{"product_id":"cdk450-telescope-system","title":"CDK450 Telescope System","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe CDK450 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is a sophisticated solution designed for the serious astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This high-end system combines the powerful CDK17 optical tube with the precise L-550 direct-drive mount, creating an exceptional observational platform that excels in a variety of scientific and imaging applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planewave.com\/pricing-crating-policy\/\"\u003ecrating and pricing policy\u003c\/a\u003e for full details.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"lazyloaded\"\u003eKey Features of the CDK450 Observatory System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCDK17 Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Optical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e: Employs a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, achieving a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images over the entire viewing area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"lazyloaded\"\u003eHigh-Quality Construction\u003c\/strong\u003e: Constructed with robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and enabling quick thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior Mirrors and Coatings\u003c\/strong\u003e: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal Management\u003c\/strong\u003e: Incorporates an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that ensure rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent, high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"nitro-offscreen lazyloaded\"\u003eCDK17 f\/6.8 OTA\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAperture and Focal Length\u003c\/strong\u003e: Features a 17-inch aperture, a shorter 3454 mm focal length at a faster f\/6.8 focal ratio, and a shorter back focus of 262 mm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eL-550 Direct Drive Mount\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect Drive Motors\u003c\/strong\u003e: Features state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and rapid repositioning of celestial objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Resolution Encoders\u003c\/strong\u003e: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, offering precise positioning and movement, which is crucial for elite astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAzimuth Dovetail Balance System\u003c\/strong\u003e: Includes a finely adjustable balance system that enhances the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRapid Target Acquisition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"lazyloaded\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"nitro-offscreen lazyloaded\"\u003eApplication-Specific Advantages\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eAstrophotography\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eThe CDK450 is a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability, which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors. The L-550 carries a greater payload capacity – perfect for holding a second telescope on the outside hub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eAstronomy Research\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eResearchers will find the CDK450 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eVisual Observations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eFor enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK450 provides vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eSpace Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"nitro-offscreen\"\u003eWith its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-550 mount in the CDK450 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA\/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planewave.com\/products\/t-600\/\"\u003eT-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal\u003c\/a\u003e, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA\/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51249152721184,"sku":"170131Q","price":60500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/image_7835b970-0627-4a1d-8752-1e7d09c9a974.png?v=1771394322","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/cdk450-telescope-system","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}