Taurus T500 20″

T500 means unlimited possibilities. Like a funnel in the rain, drop by drop, collects photons from the entire sky. The optical parameters of this giant are amazing. The telescope equipped with a mirror with a diameter of more than half a meter, focal length of 2135mm and very low secondary mirror obstruction, gives unlimited possibilities. Magnification of 500x is not a problem. The arms of spiral galaxies, globular clusters, separated into individual stars, down to the nucleus, causing heart beat faster. The most unbelievable is that this giant weighs only 44kg and can be folded to a small size. One person is able to pack the T500 into a small car and take it to any place in the world, far from pollution and urban lights. Optionally the telescope can be equipped with wheelbarrows with pneumatic wheels that facilitate transport in the field. Telescope is available with two optics versions: Standard or Professional.

Specification:

  • Primary mirror: 504 mm (±4)
  • Focal length: 2150mm (±10)
  • Focal ratio: F/4.2
  • Secondary mirror size: 95mm
  • Coating: Standard - 93%, Professional - 96%
  • Limiting magnitude: 15.3 mag
  • Mirror cell: 27 points
  • Spider: 3-vanes
  • Telescope height: 212cm
  • Eyepiece height at zenith: 195cm
  • Heaviest part of the telescope: 28 kg
  • Total weight of the telescope: 44 kg
  • Dimensions when disassembled: 55x67x66cm
  • Truss length: 159cm

The kit includes:

  • T500 Body
  • Mirrors set
  • Crayford style focuser 2"/1.25" dual-speed 1:10
  • Shroud
  • Primary mirror cover
  • Secondary mirror cover
  • User manual

Options:

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Features of the Telescope:

Compact, light construction. Heaviest part of the telescope weights only 27 kg. After dismantling the telescope fits into trunk of a city car. Telescope encourages to further ventures beyond city agglomerations, in search of dark sky.  

High quality optics. The professional mirror was made with the highest accuracy are available in two variants: Standard - made of borosilicate glass, aluminum reflecting layers protected with SiO2, and Professional - made of relaxed SUPREMAX® 33 glass by SCHOTT. Hardened coating with increased efficiency 96% quarantees high efficiency of a whole optics setup. Professional mirrors are delivered with a quality certificate confirmed by test results.  More information at Optics.

Original design. Combination of modern materials and classic wood makes this telescope an evergreen. It is not only capable of providing great images but also presents itself splendidly. All elements made in CNC technology, handmade finished and assembled with the highest precision. Wooden elements made of waterproof plywood covered with several layers of varnish.   

Optimal mirror cell. Even a perfect mirror will not provide good quality images if not properly fitted. The advanced mirror cell has 9, 18 or 27 support points which providing ideal weight distribution of the mirror. Nylon lower and side supports hold mirror securely and do not cause astigmatism. In horizontal position the mirror rests on a special belt in order to distribute its mass equally. Side hold provided by 3 strong grips. Secondary mirror fitting provided with a separator which prevents tensions. More info

Comfortable usage. Dismantling of the telescope is very intuitional. One person may easily dismantle the telescope within a few minutes. All winders are fixed into the construction. There is no possibility of loosing one of them. Additionally provided with a systemic solution that simplifies  unscrewing (particularly useful when using thick winter gloves). During transportation individual elements are fastened one another, creating a tight chunk, which facilitates relocation and secures construction and optics. Teflon pads and bearing mounting base provides smooth and precise handling even at high magnifications. The mounted base has a rotational resistance adjustment, so you can adjust the telescope to your preferences. A gust of wind or accidental hunch will not move the telescope. The top cell can be mounted in two positions by changing the position of the focuser. This allows for convenient observation from the zenith to the horizon. The telescope is designed, so that the main mirror moves as close to the ground as possible, so that the maximum height on which the eyepiece is located is only 193 cm.

Regulated maximum load. The telescope is balanced for oculars up to 1-2 kg. However, in need for fitting of additional accessories the centre of gravity may be moved, increasing  thereby the maximum load. Optionally the telescope may be equipped with a set of counterweight.

Truss  The whole grate is made of 6063 aluminum. Properly selected diameter and cross-section of pipes guarantee high rigidity of the structure. Specially designed pipe ends connected with A2 stainless steel bolts show great resistance to wear and no backlash for many years. All elements are connected together to form a single piece which facilitates and significantly accelerates assembly. The built-in stops do not allow the truss to spread too much and tip over. Connections to which the upper cell is screwed are made of brass.

Comfortable collimation. Each telescope requires collimation from time to time. We have made our best to ensure that it would be as simple and comfortable as possible. No tools are required for collimation. Everything is carried out with comfortable winders placed on the top. Due to applied springs there is no need to counter the settings. Additionally, the main mirror is provided with a central marker for even more precise collimation.  

Solid composition. Details made of strong aluminium 6063, powder coated. All screw joints, bearing bedding in the bottom - made of stainless steel. Wooden elements made of waterproof plywood which allows for the whole construction of the telescope to be fully resistant to atmospheric conditions - moisture, low temperatures or ice. Threaded connections are made of brass, thanks to which they are resistant to corrosion and require no maintenance and make it easier to unscrew the knobs.

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