{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-vx16","title":"Orion Optics UK VX16 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e400mm (16\") primary mirror diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1600mm focal length at a fast f\/4 focal ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV wavefront optics, Zygo-certified\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9-point CNC-machined mirror cell for optimal support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29kg nominal tube weight in a rigid aluminium 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 VX16 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX16 Optical Tube Assembly combines a massive 400mm aperture with a fast f\/4 focal ratio, creating a powerful instrument for serious deep-sky imaging. Every VX16 is built around a hand-figured primary mirror with a certified standard accuracy of 1\/6 PV wavefront, delivering incredibly sharp, high-contrast views. The rigid aluminium tube weighs a manageable 29kg and houses the primary in a 9-point CNC-machined mirror cell, ensuring optical stability and rapid thermal equilibrium with its 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\u003e400mm f\/4 Primary: Certified 1\/6 PV Wavefront Accuracy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the VX16 is its 400mm, 1600mm focal length primary mirror. The fast f\/4 optical system gathers immense amounts of light, drastically reducing exposure times on faint nebulae and galaxies. Unlike mass-produced optics, each VX mirror is hand-finished and certified on a Zygo laser interferometer to a minimum standard of 1\/6 PV wavefront accuracy—a significant step up from the common 1\/4 PV \"diffraction-limited\" benchmark. This higher precision translates directly to sharper stars, finer detail, and higher contrast, with a certificate to prove it.\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\u003e29kg Aluminium Tube: 9-Point Cell and Active Cooling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrion Optics UK engineered the VX16 for mechanical stability without excessive weight. The 29kg aluminium optical tube is rigid enough to handle large cameras and accessories while remaining manageable for heavy-duty equatorial mounts. To protect the primary mirror's performance, a CNC-machined 9-point flotation cell provides uniform support, preventing gravity-induced flexure that can harm image quality. An integrated cooling fan accelerates mirror acclimation, minimizing tube currents and ensuring your images are as sharp as the optics allow 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\u003eChoosing Your Optics: 1\/6 PV Standard vs. the 1\/10 PV Ultra Upgrade\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV wavefront optics deliver exceptional views, the VX16 offers upgrades for the most demanding applications. Moving to 1\/8 PV or the pinnacle 1\/10 PV Ultra grade refines the optical surface to near-perfection. This obsessive level of accuracy yields the highest possible image contrast, critical for resolving subtle cloud bands on Jupiter, separating tight double stars, and capturing the faintest wisps of nebulosity. For planetary imagers or visual observers seeking the ultimate in sharpness, the 1\/10 PV Ultra upgrade transforms the VX16 into a truly world-class instrument.\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 makes the VX16 Optical Tube Assembly ideal for deep-sky imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VX16's combination of a huge \u003cstrong\u003e400mm (16\") aperture\u003c\/strong\u003e and a fast \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e allows it to collect a massive amount of light in a short time. This significantly reduces exposure times needed for faint targets like galaxies and nebulae, maximizing the data you can capture in a single night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the real-world difference between the 1\/6 PV and 1\/10 PV optics on the VX16?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/strong\u003e optics are excellent and provide very sharp images. Upgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a measurably more perfect optical surface. This translates to the highest possible image contrast, allowing you to resolve finer details on planets, split closer double stars, and discern more subtle structures in bright deep-sky objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the VX16's f\/4 system perform when imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VX16 is exceptionally well-suited for a target like the Orion Nebula (M42). Its \u003cstrong\u003e1600mm focal length\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a good image scale for the nebula's core, while the \u003cstrong\u003ef\/4 speed\u003c\/strong\u003e allows you to capture the faint outer loops of gas with relatively short sub-exposures, preserving detail in the bright Trapezium region without overexposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is the cooling fan important for the VX16's 400mm mirror?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large 400mm mirror has significant thermal mass and can take a long time to cool to the ambient night air temperature. The included \u003cstrong\u003ecooling fan\u003c\/strong\u003e actively draws air over the back of the mirror, speeding up this process. This minimizes internal tube currents—a major source of image distortion—and ensures you get sharp, stable views much faster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the VX16 suitable for high-resolution planetary imaging of Jupiter with the 1\/10 PV upgrade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. With the \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV Ultra optics upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX16 becomes a formidable planetary instrument. The near-perfect surface ensures maximum contrast, which is essential for resolving fine details like small ovals, festoons, and subtle color variations in Jupiter's cloud belts. Paired with a high-speed planetary camera and a Barlow lens, it can produce professional-level results.\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 29kg VX16 OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VX16's \u003cstrong\u003e29kg tube weight\u003c\/strong\u003e, combined with the additional weight of a camera, finder, and guide scope, requires a very substantial equatorial mount. You should look for a mount with a payload capacity of at least 45-50kg (100 lbs) for imaging to ensure stability and precise tracking. Mounts in the Losmandy Titan, Celestron CGX-L, or Software Bisque Paramount class are appropriate.\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\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400mm\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\/4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Optics Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/6 PV wavefront\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptics Upgrades\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecondary Mirror Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e82mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror Cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9-point CNC machined\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\u003eTube Material\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\u003e29kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e434mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1580mm\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\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\"\u003eVX16 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":52942650179869,"sku":"OOUK-VX16","price":7182.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942650212637,"sku":"OOUK-VX16-1-8-PV-OPTICS","price":7503.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942650245405,"sku":"OOUK-VX16-1-10-PV-OPTICS","price":8124.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Orion-Optics-UK-Logo_0777e978-a4bd-4d76-bb00-eac8cc46fd0f.jpg?v=1789608596","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/orion-optics-uk-vx16","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}