
PlaneWave DeltaRho 500 Telescope
Starting Price: $69,000.00
Price as Configured: $69,000.00
Price as Configured: $69,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-200128Q
The DeltaRho 500 from PlaneWave Instruments is a testament to innovation, designed for the serious astronomer and astrophotographer. Crafted with a dedication to excellence, the DeltaRho 500 offers advanced features for elite imaging, providing unparalleled versatility for a broad range of scientific and communicative applications.
The DeltaRho 500 stands out with its exceptional features:
- Large 508mm (20 inch) aperture
- 1537 mm focal length
- Fast f/3.03 focal ratio
- 70mm image circle (>2.6 degrees)
- 232.8 mm back focus from mounting surface; 147.6 mm with Series-5XL Focuser and Rotator
- The Extension Spacer is required only when the Series-5XL Focuser and the Series-5 Rotator are used in conjunction.
- Advanced corrected Cassegrain focus optical design
- Robust carbon fiber tube construction
NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the telescope will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.

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DeltaRho 500’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Fast Focal Ratio
The DeltaRho 500 boasts a 508 mm aperture and a fast f/3.03 focal ratio. This powerful combination enhances light-gathering capability and speeds up image capture, which is ideal for detailed SSA/SDA object capture and expansive deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
Featuring a state-of-the-art corrected Cassegrain focus optical system, the DeltaRho 500 delivers unparalleled image clarity. Experience sharp, flat fields across the entire field of view without any curvature, enabling stellar images with minimal need for post-processing.
Mechanical Structure
Constructed from lightweight yet durable carbon fiber, the DeltaRho 500 offers superior durability and stability. It minimizes thermal expansion, maintaining optimal image quality under diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Coatings
The telescope includes high-quality mirror coatings that can be tailored to meet specific observational needs. It optimizes light transmission and minimizes stray light, enhancing the telescope's performance for specialized tasks such as SSA/SDA.
Collimation Software
The DeltaRho 500 is equipped with user-friendly collimation software designed to ensure optimal alignment of optical elements quickly and accurately. This feature is crucial for maintaining the high resolution and sharpness needed for professional-level imaging and research, allowing users to adjust collimation on the fly.
Dew Control
Integrated dew control systems in the DeltaRho 500 utilize advanced heater technology to prevent condensation on optical surfaces. This system ensures that observations and imaging sessions are not interrupted by dew, providing consistent clarity and performance in a variety of environmental conditions.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its quick exposure times and large field of view, the DeltaRho 500 allows astrophotographers to capture breathtaking night sky images with extraordinary detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The robust construction and superior optics of the DeltaRho 500 make it an invaluable resource for universities and research institutions committed to conducting in-depth astronomical research.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The DeltaRho 500's fast focal ratio and extensive image circle enable shorter exposures and the use of larger sensors, making it exceptionally suited for surveying vast areas of the sky. This capability is critical for efficiently monitoring and cataloging space debris and satellites.