Premium Ultra Light Series
A quantum leap in optical performance. The UL24's massive 24" primary mirror delivers 9 times the light grasp of an 8" reflector, yet the entire telescope weighs just 70 kg, which is remarkably portable for its class. Featuring our sandwich mirror, 18-point flotation, and folding ALT bearing for car-friendly transport.
f/3.3: $10,500 USD
Deposit (50% of base system)
Aperture
610mm (24")
Focal Ratio
f/3.3
Mirror
Sandwich
Weight
~70 kg / 153 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 18-point flotation system with both sling and 90-degree pivoting lateral supports. Three-point rod-end collimation is completely independent from lateral support, eliminating the potato-chip astigmatism found in simpler designs. Housed in a real mirror box for safe transport.
CNC-machined 6063-T6 aluminum alloy truss tubes, structural steel mirror cell, and aluminum alloy OTA and mount structure. 8 rigid truss tubes and folding ALT bearing for extreme portability. Finished with environmentally friendly black powder coating.
| Optical Design | Reflector |
| Optical Diameter | 609.6mm (24") |
| Focal Length | ~2012mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/3.3 |
| Eyepiece Height at Zenith | 1955mm (~77") |
| Optics Type | Parabolic |
| Optical Quality | Diffraction limited++ (Strehl 0.95+, 1/10 lambda PV secondary) |
| Focuser | 2" dual-speed linear bearing Crayford |
| Secondary Obstruction | 127mm / 20.8% diameter / 4.3% area |
| Mirror Coatings | 96% Enhanced on both primary and secondary |
| Tube Material | 6063-T6 Aluminum Alloy, structural steel mirror cell |
| Optical Tube Length | ~2000mm (79") |
| Weight (Tube) | 61 kg |
| Weight (Assembled) | ~70 kg (~153 lbs) |
| 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 |
A full 24-inch diameter of optical surface (24.4" overall) — about 4% more optical surface and light gathering than any other 24" scope on the market. 9 times the light grasp of an 8" reflector.
At only about 70 kg (1/3 the weight of classical Dobsonian telescopes), the UL24 folds into a compact package that fits in almost any car. The eyepiece is just 77" from the ground at zenith.
The Hubble UL24 is a serious telescope for a serious observer, yet is still easily transportable to dark sky locations by one person. The heaviest single component is the primary mirror at about 30 kg. This is the perfect combination of power and portability, which is a lifetime of exceptional observing in a compact 70-kg package.
"The telescope (Hubble UL24) performed quite well again in Argentina for the MU69 campaign there. The combination of the 24" and PCO camera is excellent for occultation work. This setup easily outperforms any other portable occultation setups I know of."
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 | ~1750* |
| Others | Contact us |
* Shipped via FedEx, the exact cost depends on your specific address.