PlaneWave Delta Rho 350 f/3 OTA

Description

The PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 f/3 Optical Tube Assembly represents a revolutionary step forward in wide-field telescope design. Engineered by PlaneWave Instruments for demanding astrophotographers, researchers, and institutions, the DeltaRho 350 combines cutting-edge optics, a robust carbon fiber structure, and advanced thermal and collimation systems. The result is a professional-grade instrument that delivers uncompromising performance in astrophotography, astronomy research, and space domain applications.

A Wide-Field Imaging Powerhouse

With its 350 mm aperture and ultra-fast f/3 focal ratio, the DeltaRho 350 offers a short 1050 mm focal length that maximizes light-gathering power and enables rapid image capture. This makes it possible to achieve deep, high-resolution exposures in significantly less time compared to slower optical systems. The telescope’s 60 mm corrected image circle provides a flat, distortion-free field across large-format sensors, ensuring pinpoint stars and crystal-clear images from corner to corner.

Advanced Corrected Cassegrain Design

Unlike prime-focus designs, which limit compatibility with accessories, the DeltaRho 350 features a corrected Cassegrain focus. This configuration places the imaging train securely at the back of the telescope, leaving the optical path clear and enabling the seamless integration of filter wheels, large-format cameras, and rotators. Thanks to its fixed primary mirror and single-mirror collimation system, the DeltaRho 350 provides both precision alignment and long-term stability.

Professional-Grade Optical Performance

• Primary Mirror: 350 mm prolate ellipsoid, fused silica (quartz), with 96% enhanced aluminum coating
• Secondary Mirror: 190 mm spherical fused silica, enhanced aluminum coating
• Optical Correction: Broadband AR coatings with less than 0.5% reflectivity between 400–700 nm
• Performance: Diffraction-limited, with RMS spot sizes as low as 4.9 microns on-axis and only 6.4 microns at 30 mm off-axis

This precision engineering guarantees sharp, flat images that minimize post-processing and deliver research-grade results.

Carbon Fiber Engineering and Mechanical Excellence

The DeltaRho 350’s carbon fiber truss tube provides exceptional rigidity while reducing thermal expansion. This ensures consistent optical alignment in changing environmental conditions. Structural elements are optimized using finite element analysis (FEA), delivering a lightweight but highly stable optical tube assembly weighing just 21 kg.

Intelligent Thermal and Dew Control

To combat condensation, the DeltaRho 350 integrates dew heaters on both the primary and secondary mirrors, controlled via PlaneWave’s optional Delta-T controller. This system uses built-in temperature sensors to maintain optical clarity during long observation sessions in humid or varying climates.

Designed for Professional Applications

The versatility of the DeltaRho 350 extends far beyond traditional astrophotography:

• Astrophotography: Capture breathtaking deep-sky images with short exposure times and razor-sharp clarity across large sensors. The wide 170 x 170 arcminute field of view makes it possible to photograph extended nebulae, galaxies, and star fields with exceptional efficiency.
• Astronomy Research: Ideal for universities and observatories, its stable construction and fast optics are suited for long-term, precision-based projects.
• Space Situational Awareness (SSA) & Space Domain Awareness (SDA): The wide field and short exposures allow rapid surveys of satellites and space debris, making the DeltaRho 350 a tool for scientific applications.

Why Choose the PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 f/3?

If you are looking for a professional wide-field telescope that combines speed, precision, and adaptability, the DeltaRho 350 stands at the forefront. Its advanced optical design, robust engineering, and integration-ready configuration make it an unmatched choice for astrophotographers, institutions, and researchers seeking superior results in both imaging and scientific applications.

The PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 f/3 OTA is more than just a telescope—it’s a game-changing instrument that transforms your ability to explore, document, and understand the universe.