{"product_id":"orion-optics-uk-vx6","title":"Orion Optics UK VX6 Optical Tube Assembly","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150mm (6\") primary mirror diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e750mm focal length at a fast f\/5 focal ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 1\/6 PV wavefront optics with Zygo test report\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight 4.5kg aluminium optical tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9-point primary mirror cell with cooling fan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2\" focuser with reduction gearing for precise adjustment\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\u003eOrion Optics UK VX6 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Orion Optics UK VX6 Optical Tube Assembly packages a hand-figured, 150mm primary mirror into a lightweight 4.5kg chassis, delivering verifiable optical precision at an accessible level. With a 750mm focal length producing a fast f\/5 focal ratio, the VX6 comes standard with 1\/6 PV wavefront optics, proven by an included Zygo interferometer report, making it a powerful and portable instrument for both detailed visual observation and wide-field astrophotography.\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\u003eHand-Figured 1\/6 PV Optics: Precision You Can Verify\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe core of the VX6 is its 150mm primary mirror, which is hand-finished in the UK to a guaranteed 1\/6 Peak-to-Valley (PV) wavefront accuracy. Unlike mass-produced optics with ambiguous quality claims, every VX series telescope includes a Zygo laser interferometer report, giving you documented proof of its optical precision. This standard ensures sharp, high-contrast images that resolve fine detail on planets and reveal faint structures in deep-sky objects.\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\u003eEngineered for Stability: The 9-Point Cell and 50mm Secondary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eOptical quality is maintained by a robust mechanical system. The primary mirror rests on a 9-point suspension cell that distributes its weight evenly, preventing flexure and preserving the mirror's precise figure regardless of the telescope's orientation. An integrated cooling fan helps the mirror reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air quickly, minimizing tube currents and ensuring stable, sharp views from the start of your session. The 50mm secondary mirror provides full illumination for a wide range of cameras, a necessary trade-off for a fast f\/5 imaging system.\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\u003ePortable f\/5 Imaging: The 4.5kg Aluminium Tube\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWeighing only 4.5kg and measuring 750mm in length, the VX6 is built for portability. Its lightweight aluminium construction allows it to be carried by a wide range of entry-level and intermediate German equatorial mounts without sacrificing stability. The fast f\/5 focal ratio captures significant light in shorter exposures, while the 2\" focuser with reduction gearing enables the fine adjustments necessary to achieve critical focus for astrophotography.\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 Grade: 1\/6 PV vs. 1\/8 PV and 1\/10 PV Ultra\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWhile the standard 1\/6 PV optic delivers excellent performance, optional upgrades to 1\/8 PV (Research Grade) or 1\/10 PV (Ultra Grade) are available for the most demanding applications. Moving to a higher grade of accuracy yields visibly higher contrast and resolution on challenging targets. This is most apparent during high-magnification views of planetary details, such as the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings or subtle banding on Jupiter, where a smoother wavefront translates directly into a sharper, more stable image.\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\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 is the real-world difference between the 1\/6 PV, 1\/8 PV, and 1\/10 PV optics on the VX6?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe PV (Peak-to-Valley) wavefront value measures how closely the mirror's surface matches a perfect parabola. A smaller fraction indicates a more accurate mirror. While the standard \u003cstrong\u003e1\/6 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e optic is excellent for all-around observing, upgrading to \u003cstrong\u003e1\/8 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 PV\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a noticeable increase in image sharpness and contrast, especially critical for high-resolution planetary imaging and observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the VX6 perform on planetary targets like Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe VX6's 150mm aperture and hand-figured optics make it a capable planetary instrument. You can expect to clearly resolve Jupiter's main cloud belts, the Great Red Spot, and its four Galilean moons. For the best results, ensure the telescope is fully cooled using the integrated fan and consider the optional 1\/8 PV or 1\/10 PV upgrades to maximize visible detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the 4.5kg weight of the VX6 suitable for a portable GoTo mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, at only \u003cstrong\u003e4.5kg\u003c\/strong\u003e, the VX6 OTA is an excellent match for popular portable GoTo mounts like the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 or Celestron Advanced VX. This combination creates a powerful and easily transportable setup for both visual astronomy and astrophotography from dark sky sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the 9-point mirror cell in the VX6 do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e9-point mirror cell\u003c\/strong\u003e provides uniform support for the 150mm primary mirror. This prevents the glass from sagging or deforming under its own weight as the telescope moves, which would distort the image. This robust support system is critical for maintaining the high-precision figure of the hand-finished optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the VX6's fan cooling make a noticeable difference?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The integrated cooling fan actively draws air over the back of the primary mirror, helping it reach the same temperature as the outside air much faster than passive cooling alone. This minimizes \"tube currents\"—internal air turbulence that degrades image sharpness—allowing you to get stable, high-quality views much sooner after setting up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of imaging is the VX6's f\/5 focal ratio best for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ef\/5 focal ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e is considered fast, making the VX6 ideal for wide-field astrophotography of large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Orion Nebula (M42). It allows you to capture more light in shorter exposure times, reducing the demands on your mount's tracking accuracy.\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\u003e150mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/5\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\u003eOptical 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\u003e50mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.5kg (nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750mm\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 Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminium\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\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" with reduction gearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated mirror cooling fan\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\"\u003eVX6 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\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":52942640382237,"sku":"OOUK-VX6","price":946.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Research (1\/8 PV)","offer_id":52942640415005,"sku":"OOUK-VX6-1-8-PV-OPTICS","price":1017.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ultra (1\/10 PV)","offer_id":52942640447773,"sku":"OOUK-VX6-1-10-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_9c9b5623-b565-4cf0-8e71-35ff6bd18f4f.jpg?v=1789608512","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/orion-optics-uk-vx6","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}