Sky-Watcher BKP 305/1500 OTAW Optical Tube - 12 inch Newtonian Reflector

The Sky-Watcher BKP 305/1500 OTAW is a premium optical tube assembly designed for serious astrophotographers and visual observers. Featuring a 305 mm (12-inch) parabolic primary mirror made from low-expansion Pyrex glass, this Newtonian reflector delivers exceptional light-gathering power and high-contrast views of deep-sky objects. With a focal length of 1500 mm and a fast f/4.9 focal ratio, it excels at capturing faint nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.

Advantages

The large aperture provides 1900x light-gathering power compared to the human eye, revealing intricate details in celestial objects. The dual-speed Crayford focuser ensures precise focusing for both visual and photographic use. The included 9x50 achromatic finderscope simplifies target acquisition. The rolled steel optical tube is durable and includes tube rings and a Vixen-style dovetail bar for easy mounting on compatible equatorial or alt-azimuth mounts.

Suitable for

• Advanced amateur astronomers and astrophotographers
• Deep-sky observation and imaging
• Planetary and lunar observation
• Users with a sturdy mount capable of supporting a 12-inch OTA

Key specifications

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 305 mm (12 inches)
• Focal Length: 1500 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/4.9
• Primary Mirror: Parabolic Pyrex Glass
• Focuser: Dual-Speed Crayford, 2-inch with 1.25-inch adapter
• Finderscope: 9x50 Achromatic
• Optical Tube Material: Rolled Steel
• Optical Tube Diameter: 356 mm
• Optical Tube Length: 1430 mm
• Resolution (Dawes' Limit): 0.38 arcseconds
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 15.2
• Mounting System: Vixen-style Dovetail Bar
• Included Accessories: Tube Rings, Dovetail Bar, 9x50 Finderscope, 2" to 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter

Recommendations

For optimal performance, pair this optical tube with a sturdy equatorial mount capable of handling the weight and length. Consider adding a coma corrector for astrophotography to achieve sharp stars across the entire field. The fast f/4.9 ratio is ideal for wide-field imaging with modern CMOS cameras.