PlaneWave CDK12.5 Astrograph f/8
The CDK12.5 is an innovative telescope for unsurpassed astroimaging, research, or satellite tracking.
- f/8 and 2541mm focal length.
- No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
- Pinpoint stars across a 52mm image circle.
- Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
- Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling.
- Simple secondary mirror collimation thanks to the fixed primary mirror.
Capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible is something our team is passionate about. From design to manufacture, our goal with the Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) 12.5″ telescope was centered around performance and ease of use. The CDK12.5 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the CDK12.5 provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos. Offering the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, the stray light control of advanced baffles, structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA), and decades of telescope design experience, the CDK12.5 is an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. CDK12.5 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 70 x 70 arcminute field of view when using large 16803 size camera sensors. When equipment fades into the background and simply performs, the astrophotography experience becomes even more fun and rewarding!
Features
Carbon Fiber Tube Design
Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift as temperature changes during an imaging session. Carbon fiber also reaches ambient temperatures quickly and is extremely lightweight and rigid to help ensure excellent imaging data is produced.
Dovetail Expansion Joint
Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail to expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss. This results in images that are not distorted due to expansion, or contraction of the optical tube materials.
2.75-inch Hedrick Focuser
Heavy-duty no-slip focuser with 1.3" of drawtube travel when fully racked out. The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew, so there is no chance of slipping. Focusing is automated through PlaneWave Interface 3 (PWI3) software when using the sold separately PlaneWave Electronic Focuser Accessory. PWI3 performs fast and extremely accurate autofocusing routines to ensure your images are always at critical focus.
Cooling Fans
Three fans blow out of the optical tube pulling air through the telescope and by the primary mirror. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a switch on the optical tube, or can be controlled by via PWI3 software if a PlaneWave Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased.
Images taken with a planewave
