Premium Ultra Light Series
The ultimate marriage of portability and power. Featuring our revolutionary sandwich mirror technology, enhanced optical coatings, and all-metal CNC-machined construction. Fully assembled weight: just 65 lbs.
f/5: $2,395 USD
f/4.5: $2,695 USD
Deposit (50% of base system)
Aperture
406mm (16")
Focal Ratio
f/4.5 or f/5
Mirror
Sandwich
Weight
65 lbs
The lightweight sandwich mirror design cools dramatically faster than solid mirrors, minimizing thermal gradients and eliminating a major source of image distortion. Unlike fan-based cooling, this passive design achieves rapid and stable thermal equilibrium naturally — without introducing vibration.
One of the primary limitations in large-aperture telescopes is "mirror seeing" — turbulence caused by temperature differences between the mirror and the surrounding air. In changing conditions, a thick solid mirror may never fully reach equilibrium, preventing it from achieving its full optical performance. The sandwich mirror design minimizes this effect, allowing the system to reach optimal performance quickly and consistently, delivering sharper and more stable views without the need for active cooling.
96% enhanced reflective coatings on both primary and secondary mirrors with precision-controlled dielectric layers. Maximum light throughput for bright, contrast-rich images on deep-sky targets.
Optimized 6-point flotation system with completely independent sling lateral support and collimation. Eliminates the potato-chip astigmatism found in simpler designs.
CNC-machined 6063-T6 aluminum alloy truss tubes, structural steel mirror cell, and aluminum alloy OTA and mount structure. Finished with environmentally friendly black powder coating.
| Optical Design | Reflector |
| Optical Diameter | 406.4mm |
| Focal Length | 1829mm (f/4.5), 2032mm (f/5) |
| Focal Ratio | f/4.5, f/5 |
| Eyepiece Height at Zenith | 66.5" (f/4.5), 74.5" (f/5) |
| Optics Type | Parabolic |
| Optical Quality | Diffraction limited++ (Strehl 0.95+, 1/10 lambda PV secondary) |
| Focuser | 2" dual-speed linear bearing Crayford |
| Secondary Obstruction | 80mm / 19.7% (f/4.5), 70mm / 17.3% (f/5) |
| Mirror Coatings | 96% Enhanced on both primary and secondary |
| Tube Material | 6063-T6 Aluminum Alloy, structural steel mirror cell |
| Weight (Tube) | 55.0 lbs |
| Weight (Assembled) | 65.0 lbs |
| Dawes Limit | 0.29 arcsec |
| Rayleigh Limit | 0.33 arcsec |
| Limiting Magnitude | 15.5 |
| Max Magnification | 800x |
| Accessories | 8x50 Finder, Shroud, Wheelbarrow, Cushioned Grips (optional) |
| Other Features | Sling lateral support, push-pull brass knob collimation |
Sharper images with about 30% less coma — no coma corrector needed at all. Smaller central obstruction (2.76" vs 3.1" for f/4.5). And you save $500.
No ladder needed for most people — the eyepiece stays conveniently close to the ground. Wider field of view for sweeping panoramic observations.
Both f/5 and f/4.5 provide excellent views. The f/5 is perfect for the most demanding observer without a coma corrector. The f/4.5 provides a wonderful wider view. With our unique two-section truss tubes for f/5, both are equally portable and strong. Please note that some counter weight will be required for f/5 at the bottom (not provided).
"I purchased a 16inch F4.5 last year and I'm extremely happy with how it performs. It was clear the optics were very good from the first night. Stars beautifully resolved into the core of 47 Tucanae."
"I want to express my admiration for your excellent optics. It gave us a lot of pleasant hours under the southern stars."
Damien Kilmartin @damo251 with his UL16
Add these when ordering, or contact us at info@hubble-optics.com
No fan needed — our sandwich mirror reaches thermal equilibrium without one.
| Country | Regular (US$) |
|---|---|
| US | 672 |
| US (Hawaii) | 722 |
| Australia | 625 |
| Austria | 610 |
| Belgium | 635 |
| Brazil | 1790* |
| Canada | 610 |
| Chile | 870 |
| Denmark | 610 |
| France | 610 |
| Germany | 610 |
| Israel | 618 |
| Italy | 610 |
| Japan | 420 |
| Korea, South | 405 |
| Mexico | 715 |
| Netherlands | 615 |
| New Zealand | 615 |
| Norway | 615 |
| Philippines | 322 |
| Poland | 640 |
| Portugal | 715 |
| Romania | 690 |
| Russia | 990 |
| Singapore | 378 |
| South Africa | 775 |
| Spain | 650 |
| Sweden | 620 |
| Switzerland | 590 |
| Taiwan | 380 |
| UK | 610 |
* Shipped via FedEx, the exact cost depends on your specific address.