Our AG16 has got to be the largest model which can be considered transportable. It also requires a mounting of considerable capacity, anything less than perhaps a Paramount ME2 will not yield the true potential of this telescope. We recommend that all users of this telescope have it sited permanently and in a secure observatory.

What can the AG16 do for you that other telescopes cannot? Well, quite a few things actually. It will open up the skies like you have never thought possible. The detail the AG16 is capable of resolving is breathtaking, it’s just incredible. Large format chipped cameras are usually fitted to the AG16 with some of the largest chips available. Because of the unique 4 element design of our Corrector system, you will be able to capture fields which are (no other word for it), enormous for a 400mm telescope.

The optional fitting of both primary and secondary heater systems is strongly recommended to avoid imaging delays and wasting valuable time. Many options are available, all of which are listed below. If you require any further information please feel free to contact our technical staff at john@orionoptics.co.uk

Optics: Hand finished and all Zygo tested as are all our AG models. Unless the mirrors pass stringent quality tests we don’t bother sending them for coating, they have to be of excellent optical quality prior to coating with Hilux. We don’t even consider sending out mirrors which would not satisfy the most critical eye or camera, they have got to be right.

Coatings: Hilux is applied as standard which not only increases the brightness of the image but, it also improves the contrast of the image yielding superlative, flat, totally coma free images to your camera.

Build: All our AG telescopes are hand built. All the impressively accurate CNC machines we use to manufacture the parts for the telescope are of very high quality but, we trust the eye of an experienced technician when assembling and final testing of the telescope to pick out and rectify any small fitting problems which might occur. We treat every telescope as an individual, that way we ensure it receives the special attention it requires and deserves. It takes longer than mass produced telescopes, yes, they are more expensive than most imported telescopes, yes . . . but, quality relies on experience, attention to detail, superb materials and attention. Our AG16’s and it’s smaller siblings, have all this in abundance, that’s why they are good, very good.

• New from 2024 the AG14 and AG16 are all truss designed and manufactured.