Orion Optics UK Telescope N 250/1200 IDEAL10 OTA (80951)

The N 250/1200 is a Newtonian reflector telescope designed for deep-sky observation, offering a large aperture that gathers nearly three times more light than a 114mm telescope. With this increased light-gathering power, users can observe not only the bright cores of distant galaxies but also the intricate spiral structures. Impressive globular clusters appear vividly, often filling the entire field of view with countless individually resolved stars.

Thanks to its fast aperture ratio, the telescope enables relatively short exposure times for astrophotography. Despite its 10-inch optics, it remains compact enough to fit on the back seat of a car, making it easy to transport. Larger Newtonian optics generally require fixed observatories or open-frame designs.

This telescope provides the opportunity for lifelong enjoyment of the night sky with its excellent balance between size, performance, and portability.

Mirror Cells

Proper mirror support is essential for preserving optical quality. Even a premium mirror can lose accuracy if poorly mounted. The N 250/1200 features a computer-optimized anodized aluminum mirror cell with a built-in 12V DC cooling fan. Its nine-point suspension system, tipped with Nylon 66, evenly distributes the mirror’s weight across the support points, ensuring stable and precise performance.

Focuser

The telescope includes the Eris 2" rack-and-pinion focuser from Orion Optics UK, equipped with fine-focus reduction and a 1.25" adapter. The focuser is fully black-anodized and can rotate 360° for flexible astrophotography positioning. The “SmoothLock” self-centering compression ring system secures accessories gently yet firmly. Its fine-focus mechanism operates smoothly, allowing precise focusing adjustments. The 2" compression ring can be locked securely with a simple turn.

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Reflector

• Design: Newtonian

• Aperture: 250 mm

• Focal length: 1200 mm

• Aperture ratio (f/): 4.8

• Resolving power: 0.55 arcseconds

• Limiting magnitude: 13.8

• Light-gathering capacity: 1280× (compared to the naked eye)

• Maximum useful magnification: 500×

• Tube material: Aluminum

• Tube weight: 11 kg

• Tube diameter: 280 mm

• Tube length: 1140 mm

• Construction: Full tube

Reflector Details

• Secondary mirror diameter: 63 mm

• Ventilation: 12V fan at tube end

• Adjustable: Yes

• Secondary mirror type: Planar

• Main mirror design: Parabolic

• Reflectivity: 97%

Focuser

• Eyepiece connection: 2"

• Type: Rack and pinion

• Ring clamp: Yes

• Adjustment range: 51 mm

• Gear reduction: 1:10 fine focusing

• Rotating: Yes

Mount

• Design: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)

• Mounting type: None (tube only)

Included Accessories

• Tube clamps: Yes

• Finder scope: Included

• Prism rail: Not included

• Extension tubes: None

• Eyepiece adapter: 1.25" and 2"

General Information

• Variant name: IDEAL

• Suitable for Moon & Planets: Yes

• Suitable for Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Suitable for Nature Observation: No

• Suitable for Astrophotography: Yes

• Suitable for Solar Observation: No (only with proper solar filter)

• Recommended for Beginners: No

• Recommended for Advanced Users: Yes

• Suitable for Observatories: Yes