The 15" f/4.2 UC is a revolutionary design. It is a large aperture telescope that collapses into a very small package. If you have limited hauling or storage capacity, (like the trunk of a small car) then this is the scope for you.
Our revolutionary Virtual Mirror Box (VMB) is the foundation of the UC design. It is a welded steel framework made from NC laser cut steel. It provides four main functions. It provides the primary mirror cell, the altitude bearings, the connection points for the truss poles, and a retainer for the wheelbarrow handles. To keep it as ultra compact as possible, the side bearing portion is foldable to reduce the height of the VMB by half.
In the transport mode the clearance height is a mere 12 inches. Or place the VMB (Virtual Mirror Box) next to the rocker in your car and reduce the height even more. Now everyone can have a big aperture scope and take it to their dark sky site. This telescope will appeal to those that like the ultimate in form follows function style. Low eyepiece height means 100% of observing will be done with your feet on the ground. Or pull up a stool and enjoy some sit down observing in the lower half of the sky. The UC is all black with a modern space frame construction. If your vehicle is small or you intend to put it in the trunk, then the Ultra Compact is the obvious choice. And if you want the ultimate in Dobsonian evolution, the Obsession Ultra Compact 15" is it.
No compromises. The UC uses the same proven design criteria and materials that made the Classic Obsession so successful and the most copied larger aperture dob on the market. We use the same premium optics from Galaxy and OMI that we do in our Classic series of telescopes. Diffraction limited and all figured and tested with interferometry. Ion deposition 96% enhance primary coating. Two inch flex free glass. One tenth wave 98% Diamond brite secondary mirror. As with our Classic series, you cannot get better optics at any price anywhere. Galaxy and OMI are so confident of their quality that they post the serial number and test data for ever mirror they make on their web sites for everyone to review. Nobody else does this.
Compare the 15" Ultra Compact to the 15" Classic Obsession. Decide which best serves your observing needs. Both scopes provide stunning views, ease of motion, fast set up and a lifetime of observing enjoyment.
15" UC vs 15" Classic
|
| |
Obsession 15" UC
|
Obsession 15" Classic
|
| Eyepiece height at zenith |
61 inches |
66 inches |
| Set up time including nylon light shroud |
Same for both |
| Ease of use (setup, take down, collimation) |
Same for both |
| Ease of Motions (hand guiding) |
Same for both |
| Construction/materials |
Same for both, except: |
| components covered with satin black laminate |
components are stained and have six coat polyurethane finish |
| Bearing geometry and surfaces |
Same for both, Ebony star on etched virgin Teflon |
| Light baffling |
Classic is better with 360 degree upper tube assembly baffle. UC 160 degree baffle opposite focuser. Views and contrast are identical unless there is a nearby street light in the area. If you only observe in the city at home then the Classic is the better choice. If you like to take your scope to a dark site the UC is an excellent choice, especially if you drive a sedan or have limited transport space. |
| Optics (OMI) (Galaxy does not offer anything under 18 inches) |
f/4.2 primary mirror requires a Paracorr coma corrector for optimum views. |
f/4.5 Paracorr optional but not needed. |
| Secondary mirror |
Same 2.6 secondary mirror for both. Central obstruction and image contrast the same for both under good skys. |
| Coatings |
Same for both. 96% on primary, 98% on secondary |
| Mirror cell |
Same for both, 9 point |
| Wheelbarrow handles |
Standard on both |
| Truss poles |
Six 1 inch diameter. Connected in pairs at apices. |
Eight 1.25 inch diameter. All eight separate. |
| Stability |
UC has 6 pole design and Baltic Birch steel reinforced segmented bearings. Much less mass than Classic. |
Eight pole design and one piece cast aluminum side bearings. Mirror box and rocker have more mass. Total weight is about 50 pounds heavier than the UC. Classic is a better choice for CCD imaging. |
| Dimensions for transport |
22" x 23" x 12" high. Includes virtual mirror box nested in rocker (will fit in most trunks or hatchback). |
23" x 23" x 25" high (rocker and mirror box) Upper tube assembly placed next to lower unit. |
| Upper Tube Assembly weight (with Feathertouch focuser) |
8 pounds |
9 pounds |
| Weight of heaviest component (includes 2 inch thick standard thickness mirror) |
45 pounds. Includes the virtual mirror box, mirror, and dust cover |
60 pounds Includes mirror box, mirror, and dust cover. |
| Weight at wheelbarrow handles |
about 8 pounds |
about 9 pounds |
| Weight of complete scope |
about 65 pounds |
about 90 pounds |
Clearance width required with wheelbarrow handles attached.
(or minimum size of doorway needed to roll in or out with wheels attached) |
23 inches
Clearance width needed when carrying UC virtual mirror box is 21 inches. |
26 inches |
| Optional custom foam lined ATA travel case (Holds everything except the truss poles) |
UC uses a case 24 x 24 x 21 high
(see Optional Accessories below) |
Classic - No way. |
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