{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-10l","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 10L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e250mm (10-inch) primary mirror diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm focal length (f\/6.3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV wavefront optical accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-machined 9-point suspension mirror cell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12-volt mirror cooling fan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEris 2\" 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\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 10L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 10L Optical Tube Assembly combines a 250mm primary mirror with a 1600mm focal length for a versatile f\/6.3 system. Every mirror is hand-figured to a minimum 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, ensuring high-contrast planetary and deep-sky views right out of the box. The entire assembly weighs a nominal 12kg, supported by a CNC-machined 9-point cell and housed in a 1550mm aluminum tube.\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 Optics: A Guaranteed 1\/6 PV Wavefront\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the IDEAL 10L is its 250mm parabolic primary mirror. Unlike mass-produced optics, each mirror is hand-finished and tested via Zygo laser interferometry to meet a guaranteed 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy. This specification directly translates to sharper, higher-contrast images at the eyepiece, allowing you to resolve finer details in Jupiter's cloud bands or split tight double stars.\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 and 12-Volt Cooling for Stable Views\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maintain optical alignment and performance, the primary mirror rests on a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell. This design distributes the mirror's 12kg weight evenly, preventing flexure that can distort the image. An integrated 12-volt fan accelerates the cooling process, bringing the mirror to ambient temperature faster to minimize tube currents and ensure your views are steady 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\u003eThe Eris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IDEAL 10L is fitted with a robust Eris 2\" rack and pinion focuser. This in-house design provides a stable, shift-free platform for heavy 2\" eyepieces and imaging cameras. A smooth-locking mechanism holds accessories securely and perfectly centered in the optical path without marring barrels, ensuring critical focus is maintained throughout long exposures.\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\u003eUnderstanding Optical Grades: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV wavefront optics deliver exceptional views, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV are available for the most demanding observers. A smaller PV fraction indicates the mirror surface more closely matches a perfect parabola, resulting in tangible improvements in image definition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV (Professional Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard for the IDEAL 10L. Excellent for all-around visual use and imaging, revealing significant detail on planets and deep-sky objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV (Research Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e A noticeable step up, offering higher contrast that makes subtle planetary features and faint galactic details more apparent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV (Ultra Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The highest level of correction available. This grade minimizes light scatter to an exceptional degree, producing the sharpest possible images and the darkest sky backgrounds, ideal for high-resolution planetary imaging and critical visual observation.\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 can I expect to see with the IDEAL 10L's 250mm mirror?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its 250mm aperture, the IDEAL 10L gathers enough light to resolve fine details within galaxies like the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and the dust lanes in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). On planets, you can expect to clearly see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, and polar caps on Mars when conditions allow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy of the IDEAL 10L improve views of Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA higher PV wavefront accuracy means more light from the target is focused into a single point, increasing contrast. For Jupiter, this allows the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic to more clearly define the boundaries between its cloud belts and zones, resolve smaller storms and barges, and reveal subtle color variations that would be smeared out by a less accurate mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the IDEAL 10L's 12kg tube weight suitable for a mid-range equatorial mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nominal tube weight of \u003cstrong\u003e12kg\u003c\/strong\u003e places the IDEAL 10L within the capacity of many popular mid-range mounts (e.g., EQ6-R, CEM40) for visual use. For long-exposure astrophotography, where you'll add a camera, guide scope, and other accessories, a mount with a higher payload capacity is recommended to ensure stability and tracking accuracy.\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 CNC 9-point suspension mirror cell in the IDEAL 10L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e9-point suspension cell\u003c\/strong\u003e provides optimal support for the 250mm primary mirror, preventing its own weight from deforming its precisely figured surface as the telescope moves. This is crucial for maintaining the mirror's specified 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, ensuring that you get sharp, coma-free stars across the field of view, regardless of where the telescope is pointing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhen should I consider upgrading the IDEAL 10L optics to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou should consider an upgrade if your primary focus is high-resolution planetary imaging or critical visual observation of faint details. While the standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic is excellent, an \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e mirror will provide a detectable increase in contrast and sharpness, allowing you to push magnification higher and resolve the most challenging details on the Moon, planets, and double stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the f\/6.3 focal ratio affect imaging with the IDEAL 10L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ef\/6.3\u003c\/strong\u003e focal ratio is a versatile \"sweet spot.\" It's fast enough to capture deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) with reasonable exposure times, yet the \u003cstrong\u003e1600mm\u003c\/strong\u003e focal length provides enough image scale to resolve significant detail on the Moon and planets without requiring aggressive Barlow lenses. This makes the IDEAL 10L a capable performer for both types of astrophotography.\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 (optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1600mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/6.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1550mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e280mm\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 Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGalaxy Silver Paint\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\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\u003eCooling System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt mirror fan\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":52942601126173,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10L","price":2277.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942601158941,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10L-1-8-PV","price":2411.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942601191709,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-10L-1-10-PV","price":2514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-10L-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_5bc646e0-d513-4973-bb89-372f905ae0ac.jpg?v=1789608249","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-10l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}