Premium Ultra Light Series
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)
Aperture
508mm (20")
Focal Ratio
f/3.3, f/3.7, or f/4.2
Mirror
Sandwich
Weight
~88 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.
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.
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 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.
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 | 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 |
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.
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. Charlie is holding the camera. Rich Mitchell is holding the secondary mirror
Add these when ordering, or contact us at info@hubble-optics.com
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.