What size camera sensor can the ODK16Tr fully illuminate?
The ODK16Tr is designed to fully illuminate and correct an image circle greater than 52mm in diameter. This comfortably covers professional full-frame sensors (e.g., Sony IMX455, 43mm diagonal) and even larger medium-format sensors like the KAF-16803 (39mm diagonal) with no vignetting from the optical system.
What class of mount is required for the ODK16Tr OTA?
With a tube weight of approximately 36kg (around 80 lbs) before adding a camera and accessories, the ODK16Tr requires a high-capacity, observatory-grade equatorial mount. Look for mounts with a specified instrument capacity of at least 100-120 lbs (45-55 kg) to ensure stability for long-exposure imaging.
How does the ODK16Tr's design help maintain focus during temperature drops?
The ODK16Tr uses a carbon fibre sandwich material for its truss tube. Carbon fibre has an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it does not shrink or expand significantly as temperatures change overnight. This keeps the distance between the primary and secondary mirrors constant, preventing focus shift and ensuring sharp images throughout your session.
Is the ODK16Tr's f/6.8 focal ratio suitable for imaging faint nebulae like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?
Yes, absolutely. While f/6.8 is not as "fast" as some dedicated wide-field refractors, the ODK16Tr's massive 400mm aperture gathers a tremendous amount of light. This light-gathering power makes it highly effective for narrowband imaging of faint emission nebulae, resolving fine filamentary details in targets like the Veil Nebula or the Cygnus Loop with impressive signal-to-noise ratios.
How will the ODK16Tr's 2720mm focal length frame a target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?
The 2720mm focal length provides a high-magnification view ideal for detailed studies of smaller deep-sky objects or for creating mosaics of large ones. A full-frame camera on the ODK16Tr would frame the bright core of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) in incredible detail, resolving individual dust lanes and star-forming regions, but it would not capture the entire 3-degree span of the galaxy in a single shot.
Do I need to add a light shroud to the ODK16Tr's truss tube?
Yes, a light shroud is highly recommended. The open truss design promotes rapid cooling but is susceptible to stray light from external sources and can be more prone to dew formation on the secondary mirror. A fabric light shroud will significantly improve image contrast by creating a dark interior and will also help protect the optics from dew.
