PlaneWave CDK24 - 24 in f/6.5 CDK Telescope OTA
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Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $475 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 610 mm aperture, 3974 mm focal length (f/6.5), 364.46 mm back-focus from mounting surface, and image quality tolerances of ~6.5 microns RMS on-axis.
PlaneWave Instruments 24 in f/6.5 CDK OTA
The PlaneWave CDK24 blends precision engineering with advanced optical innovation, built for both astrophotographers and research astronomers. Its Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optics deliver sharp, flat, distortion-free images across a wide field, ideal for deep-sky imaging and scientific observation. With a fast f/6.5 focal ratio, the CDK24 captures bright, detailed images quickly, while its sturdy construction ensures stability and reliability under all conditions. Experience professional-grade performance for imaging, research, or exploring the night sky. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 24 in (610 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.5
- Back Focus - 364.46 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 70 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK24 from PlaneWave Instruments delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of applications, making it a versatile choice for both imaging and observational astronomy. Astrophotographers will appreciate its precise optical system and stable performance, creating stunning, high-detail images. Academic institutions and observatories can rely on the CDK24 for research purposes, including stellar photometry, minor planet tracking, and other detailed astronomical studies. Its large aperture and high-quality optics also make it ideal for visual observation, providing vibrant, clear views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects that enhance star parties and serious visual astronomy. The CDK24 also supports Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness efforts, offering the detailed observations necessary to track satellites and monitor space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives!
A Closer Look at the CDK24 in Key Features
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The CDK24 features a 610 mm (24 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 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 state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 610 mm (24 in)
- Focal Length: 3974 mm (156 in)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.5
- Central Obstruction: 47% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 364.46 mm (14.349 in)
- Weight: 240 lb (108.9 kg)
- OTA Length:1422 mm (56 in)
- Optical Design Performance: 2.4-micron RMS on-axis, 4.0-micron RMS at 26 mm off-axis, 4.8-micron at 35 mm off-axis
- Upper Cage: Carbon fiber truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud
Lens Coating
- Diameter: 135 mm (5.31 in)
- Coating: Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 280 mm (11 in)
- Material: Fused silica
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 610 mm (24 in)
- Outer Diameter: 622 mm (24.5 in)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
PlaneWave Instruments 24 in f/6.5 CDK OTA
The PlaneWave CDK24 blends precision engineering with advanced optical innovation, built for both astrophotographers and research astronomers. Its Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optics deliver sharp, flat, distortion-free images across a wide field, ideal for deep-sky imaging and scientific observation. With a fast f/6.5 focal ratio, the CDK24 captures bright, detailed images quickly, while its sturdy construction ensures stability and reliability under all conditions. Experience professional-grade performance for imaging, research, or exploring the night sky. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 24 in (610 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.5
- Back Focus - 364.46 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 70 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK24 from PlaneWave Instruments delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of applications, making it a versatile choice for both imaging and observational astronomy. Astrophotographers will appreciate its precise optical system and stable performance, creating stunning, high-detail images. Academic institutions and observatories can rely on the CDK24 for research purposes, including stellar photometry, minor planet tracking, and other detailed astronomical studies. Its large aperture and high-quality optics also make it ideal for visual observation, providing vibrant, clear views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects that enhance star parties and serious visual astronomy. The CDK24 also supports Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness efforts, offering the detailed observations necessary to track satellites and monitor space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives!
A Closer Look at the CDK24 in Key Features
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The CDK24 features a 610 mm (24 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 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 state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 610 mm (24 in)
- Focal Length: 3974 mm (156 in)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.5
- Central Obstruction: 47% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 364.46 mm (14.349 in)
- Weight: 240 lb (108.9 kg)
- OTA Length:1422 mm (56 in)
- Optical Design Performance: 2.4-micron RMS on-axis, 4.0-micron RMS at 26 mm off-axis, 4.8-micron at 35 mm off-axis
- Upper Cage: Carbon fiber truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud
Lens Coating
- Diameter: 135 mm (5.31 in)
- Coating: Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 280 mm (11 in)
- Material: Fused silica
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 610 mm (24 in)
- Outer Diameter: 622 mm (24.5 in)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- CDK24 Focus Spacer (240343-1) - This 5.539 in long spacer is installed between the backplate and the focuser to take up some of the CDK24’s extra backfocus and reduce the torque placed on the focuser mechanism. This spacer is sized such that the backfocus distance behind the focuser is 8.8 in.
- Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
- Primary Mirror Cover - To protect the primary mirror
- Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $475 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 610 mm aperture, 3974 mm focal length (f/6.5), 364.46 mm back-focus from mounting surface, and image quality tolerances of ~6.5 microns RMS on-axis.
PlaneWave Instruments 24 in f/6.5 CDK OTA
The PlaneWave CDK24 blends precision engineering with advanced optical innovation, built for both astrophotographers and research astronomers. Its Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optics deliver sharp, flat, distortion-free images across a wide field, ideal for deep-sky imaging and scientific observation. With a fast f/6.5 focal ratio, the CDK24 captures bright, detailed images quickly, while its sturdy construction ensures stability and reliability under all conditions. Experience professional-grade performance for imaging, research, or exploring the night sky. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 24 in (610 mm)
- Focal Ratio - f/6.5
- Back Focus - 364.46 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 70 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK24 from PlaneWave Instruments delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of applications, making it a versatile choice for both imaging and observational astronomy. Astrophotographers will appreciate its precise optical system and stable performance, creating stunning, high-detail images. Academic institutions and observatories can rely on the CDK24 for research purposes, including stellar photometry, minor planet tracking, and other detailed astronomical studies. Its large aperture and high-quality optics also make it ideal for visual observation, providing vibrant, clear views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects that enhance star parties and serious visual astronomy. The CDK24 also supports Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness efforts, offering the detailed observations necessary to track satellites and monitor space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives!
A Closer Look at the CDK24 in Key Features
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The CDK24 features a 610 mm (24 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 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 state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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 CDK24 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.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 610 mm (24 in)
- Focal Length: 3974 mm (156 in)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.5
- Central Obstruction: 47% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 364.46 mm (14.349 in)
- Weight: 240 lb (108.9 kg)
- OTA Length:1422 mm (56 in)
- Optical Design Performance: 2.4-micron RMS on-axis, 4.0-micron RMS at 26 mm off-axis, 4.8-micron at 35 mm off-axis
- Upper Cage: Carbon fiber truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud
Lens Coating
- Diameter: 135 mm (5.31 in)
- Coating: Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 280 mm (11 in)
- Material: Fused silica
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 610 mm (24 in)
- Outer Diameter: 622 mm (24.5 in)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- CDK24 Focus Spacer (240343-1) - This 5.539 in long spacer is installed between the backplate and the focuser to take up some of the CDK24’s extra backfocus and reduce the torque placed on the focuser mechanism. This spacer is sized such that the backfocus distance behind the focuser is 8.8 in.
- Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
- Primary Mirror Cover - To protect the primary mirror
- Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
PlaneWave CDK24 - 24 in f/6.5 CDK Telescope OTA