gt;50mm Flat Field\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe AG14's optical system is designed for one purpose: wide-field imaging. The fast f\/3.8 primary mirror gathers immense amounts of light, while the custom-designed 4-lens ED corrector eliminates coma and field curvature. This results in a corrected image circle greater than 50mm, fully illuminating full-frame and larger format astronomy cameras without vignetting or distorted stars at the edge of the frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWith measured spot sizes of just 3.4µm on-axis and 4.7µm at the field edge, the AG14 delivers resolution capable of matching the smallest pixels on modern CMOS sensors. This ensures that every star is a tight, focused point, capturing maximum detail in galactic dust lanes and nebular structures.\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\u003eCarbon Fibre Tube \u0026amp; 9-Point Mirror Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eTo maintain optical precision, the AG14 is built around a carbon fibre sandwich tube with a diameter of 400mm. This material offers exceptional rigidity at a manageable weight of approximately 24kg and, more importantly, exhibits near-zero thermal expansion. As temperatures drop during an imaging session, the 1203mm tube length remains constant, preventing focus shift that can ruin long exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 350mm primary mirror is held securely by a CNC-machined aluminum 9-point suspension cell, which provides uniform support to prevent gravitational flexure as the telescope tracks across the sky. For rapid thermal stabilization, the mirror cell is equipped with three controllable fans to bring the primary mirror to ambient temperature quickly, minimizing tube currents and ensuring sharp images from the start of your session.\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\u003e3\" Ceres Focuser with 79mm Back Focus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe AG14 comes standard with a robust 3\" Ceres rack and pinion focuser, designed to handle the weight of large cameras and heavy accessory stacks without slipping or tilting. A 10:1 reduction fine-focus knob allows for precise adjustments critical for achieving perfect focus with the fast f\/3.8 optical system. The focuser provides a generous 79mm of distance from its flange to the image plane, offering ample room for off-axis guiders, filter wheels, and rotators in your imaging train.\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 the included Professional grade and the optional Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) upgrade, under identical conditions -- a visual illustration of the difference in contrast and fine detail the upgrade delivers.\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_10-PV.jpg\" alt=\"Saturn viewed through the Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) grade optics upgrade\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLambda\/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\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 cameras are suitable for the AG14's \u0026gt;50mm image circle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe AG14 is designed to work with large-format sensors. Its \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;50mm flat field size\u003c\/strong\u003e will fully illuminate full-frame (36x24mm) and even larger medium-format CCD or CMOS cameras, ensuring you can utilize the entire field of view without significant vignetting or loss of sharpness at the corners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow critical is collimation for an f\/3.8 system like the AG14?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eExtremely critical. Fast optical systems like this \u003cstrong\u003ef\/3.8 astrograph\u003c\/strong\u003e have a very small tolerance for optical misalignment. Precise collimation is essential to achieve the advertised spot sizes and edge-to-edge sharpness. It is recommended to use a high-quality laser collimator and check collimation regularly, especially after transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main benefit of the AG14's carbon fibre tube?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe primary benefit is \u003cstrong\u003ethermal stability\u003c\/strong\u003e. Carbon fibre has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning the \u003cstrong\u003e1203mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e will not change significantly as the ambient temperature drops overnight. This prevents focus shift, a common problem with metal tubes that can soften images during long-exposure astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow would the AG14 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 AG14 is ideal for a target like M31. Its \u003cstrong\u003e1330mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;50mm corrected field\u003c\/strong\u003e allow you to frame the entire galaxy and its companions (M32 and M110) on a full-frame sensor. The fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/3.8 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e would allow you to capture faint outer dust lanes and star clouds with significantly shorter total integration time compared to a slower f\/8 or f\/10 system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the AG14 resolve fine detail in the Orion Nebula's Trapezium (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. While it's a wide-field instrument, the AG14's optical quality is high enough for detailed work. The extremely small \u003cstrong\u003e3.4µm on-axis spot size\u003c\/strong\u003e means it can produce very tight, sharp stars. When paired with a camera with small pixels and good seeing conditions, it can resolve the individual stars within the Trapezium cluster and the fine, wispy details in the surrounding nebulosity.\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 AG14 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWith a tube weight of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e24kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus the added weight of a large camera, filter wheel, and guide scope, you will need a high-capacity equatorial mount. A mount with an instrumental payload capacity of at least 45kg (100 lbs) is recommended to ensure stability and precise tracking for long-exposure imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the AG14 available in a higher optical grade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AG14 ships with Orion Optics UK's Professional (1\/6 PV) hand-figured optics as standard, each supplied with its own Zygo interferometer test report. For imagers who want the tightest possible star images, an Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV) hand-figured optics upgrade is available, further reducing the spot sizes across the field.\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\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\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\u003e1330mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/3.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCorrector Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 lens ED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlat Field Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;50mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpot Size (On Axis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.4µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpot Size (Field Edge)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.7µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus Distance to Image Plane\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e79mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\" Ceres Rack and Pinion, 10:1 reduction\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 Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eapprox. 24kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1203mm\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\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\u003eMirror \/ Tube Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 controllable fans, heaters optional\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC machined aluminium cradles + dovetail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Note\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAG14 Optical Tube Assembly Only. Specifications may belong to other variants in the series.\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    \u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAG14 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\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":52942363099421,"sku":"OOUK-AG14-OPTICAL-TUBE-ASSEMBLY-ONLY","price":16623.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (Lambda\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942363132189,"sku":"OOUK-AG14-OPTICAL-TUBE-ASSEMBLY-ONLY-2","price":17100.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Logo_6daa2d2f-71a9-45e6-a37b-fbc4bd3b64eb.jpg?v=1789606763","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ag14-optical-tube-assembly-only","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}