Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK350 package! Includes a CDK14 optical tube and L-350 mount.

• CDK14 optical tube:
  • f/7.2 and 2563mm focal length
  • No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
  • Pinpoint stars across a 70mm image circle.
  • Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
  • Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling.
  • Simple secondary mirror collimation thanks to the fixed primary mirror.

• L-350 direct drive mount:
  • Zero periodic error, zero backlash, and minimal maintenance due to the lack of gears.
  • Slew speeds up to 50 degrees/sec for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition.
  • Sidereal tracking accuracy of < 0.30 arcseconds RMS over 5 minutes.
  • High resolution optical encoders on both axes for precision feedback.
  • Can be installed in either equatorial, or alt/az configuration.
  • Includes PWI4 software (ASCOM compliant) for mount control.

The PlaneWave Instruments CDK14 is a 14 inch (0.35 m) f/7.2 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK14 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope, and 4 fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror’s surface. The CDK14 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 48 lbs (21.8 kg) and comes standard with a backplate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.

All CDK14 telescopes come with fused silica primary and secondary mirrors. 

The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount.   In its Alt/Az configuration, it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no  large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the pros do it!

L-Series Mount Features:

• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
• Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
• High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Zero backlash
• Zero periodic error
• PointXP mount modelling software
• Enclosed electronics
• Through the mount cabling