Ideal 8 and Ideal 8L Newtonians are slightly larger than the Ideal 6 and Ideal 6L models. To give you some idea of by how much, the following description and figures will explain in detail for you.

The brightness of an object in a telescope depends on the size of the main mirror i.e. how much light it collects and sends to your eye, or camera. This is calculated based on the area of the mirror. In the case of the Ideal 8 and Ideal 8L telescopes, they both have over 40% brighter images than the Ideal 6 and Ideal 6L models. To add to that, the detail in a telescope’s image is controlled by the diameter, or aperture of the mirror. The Ideal 8 and Ideal L have mirrors 33% larger than the Ideal 6 and Ideal 6L. These two features give you not only a much brighter image but also, a much more detailed image allowing you to use higher magnifications on the telescope.

The Ideal 8 is a telescope of f4.5 which, with the addition of a camera adaptor and camera, can give you some spectacular photographic performance, primarily on Deep Sky objects. The Ideal 8L can also provide you with stunning visual images at higher magnifications and, be extremely useful in photographing the planets and the Moon.

Optical upgrades are available for each model and are featured in the Buying Options table below.

If you purchase the tube assembly alone you will need a dovetail plate. In the options below. Image is shown with optional 9×50 RA finder. IDEAL 8 shown with optional RED decals. IDEAL 8L shown with standard BLACK decals