Parallax Instruments, Inc. Models PI200 and PI250

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The 8" PI200 and 10" PI250 instruments are first in our series of larger aperture instruments. Relatively light in weight and easy to handle, first class construction techniques, components of the highest quality, and the very best optics available combine to produce telescopes fully capable of remarkable performance. Constructed entirely of aluminum with stainless steel hardware, every attention to detail has been given to these fine instruments. Push-pull type primary and secondary mirror cells afford easy yet positive locking collimation adjustments. The optical tube is fitted with lathe turned, knife edge annular baffles. The result is a tube so dark, the primary mirror appears to be floating in space. To our knowledge, no other manufacturer of Newtonians incorporates this painstaking technique to extract the ultimate in image contrast. The light weight, high precision optics assure quick temperature equalization and will provide incredible detail on planetary subjects. The striking high gloss finish of the tubes combine with the "feel" of these telescopes will surely provide their owners with many years of satisfaction. Our Series 125 equatorial mount is designed to carry both models. See Specifications.

These telescopes are not "run of the mill" mass produced instruments. our telescopes carry higher prices due to the expense of utilizing only the very finest components. There is just no other way that we build them.

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Model PI200, Series 125 Mount with Pier

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Model PI250, 10" F/6.5

Parallax Instruments, Inc. Models PI320 and PI400

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Many amateurs have contacted us over the years complaining that their apochromatic refractors, although providing sharp, crisp images, just don't show them the ultra fine detail on Jupiter that they saw through a 12.5" Newtonian at a star party. Our answer to them has been simply that there is no secret here. As Dawes limit suggests, only the larger aperture can resolve the finest filamentary structures on a planetary disc.

The 12.5" PI320 and the 16" PI400 round out our line of large aperture, high performance telescopes. These research grade instruments, due to their enormous light gathering and resolving power are capable of both deep sky and planetary performance only dreamed of and represent the ultimate in a personal telescope. All models carry a focal ratio of F/6, yielding a generous image scale while remaining relatively manageable in physical size. Unparalleled optics, very special optimizing techniques, and the highest quality components are employed throughout.

The primary mirror cells of the 12.5" & 16" instruments are provided with a cooling fan as standard equipment. Energizing the cooling fan before an observing session ensures more rapid thermal equalization of the primary mirror to the outside ambient temperature. In fact, we recommend that the fan be run continuously while observing. The resulting laminar airflow significantly reduces the effects of tube currents early in an observing session.

Although large in aperture, the 12.5" telescope, weighing in at 70 Lbs., may still be handled by one person due to its entirely aluminum construction. The 16" telescope is designed primarily for installation in a personal observatory and is also well suited for schools or universities. Our HD200 Equatorial mount is perfectly suited to handle these large telescopes.

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Model PI400, HD 200 Mount with Pier

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