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CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 125104Q Categories: , ,

$12,000.00

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.

*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.

Key Features Overview

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
About the CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly

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.

Specifications

CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LENS GROUP
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items
Aperture 318 mm (12.5")
Focal Length 2541 mm (100")
Focal Ratio f/8
Central Obstruction 42% of the primary mirror diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 265 mm (10.445")
Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 183 mm (7.2")
Weight 42 lbs (19 kg)
OTA Length 787 mm (31")
Optical Design Performance 2.8-micron RMS on-axis, 3.8-micron RMS at 11 mm off-axis, 8.0-micron RMS at 21 mm off-axis
Upper Cage Carbon fiber
Diameter 70 mm (2.76")
Coating Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter 118 mm (4.65")
Material Fused silica (quartz)
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
Optical Diameter 318 mm (12.5")
Outer Diameter 330 mm (13")
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Material Fused Silica (quartz)
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
Included Items Motorized 2.75″ Hedrick Focuser - Offers 1.3″ of focuser travel and takes up 3.25″ of backfocus. Requires the 125901 EFA kit sold separately
Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube
Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
Cable connector for fan power - Provides a connection method for powering for the fans if the user does not have the 125901 EFA kit. User must provide 12VDC powersupply 2.1 barrel jack connector that is center positive. (Not included for European orders)

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Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit
  • The EFA kit automates focusing on the optional Hedrick Focuser, or IRF90 rotating focuser.
  • Monitors temperature (primary-mirror and OTA back-plate).
  • Controls the fans built-in to CDK telescopes.
  • Ensure you have the proper EFA kit selected for your telescope below.
    • 125901-Kit is for CDK12.5 OTAs.
    • 240901-Kit is for CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, and CDK24 OTAs.
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Delta T Heater
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK12.5 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.
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Telescope Dovetail Saddles

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.

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IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser
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Piggyback Dovetail Bars
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Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5

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Visual Adapter – CDK12.5

This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5.

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Finderscope and Mounting Bracket

The back plate on all of the CDK models has four mounting positions for a finder mounting plate.

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  • If the telescope is used on a German Equatorial mount it may be convenient to purchase two finder scopes, one for the east and one for the west side of the telescope.
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2 inch Mirror Diagonal
  • The Tele Vue Everbrite has a Pyrex mirror with 1/10th wave accuracy
  • Dielectric, non-metallic coatings have 99% reflectivity across the visible spectrum
  • Resulting images through this diagonal are brighter and “whiter”
  • The Everbrite’s body is machined from one solid block of aluminum for permanent alignment
  • 2″ filter anti-reflection threads in the diagonal let you attach filters to the diagonal instead of moving from eyepiece to eyepiece
  • Brass clamp ring holds 2″ eyepieces and accessories firmly in place without marring the barrels
  • Included 2″ to 1.25″ HiHat Adapter is of same high quality in make and materials
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Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
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Reducer 0.66x CDK12.5/14/17

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See the CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly in action
CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly Astroimages