{"product_id":"planewave-cdk500-telescope-system-copy","title":"PlaneWave CDK550 Telescope System","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"334\"\u003ePlaneWave CDK550 f\/7.77 \u0026amp; f\/6.8 Telescope System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"708\"\u003eThe PlaneWave CDK550 is a professional-class telescope system designed for the most demanding research institutions, observatories, and advanced astrophotographers. With a clear aperture of 550mm (20 inches), this system is available in two optimized focal lengths—f\/7.77 and f\/6.8—allowing users to select the ideal configuration for their scientific or imaging needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"710\" data-end=\"1065\"\u003eBuilt around the corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optical design, the CDK550 delivers a wide, flat, and coma-free field with minimal off-axis aberrations—perfect for large format detectors and wide-field imaging. Whether used for deep sky imaging, photometric surveys, or spectroscopy, the CDK550 offers unmatched optical precision and mechanical reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003eThe f\/7.77 model offers greater image scale and flexibility for high-resolution applications, while the f\/6.8 variant provides a faster system ideal for wide-field surveys and time-sensitive imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1271\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1700\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1295\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1298\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1317\"\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 550 mm (21.65 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003eFocal Length (f\/7.77):\u003c\/strong\u003e 4274 mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1400\"\u003eFocal Ratio (f\/7.77):\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/7.77\u003cbr data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003eFocal Length (f\/6.8):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3740 mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1470\"\u003eFocal Ratio (f\/6.8):\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/6.8\u003cbr data-start=\"1476\" data-end=\"1479\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1518\"\u003eBack Focus (from mounting surface):\u003c\/strong\u003e 321 mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1528\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1545\"\u003eImage Circle:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70 mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1554\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)\u003cbr data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1605\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1633\"\u003ePrimary Mirror Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fused Silica\u003cbr data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1649\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1670\"\u003eOTA Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carbon Fiber Truss and Tube\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1705\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"2433\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1740\" data-end=\"1745\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Wide, coma-free and flat field of view optimized for large-format sensors\u003cbr data-start=\"1819\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Exceptional mechanical stability due to carbon fiber structure and low thermal expansion optics\u003cbr data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1926\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1931\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision performance for scientific research, professional observatories, and advanced astrophotography\u003cbr data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2039\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2044\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual focal length configurations allow flexibility between high-resolution imaging (f\/7.77) and wide-field speed (f\/6.8)\u003cbr data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2168\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2168\" data-end=\"2173\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated with PlaneWave’s powerful control system via PWI4 software for focus, temperature, and automation management\u003cbr data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2301\"\u003e•\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for integration with direct drive mounts such as the PlaneWave L-Series and compatible with Nasmyth or equatorial setups\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"f\/6.8 (3454 mm focal length)","offer_id":50710112141600,"sku":"200131Q","price":73500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"f\/7.7 (3951mm focal length)","offer_id":50710112174368,"sku":"200133Q","price":73500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/image_2025-09-17_102146152.png?v=1758129708","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/planewave-cdk500-telescope-system-copy","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}