{"product_id":"cdk17-telescope","title":"PlaneWave CDK17 F\/6.8 OTA","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"301\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"301\"\u003ePlaneWave CDK17 – 17-Inch Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph Telescope System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"689\"\u003eThe CDK17 from PlaneWave Instruments is a testament to advanced engineering and optical precision, designed for astrophotographers and astronomers who demand elite performance. This mid-sized observatory-class instrument blends cutting-edge optics with rugged materials, offering a powerful and versatile platform for high-resolution imaging, photometry, and research-grade observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"1103\"\u003eFeaturing PlaneWave’s proprietary Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optical system, the CDK17 delivers sharp, coma-free, and flat-field performance across a wide image circle—making it ideal for large-format cameras and demanding scientific sensors. Combined with a rigid carbon fiber optical tube and thermally stable fused silica mirrors, this system excels in both remote and professional observatory environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1108\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1132\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1132\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1463\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1153\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)\u003cbr data-start=\"1182\" data-end=\"1185\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 432mm (17 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1237\"\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/6.8\u003cbr data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1246\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1263\"\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2939mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003eBack Focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 262.33mm from mounting surface\u003cbr data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1322\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1339\"\u003eImage Circle:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1347\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1367\"\u003eMirror Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fused silica – low thermal expansion\u003cbr data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1407\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003eOTA Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carbon fiber – lightweight and rigid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1468\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1500\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1500\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1712\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1532\"\u003e- Wide Flat Field Imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1535\"\u003eThe CDK optical design eliminates off-axis coma, astigmatism, and field curvature—yielding a perfectly flat, wide image circle that supports large-format CCD and CMOS sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1745\"\u003e- Research-Grade Precision:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1748\"\u003eDesigned for advanced photometry, spectroscopy, and long-exposure astrophotography, the CDK17 supports data acquisition with minimal distortion and exceptional resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"2155\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1960\"\u003e- Thermal \u0026amp; Structural Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"1963\"\u003eThe use of fused silica optics ensures minimal focus shift due to temperature changes, while the carbon fiber tube provides outstanding rigidity and low weight for optimal mount performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2197\"\u003e- Ideal for Permanent Installations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2200\"\u003eThe 17-inch aperture and robust construction make this an excellent choice for university observatories, imaging arrays, and remote-operated facilities targeting faint galaxies, nebulae, and time-domain astronomy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49937788567840,"sku":"170101Q","price":26000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/planewave-cdk-17.webp?v=1747437462","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/cdk17-telescope","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}