PlaneWave IRDK12.5 Telescope (Infrared Optimized)

Starting Price: $17,000.00
Price as Configured: $17,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-125120Q

The IRDK12.5 from PlaneWave Instruments is a precision-engineered optical system specifically designed for optimal performance in infrared wavelengths. It is an exceptional tool for advanced astronomical research and environmental monitoring, offering superior capabilities in infrared imaging.

The IRDK12.5 comes with features carefully crafted for infrared optimization:

  • Gold-coated mirrors optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
  • 12.5-inch (318 mm) aperture
  • 2541 mm focal length
  • f/8 focal ratio
  • 265 mm back focus from mounting surface
  • 52mm image circle
  • Durable fused silica mirrors with minimal thermal expansion
  • Sturdy and lightweight carbon fiber optical tube assembly

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.

Packaging (Required)
Recommended Add-ons and Accessories
Product Price Quantity
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
About This Product
Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.
Please Note- For CDK17 users: 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
$460.00 each
PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle
PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle
About This Product
The Keller EZ Saddle (600182) accepts Losmandy D-style dovetail rails such as the CDK12.5, CDK14, and DeltaRho 350. This saddle comes standard with the L-350 mount and can also be attached to the outside arm of any L-series mount for dual-mounted OTA configurations.

The PlaneWave Wide Saddle (200919) comes standard with L-500, L-550, and L-600 mounts for securing CDK17, CDK 20, CDK24, and DeltaRho 500 telescopes.
$460.00 each
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
About This Product
The EFA (Electronic Focusing Accessory) control box can be mounted to the back plate of any PlaneWave telescope OTA (12.5 through 24 inches). The EFA Kit reads the primary mirror and ambient temperature sensors. The EFA controls the fan systems that are built into each telescope.

A Hand Controller is provided to control an optional Focuser or Rotator when standing at the eyepiece. The EFA kit comes with PlaneWave Interface (PWI4), a software package that controls all EFA functions from a PC. Cables and adapters are provided to attach the EFA kit to a PC. The EFA kit is ASCOM compatible.
$350.00 each
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
About This Product
This PlaneWave counterweight accessory mounts to the dovetail bar of the CDK12.5 for critical balance in declination. The kit comes with a mounting bracket and three 0.5lb weights. Additional weights (PW-125382) can be purchased separately. The kit can also be mounted on larger telescopes (CDK17, 20, 24) with the Piggyback Dovetail & Bracket.
$334.00 each
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
About This Product
This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5. The adapter steps the 2.75″ opening down to 2″ for standard 2″ accessories.
The adapter also adds some additional spacing to optimize the use of a 2″ diagonal so focus is reached with most eyepieces.
$184.00 each
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
About This Product

This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3.

$1,600.00 each
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PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
$460.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
About This Product
Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.
Please Note- For CDK17 users: 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle
PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle
$460.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle
About This Product
The Keller EZ Saddle (600182) accepts Losmandy D-style dovetail rails such as the CDK12.5, CDK14, and DeltaRho 350. This saddle comes standard with the L-350 mount and can also be attached to the outside arm of any L-series mount for dual-mounted OTA configurations.

The PlaneWave Wide Saddle (200919) comes standard with L-500, L-550, and L-600 mounts for securing CDK17, CDK 20, CDK24, and DeltaRho 500 telescopes.
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
$350.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
About This Product
The EFA (Electronic Focusing Accessory) control box can be mounted to the back plate of any PlaneWave telescope OTA (12.5 through 24 inches). The EFA Kit reads the primary mirror and ambient temperature sensors. The EFA controls the fan systems that are built into each telescope.

A Hand Controller is provided to control an optional Focuser or Rotator when standing at the eyepiece. The EFA kit comes with PlaneWave Interface (PWI4), a software package that controls all EFA functions from a PC. Cables and adapters are provided to attach the EFA kit to a PC. The EFA kit is ASCOM compatible.
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
$334.00
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PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
About This Product
This PlaneWave counterweight accessory mounts to the dovetail bar of the CDK12.5 for critical balance in declination. The kit comes with a mounting bracket and three 0.5lb weights. Additional weights (PW-125382) can be purchased separately. The kit can also be mounted on larger telescopes (CDK17, 20, 24) with the Piggyback Dovetail & Bracket.
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
$184.00
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PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
About This Product
This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5. The adapter steps the 2.75″ opening down to 2″ for standard 2″ accessories.
The adapter also adds some additional spacing to optimize the use of a 2″ diagonal so focus is reached with most eyepieces.
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
$1,600.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
About This Product

This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3.

PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
$750.00
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PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
About This Product
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK14 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
  • Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).
PW-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
PW-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
$229.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
About This Product
This adapter provides 0.48 inches of length between the CDK12.5 telescope and the IRF90 Rotating Focuser, and is also required for use with the IRF90.

PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
$58.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
About This Product
  • This is an L-shaped bracket that attaches in four different places on the back of any of the CDK models.
  • This is used to mount a finderscope or some other accessory.
  • Two 1/4-20 screws provided attach the bracket to the backplate of the telescope and two 10-32 threaded holes spaced at 1.450″ can be used to mount accessories too.
PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
$290.00
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PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 4.8"
PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
$290.00
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PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 3.5"
PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
$290.00
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PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 2.5"
PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
$160.00
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PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
About This Product
Adapter, 2.75″ Hedrick Focuser to 2.7″ AP Threads (only for CDK12.5): This adapter bolts onto the back of the Hedrick 2.75″ Focuser and provides female Astrophysics threads for use with AP accessories.
PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
$160.00
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PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK12.5 telescope and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.
OPTEC TCF- S2 (#125380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#125379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
$160.00
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PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK12.5 telescope and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.
OPTEC TCF- S2 (#125380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#125379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
$138.00
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PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
About This Product
Bracket, Dovetail counterweight adapter ("D-Series" 3" Dovetail compatible clamp/saddle, part of PW-125150 KIT)
PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
$213.00
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PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
About This Product
At 0.5″ in length, this low-profile adapter is designed to connect a 2.75″ focuser to a SecureFit spacer, offering a secure and precise fit with minimal added length.
PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
$265.00
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PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
About This Product
The Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit is available for CDK 12.5, CDK 14, CDK 17, CDK 20, and CDK 24.

This adapter kit includes 3 pieces: an adapter for the Hedrick Focuser, a Ronchi Eyepiece, and a Ronchi Eyepiece Spacer.
PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
$173.00
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PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
About This Product
This adapter attaches directly to the CDK12.5 in place of the focuser and has female AP thread for attaching AP accessories.
ADAPTER, CDK12.5 (6 INCH "CUP") TO FEMALE AP THREAD (Mounted IN PLACE OF THE 2.75" FOCUSER) L=0.55"
QTY:  
Price as Configured: $17,000.00

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Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio
The IRDK12.5 features a significant 318 mm aperture and an f/8 focal ratio, enhancing its efficiency in capturing infrared light. This setup is perfect for detailed infrared observations and extensive exposure imaging, offering outstanding light-gathering capacity.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared
The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK12.5 is tailored for infrared wavelengths. It incorporates only reflective fused silica mirrors and no refractive lenses. The reflective coatings are protected gold, ensuring more than 98% reflectivity from 0.65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it ideal for infrared astronomy and environmental LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings are also available upon request.

Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK12.5 ensures durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design maintains consistent performance under varying environmental conditions, suitable for rigorous scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management
Equipped with cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T applications, the IRDK12.5 promotes rapid thermal equilibrium. This feature is critical for minimizing air turbulence inside the tube, thereby reducing potential image distortion and enhancing the quality of imaging.

Integrated Dew Control
The IRDK12.5 is designed to combat condensation, a common challenge in infrared observations. Advanced dew prevention technology, including heater pads controlled via PlaneWave’s software, keeps the optical surfaces clear of dew, ensuring consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits
Infrared Astronomy
The IRDK12.5 excels in infrared astronomy, where its large aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for detailed observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena not visible in standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications
With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK14 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR and other remote sensing applications.