{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-vx6l","title":"Orion Optics UK VX6L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150mm Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1200mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard Optical Grade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight 5kg Aluminum Tube\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 VX6L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX6L Optical Tube Assembly delivers exceptional planetary and lunar contrast by pairing a 150mm primary mirror with a long 1200mm focal length. This classic f\/8 Newtonian design is built around hand-figured optics guaranteed to a 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, all housed in a lightweight 5kg aluminum tube supported by a 9-point mirror cell with an integrated cooling fan.\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\u003e1\/6 PV Optics: Zygo-Verified Planetary and Lunar Detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery VX6L primary mirror is hand-finished and certified to a minimum 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy on a Zygo laser interferometer, with the test report included. This precision ensures that the maximum amount of light is focused into a single point, revealing fine details in Jupiter's cloud bands, the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, and subtle lunar rilles. For the most demanding observers, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV Ultra grades are available for near-perfect optical correction.\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 f\/8 Advantage: High Contrast from a 150mm Aperture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VX6L's f\/8 focal ratio provides tangible benefits for high-magnification viewing. The long 1200mm focal length produces a less demanding light cone, making collimation easier to achieve and maintain while placing fewer demands on eyepiece correction. This design, combined with a minimal 37mm secondary mirror, maximizes image contrast by reducing the central obstruction, rendering deep sky backgrounds darker and planetary details sharper. The trade-off for this high-contrast view is a narrower field of view compared to faster f\/4 or f\/5 systems.\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\u003eVX6L Mechanical Build: A 5kg Platform for Stable Viewing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical system is housed in a robust and lightweight aluminum tube, bringing the total weight to just 5kg. This makes the VX6L compatible with a wide range of portable equatorial mounts. The primary mirror is supported by a 9-point suspension cell to prevent flexure, and an integrated cooling fan accelerates thermal equilibrium for sharp images sooner. A 2\" focuser with reduction gearing allows for the precise, minute adjustments required to achieve critical focus at high power.\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 is the real-world difference between the VX6L's standard 1\/6 PV and upgraded 1\/10 PV optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront number measures how closely the mirror's curve matches a perfect parabola. While the standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic provides excellent, sharp images, the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/strong\u003e upgrade offers a visibly higher level of contrast and resolution on challenging targets like planetary details and close double stars, especially during moments of steady seeing. The higher grade minimizes scattered light, resulting in a darker background sky and sharper focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the VX6L's f\/8 focal ratio perform on Jupiter's Great Red Spot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe f\/8 design is ideal for observing Jupiter. The high-contrast optics will make the Great Red Spot (GRS) stand out distinctly against the surrounding cloud belts. The long focal length allows you to achieve high magnification with comfortable, longer focal length eyepieces, making it easier to resolve fine swirls and textures within the storm itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 5kg weight of the Orion Optics VX6L manageable for a portable setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. At only \u003cstrong\u003e5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX6L is an excellent choice for portable mounts in the EQ5\/AVX class. Its low weight and 1110mm length create a very stable combination that is less susceptible to wind and vibrations, allowing you to get the most out of the high-resolution optics from a backyard or dark-sky site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need a coma corrector for the Orion Optics VX6L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor visual use, a coma corrector is generally not necessary with an f\/8 Newtonian like the VX6L. Coma, the aberration that makes stars at the edge of the field look like comets, is minimal at this focal ratio. You will have a wide, well-corrected central field of view with sharp stars across most of the eyepiece view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the benefit of the 9-point mirror cell in the VX6L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e9-point mirror cell\u003c\/strong\u003e provides distributed, even support for the 150mm primary mirror. This prevents the glass from sagging under its own weight, which would distort the mirror's precisely figured shape and degrade the image. This robust support system is critical for maintaining the optical performance of the telescope at any orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow important is the cooling fan on the VX6L for observing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integrated cooling fan is very important for reaching peak optical performance quickly. It circulates air behind the primary mirror, helping it cool down to the ambient nighttime temperature much faster than passive cooling alone. This minimizes \"tube currents\"—internal air turbulence that can soften the image and mimic poor atmospheric seeing.\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 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\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\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" with reduction gearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9-point suspension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated Fan\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 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\u003e167mm\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\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eVX6L 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":52942641496349,"sku":"OOUK-VX6L","price":946.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942641529117,"sku":"OOUK-VX6L-1-8-PV-OPTICS","price":1017.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942641561885,"sku":"OOUK-VX6L-1-10-PV-OPTICS","price":1035.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-VX6-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_70d693dc-4a01-4472-827c-e2cb435114da.jpg?v=1789608521","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr\/products\/orion-optics-uk-vx6l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}