DeltaRho 280
$9,900
DR280
11″ Wide-Field Astrograph
Built on the DeltaRho platform, the DR280 delivers fast, wide-field imaging in a compact, carbon fiber system. With a 280 mm aperture, 770.6 mm focal length, and fast f/2.75 focal ratio, it is designed to capture large areas of the sky with speed, precision, and consistency.
A 55 mm image circle supports sensors with more than 4 degrees of field of view, making DR280 ideal for wide-field astronomical imaging, sky surveys, and professional research applications where coverage and image quality matter.
Key Features Overview
- 280 mm / 11 in aperture
- 770.6 mm focal length
- Fast f/2.75 focal ratio
- 55 mm image circle
- More than 4 degrees field of view with a 55 mm sensor
- 163 mm (6.4 in) back focus from mounting surface
- 467 mm (18.375 in) total OTA length including fouser
- Carbon fiber optical tube
- Integrated dew control
- Low-profile focuser with 0.5 in travel
- Built-in tip-tilt focal plane adjustment
- Compatible with the L350 Direct Drive Mount
- User-friendly collimation software
Built for Wide-Field Sky Coverage
DR280 is designed for fast, wide-field image capture. Its 280 mm aperture provides significant light-gathering capability, while the f/2.75 focal ratio enables efficient imaging across large areas of the sky.
With a 55 mm image circle and more than 4 degrees of field of view, DR280 is built for applications where speed and coverage are essential, from deep-sky imaging to large-scale survey work.
Carbon Fiber Structure
The carbon fiber optical tube provides a rigid, lightweight structure designed to maintain stability through changing environmental conditions. For fast optical systems, mechanical precision is critical. DR280 is engineered to keep the optical path stable and support consistent imaging performance across the full field.
Integrated Dew Control
DR280 includes integrated dew control to help protect optical surfaces from condensation during long observing sessions. Built-in heater technology helps maintain clarity and reduce interruptions caused by changing temperature and humidity conditions.
Low-Profile Focuser
The low-profile focuser provides 0.5 inches of travel and allows 4.25 inches of back focus from the back of the racked-in focuser. This gives users the spacing needed to support camera integration while maintaining a compact mechanical profile.
Built-In Tip-Tilt Focal Plane Adjustment
DR280 includes built-in tip-tilt focal plane adjustment to help align the camera sensor with the telescope’s optical axis. This supports sharp, consistent stars across the full field of view, especially when using large-format sensors.
Collimation Software
DR280 is equipped with user-friendly collimation software designed to help users align the optical system quickly and accurately. This is critical for maintaining the resolution, sharpness, and field performance required for professional imaging and research.
Mount Compatibility
DR280 is compatible with the L350 Direct Drive Mount, creating a high-performance imaging system for observatory-class applications.
Specifications
DeltaRho 280
| Aperture | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Focal Length | 770.6 mm |
| Focal Ratio | 2.75 |
| Central Obstruction | 63% |
| Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Back Focus from Racked in Focuser | 108 mm (4.25 in) |
| Weight | 14.5 kg (32lbs) |
| OTA Length | 451 mm (17.75") |
| Optical Design Performance | 4.0 micron RMS on-axis, 4.1 micron RMS at 21mm off-axis, 4.5 micron RMS at 27.5mm off-axis |
| Upper Cage | Carbon Fiber Tube |
| Image Circle Size | 55 mm |
| Diameter | 120 mm (4.72 in) |
| Coating | Broadband AR Coatings Less than 1% reflected from 400-800 nm |
| Diameter | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Material | Fused silica (Quartz) |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Coating | Enhanced Aluminum 360-820 nm optimized |
| Optical Diameter | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Outer Diameter | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Shape | Asphere |
| Material | Fused Silica (Quartz) |
| Coating | Enhanced Aluminum 360-820 nm optimized |
| Included Items | OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube |
| Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only) | |
Recommended Products
| Image | Name | Summary | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-350 Direct Drive Telescope Mount | L-350 Direct Drive Telescope MountThe PlaneWave L-350 Direct Drive Mount represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence, designed to meet astrophotography enthusiasts’ and astronomy researchers’ demands. This mount, a key component in our L-Series, integrates advanced technology to provide an unparalleled observational platform. *Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details. Key Features OverviewThe L-350 stands out with its notable specifications and features:
| $15,000 | ||
| Portable Rolling Pier | Don’t let bad weather stop you from enjoying your L-Series Mount every clear night. The Portable Rolling Pier lets you move your L-series Mount and telescope to the best spot for stargazing in no time. Just grab the steering T-handle and roll it wherever you want! With the auto-mount modeling feature in our PWI software, your L-Mount will be ready to capture amazing night sky images in minutes. | $10,000 | ||
| Tip-Tilt Adjustment Interface | The tip-tilt adapter is designed for securing the 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser and IRF90 and our Series-5 Focusers and Rotators.
| $460 | ||
| Piggyback Dovetail Bars |
Please Note- For CDK17 users:
Please Note- For CDK700 users:
| Price range: $460 through $748 | ||
| L-350 Equatorial Wedge | Add to the versatility of your L-350 direct drive mount with PlaneWave’s L-350 equatorial Wedge for precise polar alignment and tracking accuracy. Each wedge is made for your specific latitude and has an alignment range of ±3 degrees. Uses oversized fine thread adjustment screws and brass tightening nuts for a fine latitude adjustment. | $2,300 | ||
| Extension Spacer for 7.125" Flange Interface | This spacer is used on optical tube assembly backplates and Series-5 Accessories.
| Price range: $425 through $472 |






