{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-ideal-12l","title":"Orion Optics UK IDEAL 12L Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e300mm (12\") Primary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm Focal Length (f\/5.3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/6 PV Wavefront Standard Optical Accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEris 2\" Rack and Pinion Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16kg Nominal Tube Weight\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\u003eIDEAL 12L Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK IDEAL 12L combines a large 300mm aperture with a versatile 1600mm focal length (f\/5.3) in an optical tube weighing a manageable 16kg. Every IDEAL 12L is built around a primary mirror hand-figured to a minimum 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy, with each optic's quality certified by an included Zygo interferometer report. This OTA is engineered for observers and imagers seeking high-contrast, diffraction-limited views without the cost of research-grade instruments.\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\u003e300mm f\/5.3 Primary with 1\/6 PV Wavefront Accuracy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe heart of the IDEAL 12L is its 300mm primary mirror. This large aperture gathers significant light, resolving faint details in distant galaxies and nebulae. The 1600mm focal length strikes a balance, providing enough image scale for detailed views of planets and the Moon while the f\/5.3 focal ratio remains fast enough for deep-sky imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eOrion Optics UK guarantees a standard optical quality of 1\/6 PV wavefront. This figure, verified by Zygo laser interferometry for every mirror, ensures that the telescope delivers sharp, high-contrast images capable of revealing fine planetary detail like Jupiter's cloud bands and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, well beyond what standard \"diffraction-limited\" optics can resolve.\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\u003eCNC 9-Point Cell and Eris 2\" Focuser: A Stable Optical Platform\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eTo maintain the primary mirror's precise figure, the IDEAL 12L uses a CNC-machined 9-point suspension cell. This design evenly supports the 16kg mirror, preventing flexure and astigmatism as the telescope moves across the sky. A built-in 12-volt fan accelerates mirror cooling, reducing tube currents and ensuring stable images sooner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe OTA is fitted with a robust, in-house designed Eris 2\" rack and pinion focuser. Its smooth-lock mechanism securely holds heavy eyepieces and imaging cameras without shifting the optical axis, ensuring consistent focus and sharp stars across the field. The entire assembly is housed in a 1510mm long rolled aluminium tube, providing a rigid yet lightweight structure.\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\u003eChoosing Your Optical Grade: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV vs. 1\/10 PV\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic delivers exceptional views, the IDEAL 12L offers optional upgrades for the most demanding applications. The choice depends entirely on your observing priorities and conditions. A higher-grade mirror doesn't gather more light, but it focuses the light it gathers more precisely, leading to visibly higher contrast on low-contrast planetary features and tighter star images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV (Professional Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering. An excellent all-around choice that provides a significant step up from mass-produced optics, ideal for both deep-sky viewing and serious planetary observation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV (Research Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e A premium upgrade for dedicated planetary imagers and visual observers. This level of correction can reveal subtle, low-contrast details on Mars and Jupiter that may be lost in a 1\/6 PV system under steady seeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV (Ultra Grade):\u003c\/strong\u003e The highest precision available. This grade is for those who require the absolute best possible image contrast and resolution, typically for specialized research or imaging from sites with consistently excellent atmospheric seeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe images below illustrate the typical improvement in planetary detail as the mirror's surface accuracy increases from the included 1\/6 PV Professional grade to the 1\/10 PV Ultra grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n       \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-grid-2\"\u003e\n           \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-grid-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 view with 1\/6 PV optics\"\u003e\n               \u003cp class=\"DAV-caption\"\u003e1\/6 PV - Professional\u003c\/p\u003e\n           \u003c\/div\u003e\n           \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-grid-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 view with 1\/8 PV optics\"\u003e\n               \u003cp class=\"DAV-caption\"\u003e1\/8 PV - Research\u003c\/p\u003e\n           \u003c\/div\u003e\n           \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-grid-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 view with 1\/10 PV optics\"\u003e\n               \u003cp class=\"DAV-caption\"\u003e1\/10 PV - Ultra\u003c\/p\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 kind of mount is required for the 16kg IDEAL 12L OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWith a nominal weight of \u003cstrong\u003e16kg\u003c\/strong\u003e and a length of \u003cstrong\u003e1510mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the IDEAL 12L requires a substantial German Equatorial Mount. For visual use, a mount in the EQ6\/CGEM class is the minimum. For serious astrophotography, a mount with a higher payload capacity, such as a Sky-Watcher EQ8-R or similar, is strongly recommended to handle the weight and long moment arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the IDEAL 12L perform on faint galaxies like the Leo Trio (M66 Group)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e300mm\u003c\/strong\u003e aperture is excellent for resolving details in galaxy groups. With the IDEAL 12L, you can expect to clearly see the distinct shapes of M65, M66, and NGC 3628 in the Leo Trio from a dark sky site. The f\/5.3 focal ratio provides a wide enough field with a 2\" eyepiece to frame multiple galaxies, while the high-contrast optics will help reveal dust lanes and spiral structure.\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 optic on the IDEAL 12L good enough for high-resolution imaging of Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e standard is significantly better than typical mass-produced optics and is more than capable of producing detailed, high-contrast images of Jupiter. It will clearly resolve major features like the Great Red Spot, prominent cloud bands, and festoons, especially when paired with a high-frame-rate planetary camera and good seeing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy should I consider upgrading the IDEAL 12L to 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eUpgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e is for observers who want to extract the maximum possible detail from the 300mm aperture. This upgrade is most beneficial for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanetary Imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher precision optics yield higher contrast, making it easier to capture subtle atmospheric details on Jupiter, surface features on Mars, or Encke's division in Saturn's rings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual Observing from excellent sites:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you regularly observe under very steady skies (good \"seeing\"), the higher optical grade will allow you to push magnification higher without the image breaking down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 9-point mirror cell in the IDEAL 12L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCNC 9-point suspension mirror cell\u003c\/strong\u003e provides optimized support for the 300mm primary mirror. A large mirror can sag under its own weight, distorting its carefully figured shape and degrading the image. The 9-point cell distributes the support across the back of the mirror, neutralizing the effects of gravity and preserving the optical alignment and performance as the telescope points to different parts of the sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the IDEAL 12L require collimation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, like all Newtonian telescopes, the IDEAL 12L will require periodic collimation to ensure the primary and secondary mirrors are perfectly aligned. The robust mirror cell and tube construction help it hold collimation well, but checking alignment before each session with a laser collimator or Cheshire eyepiece is recommended for optimal performance.\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\u003e300mm\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\/5.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optical Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Upgrade Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV\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\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\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC 9-point suspension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt fan\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 Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e326mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1510mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16kg (nominal)\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    \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\"\u003eIDEAL 12L Optical Tube Assembly Only\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":52942603551005,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-12L","price":3044.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942603583773,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-12L-1-8-PV","price":3230.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942603616541,"sku":"OOUK-IDEAL-12L-1-10-PV","price":3426.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/OrionOpticsUK-IDEAL-12L-Optical-Tube-Assembly-1_14fb3266-dd62-42e7-88fe-ee47a9d7630e.jpg?v=1789608268","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/orion-optics-uk-ideal-12l","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}