Planewave
Planewave CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly
Planewave CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly
Out of stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
- RazorPay Secure Payment & EMI
- All India Fast & Free Shipping
- Replacement Guarantee
The CDK20 from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted with precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for dedicated astrophotographers and discerning astronomers. With its robust design and advanced features, the CDK20 is well-suited for various advanced observational and scientific applications, consistently delivering high-quality images.
Key Features Overview
The CDK20 f/6.8 stands out with its impressive specifications and features:
- 20-inch (508 mm) aperture
- 3454 mm focal length
- f/6.8 focal ratio
- 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Perfectly flat field across the entire 52mm 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 CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly
CDK20’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio
The CDK20 f/6.8 features a significant 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides excellent light-gathering capabilities and a wide field of view, enhancing its ability to capture detailed images of deep-sky objects for astrophotography and research purposes.
Advanced Optical Design
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK20 offers unmatched image clarity. It eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are crisp and detailed across the entire field of view, requiring minimal post-processing.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK20 is both durable and lightweight. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, which is ideal for extended observing sessions under diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK20 maintains precise optical alignment and exceptional surface accuracy, even during temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings improve light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope's performance for specialized observational tasks.
Thermal Management
The CDK20 has cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help reduce air turbulence within the tube, thus minimizing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
The telescope includes advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures optical surfaces remain free from condensation in humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its large image circle and exceptional field flatness, the CDK20 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The stable and precise imaging capabilities of the CDK20 make it an invaluable asset for academic institutions and observatories engaged in sophisticated astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.
Visual Observations
The CDK20 excels in visual observation, providing bright and clear views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. Its large aperture and superior optical quality deliver stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a memorable experience. Here's the updated article adapted for the CDK17 based on the features and specifications from the provided product page:
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK20 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.
Aperture508 mm (20")Focal Length3454 mm (136")Focal Ratiof/6.8Central Obstruction39% of the Primary Mirror DiameterBack Focus from Mounting Surface224 mm (8.81")Weight140 lbs (63.5 kg)OTA Length1194 mm (47")Optical Design Performance1.5-micron RMS on-axis, 3.8-micron RMS at 12 mm off-axis, 6.0-micron at 21 mm off-axisUpper CageCarbon fiber trussLower CageCarbon fiber truss and light shroudImage Circle Size52 mm
Diameter90 mm (3.54")CoatingBroadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter191 mm (7.5")MaterialFused silica (quartz)ShapeSphericalCoatingEnhanced Aluminum - 96%
Optical Diameter 508 mm (20") Outer Diameter 521 mm (20.5") Shape Prolate Ellipsoid Material Fused Silica (quartz) Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96% Included Items Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)




Got a question?
what we get asked most often
Are the prices all-inclusive?
Yes. The price you see is the price you'll pay. All taxes are included. Free shipping on all orders.
What's the stock status of the products on your site?
We list only in-stock items on our website that can be shipped right away. Sold out products are out of stock, so you can't place an order.
Selected products are available for Preorder, with a guaranteed delivery within 30 days or your money back.
How fast do you ship?
We process and ship all orders within two business days. Shipping time is determined by the speed of the shipping partner.
Is there a guarantee on your products?
Yes. On top of the manufacturer's warranty, we also offer a Replacement Guarantee on all online orders. In the event that the product is defective or damaged during shipping, you will receive a replacement.
Can I cancel my order?
We'll refund you 100% if you cancel before dispatch. Cancellations after dispatch are complicated. Take a look at the our Policy here
What's your return policy?
We have strict return/refund policies as a company that deals with fragile products. Casual returns are not permitted. Items that are not damaged in transit or defective cannot be returned.So please take a moment to review our Refund Policy.
Collapsible row
Could I order something that's out of stock or not listed?
If you are interested in ordering an out-of-stock item, click the "notify me" button. You will be notified when the item is back in stock.
To source a specific product for you, our team needs more information. Specific orders will be subject to case-by-case terms and conditions.