PlaneWave CDK12.5 Telescope
Starting Price: $13,000.00
Price as Configured: $13,000.00
Price as Configured: $13,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-125104Q
The CDK12.5 now includes the EFA for automated focus and temperature – a $920 value!
The CDK12.5 from PlaneWave Instruments represents a fusion of precise engineering and innovative design tailored for the avid astrophotographer and the discerning astronomer. With its advanced technology and refined design, the CDK12.5 delivers exceptional image quality for a range of observational and scientific applications.
The CDK12.5 stands out with its notable specifications and features:
- 12.5-inch (318 mm) aperture
- 2541 mm focal length
- f/8 focal ratio
- 265 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- EFA box included for automated focusing and to monitor temperature and control fans via PWI4 Software (Hand control not included).
NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid before the telescope will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
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CDK12.5’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The CDK12.5 features a 318 mm aperture paired with an f/8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The CDK12.5 has a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, offering outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK12.5 is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the CDK12.5 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal Management
The CDK12.5 includes cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T control to reach thermal equilibrium rapidly. This setup minimizes air turbulence inside the tube, reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
This telescope integrates sophisticated dew prevention technology with heating pads managed through PlaneWave’s software. This system ensures that optical surfaces remain clear from condensation under varying humidity levels, maintaining clarity and performance during observational sessions.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its precise optical system and stable performance, the CDK12.5 allows astrophotographers to capture stunning images of the cosmos with remarkable detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The reliable and detailed imaging capabilities of the CDK12.5 make it an excellent resource for academic institutions and observatories conducting sophisticated astronomical studies, including stellar photometry and minor planet tracking.
Visual Observations
The CDK12.5 excels in visual observation, offering vibrant and clear views, making it perfect for star parties and serious visual astronomy. Its large aperture and high-quality optical components provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every visual experience.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK12.5 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.
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