Premium Ultra Light Series

UL20 20" Premium Ultra Light Dobsonian

A quantum leap in optical performance — the UL20's huge 20" sandwich mirror gathers more than 6 times more light than popular 8" reflectors. Premium, light, compact, and portable — about half the weight of traditional Dobsonian telescopes.

f/4.2: $5,195 USD

f/3.7: $5,995 USD

f/3.3: $6,895 USD

Deposit (50% of base system)

Sandwich Mirror Lightweight All Metal Dual-Speed Focuser

Aperture

508mm (20")

Focal Ratio

f/3.3, f/3.7, or f/4.2

Mirror

Sandwich

Weight

~88 lbs

Exclusive Sandwich Mirror Technology

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.

Why this matters: 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.

Enhanced Optical Coatings

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.

18-Point Mirror Flotation

Optimized 18-point flotation system in a real mirror box with completely independent Push-Pull collimation and sling lateral support. Eliminates potato-chip astigmatism found in simpler designs. Safe mirror protection and easy transportation.

All Metal Construction

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.

UL20 telescope side view UL20 telescope detail photo UL20 telescope gallery photo UL20 telescope gallery photo UL20 telescope closeup view UL20 telescope gallery photo UL20 telescope gallery photo UL20 telescope gallery photo
Optical Design Reflector
Optical Diameter 508mm
Focal Length ~1676mm (f/3.3), ~1880mm (f/3.7), ~2134mm (f/4.2)
Focal Ratio f/3.3, f/3.7, f/4.2
Eyepiece Height at Zenith ~59" (f/3.3), ~69" (f/3.7), ~79" (f/4.2)
Optics Type Parabolic
Optical Quality Diffraction limited++ (Strehl 0.95+, 1/10 lambda PV secondary)
Focuser 2" dual-speed linear bearing Crayford
Secondary Obstruction 100mm / 19.7% (f/3.3, f/3.7), 90mm / 17.7% (f/4.2)
Mirror Coatings 96% Enhanced on both primary and secondary
Tube Material 6063-T6 Aluminum Alloy, structural steel mirror cell
Optical Tube Length 73" (f/3.3, f/3.7), 83" (f/4.2)
Weight (Tube) 76 lbs (f/3.3, f/3.7), 77 lbs (f/4.2)
Weight (Assembled) ~88 lbs (f/3.3, f/3.7), ~89 lbs (f/4.2)
Dawes Limit 0.19 arcsec
Rayleigh Limit 0.23 arcsec
Limiting Magnitude 16.4
Max Magnification 1200x
Accessories 8x50 Finder, Shroud, Wheelbarrow, Cushioned Grips (optional)
Other Features Sling lateral support, push-pull brass knob collimation

Advantages of f/4.2

Sharper images with almost 50% less coma than f/3.7 — a coma corrector is helpful but many people can live without it. Smaller central obstruction (3.5" vs 4.0"). Easier to achieve perfect collimation.

Advantages of f/3.3 and f/3.7

No ladder needed for f/3.3 at all; f/4.2 may need a one-step ladder near zenith. Wider field of view — even wider with f/3.3. A coma corrector is recommended for f/3.3.

All three focal ratios provide excellent views. With our unique two-section truss tubes for f/4.2 (one section for f/3.3 and f/3.7), all are equally portable and strong. Please note that some counter weight will be required for f/4.2 at the bottom (and for f/3.3 at the top), which is not provided.

Bruce's customized UL20 with Charlie and Rich Mitchell Hiroaki with his UL20 telescope Tom Bakowski with his UL20 telescope Ian Glasgow with his UL20 telescope

Add these when ordering, or contact us at info@hubble-optics.com

View all 12 accessories

Carbon Fiber Truss Tubes

$800

Elegant, stronger, and lighter Carbon Fiber Truss Tubes.

Red Dot Finder Scope

$45

Light weight Red Dot Finder with brackets and dovetail. Simple, effective, and easy to adjust. Free shipping with system.

8x50 Illuminated Finder Scope

$100

Top quality 50mm achromatic finder with dovetail bracket. Scale markings and adjustable red illumination. +$25 shipping.

Truss Tube Grips

$7 each

0.9m cushioned vinyl foam grips — insulate, cushion vibration, and protect the truss tubes. Free shipping with system.

Shroud

$120

Top quality Nylon/Lycra blend. Blocks stray light for better contrast. Free shipping with system.

Wheelbarrow Handle

$250

Stainless steel handles with two 6" pneumatic tires and ball bearings. Includes $100 shipping. Order with system only.

Truss Tube Carry Bag

$60

Deluxe waterproof Nylon bag with draw-string cord. Free shipping with system.

5-Star Artificial Star

$22

Essential collimation tool. Free shipping when ordered with system.

Scope Storage Cover

$120

Polyurethane-coated nylon — light reflecting, water and dust resistant. Full protection in storage and in the field. Free shipping with system.

Mirror Cover

$45

Strong plastic mirror cover. Free shipping with system.

Light Baffle

$50

Reduces stray light for improved contrast. Free shipping with system.

SkyHub Wireless DSC

$249 + $45 S&H

Wireless Digital Setting Circle with high resolution, low power ball bearing encoders. Learn more

No fan needed — our sandwich mirror reaches thermal equilibrium without one.

There's a 50% deposit for the base system, and the full payment for the optional accessories at the order time. The rest including shipping will be paid before the delivery (about 60 days after the deposit) via a PayPal invoice.

UL20 will be shipped in 4 boxes: the main structure 1 & 2, the truss tubes, and the primary mirror.

Country Regular (US$)
US 995
US (Hawaii) 1,062
Australia 965
Austria 894
Belgium 940
Brazil 2,950*
Canada 915
Chile 1,450
Denmark 850
France 875
Germany 860
Israel Contact Us*
Italy 910
Japan 590
Korea, South 565
Lithuania 1,980
Mexico 1,065
Netherlands 795
New Zealand 920
Norway 845
Philippines 450
Poland Contact Us*
Portugal 965
Romania 955
Russia 1,495
Singapore 476
South Africa 1,700
Spain Contact Us*
Sweden 830
Switzerland 860
Taiwan 510
UK 890

* Shipped via FedEx, the exact cost depends on your specific address.