The iOptron Photron™ RC16-Truss is a professional-class astrograph designed for serious imagers, remote observatories, and anyone who demands pinpoint stars across full-frame and larger sensors. With a full 16 inches of aperture, a precision carbon fiber truss tube, and a fixed mirror Ritchey-Chrétien optical design, this telescope delivers the performance required for deep-sky imaging at the highest level.
From galaxy clusters to faint nebulae, this 406mm instrument is built to go deep—and stay sharp.
Premium RC Optics with Thermal Stability
The RC16-Truss uses a true Ritchey-Chrétien optical layout with low-expansion quartz mirrors, both primary and secondary, and enhanced reflective coatings for high contrast and brightness. The fixed-position primary mirror eliminates image shift during focusing—an issue common in moving mirror systems—ensuring your target stays centered and focused even during long sequences or filter changes.
With a focal length of 3250mm at f/8, the RC16 is perfect for high-resolution, long-exposure astrophotography without introducing coma or chromatic aberration.
Truss Tube Construction for Strength and Cool-Down
The carbon fiber truss structure gives the RC16 its signature look—and delivers serious functionality. The open design promotes rapid cooling, reducing thermal gradients across the optics, while maintaining excellent rigidity and resistance to flexure. That means better focus retention and fewer collimation shifts, even with heavy imaging trains and long exposures.
Focuser and iEAF Compatibility
The telescope is outfitted with a 3" dual-speed linear bearing Crayford focuser for smooth, backlash-free operation. Manual fine focus is easy and precise, but the real upgrade comes with its compatibility with iOptron’s iEAF electronic focuser (sold separately). Add an iEAF and you can automate your focusing for unattended imaging sessions, software-controlled routines, or remote observatory workflows.
Three extension rings (two 1" and one 2") are included to help you reach the ideal spacing for your imaging train, while keeping everything threaded and solid.
Built-In Cooling Fans
To reduce thermal lag, the RC16-Truss features three rear-mounted cooling fans that circulate air across the primary mirror. The fans are powered by a standard battery pack (included), helping you bring the optics to ambient temperature quickly for sharper imaging sooner—especially important when you're racing twilight or on a limited clear window.
Specifications
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Aperture: 16" (406mm)
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Focal Length: 3250mm
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Focal Ratio: f/8
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Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (two-mirror hyperbolic)
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Mirror Material: Low thermal expansion quartz
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Mirror Coatings: Enhanced reflective dielectric coatings
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Primary Mirror: Fixed position
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Tube Structure: Carbon fiber open truss
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Focuser: 3" dual-speed Crayford with linear bearings
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Focuser Compatibility: iEAF electronic focuser (sold separately)
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Extension Rings Included: 2x 1" (25.4mm), 1x 2" (50.8mm)
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Cooling Fans: 3 built-in fans, powered by included battery holder
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Tube Length: 43.8" (1114mm)
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OTA Weight: 93 lbs
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Shipping Weight: ~127 lbs
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Mounting: Dual Losmandy-style dovetail bars (top and bottom)
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Back Focus: Generous spacing with extension rings included
Included Accessories
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16" RC Truss Tube OTA
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3" dual-speed linear Crayford focuser
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2x 1" and 1x 2" threaded extension rings
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Rear cooling fan assembly with battery holder
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Primary and secondary mirror covers
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Top and bottom Losmandy dovetail rails
Observing Tip
If you're setting up a permanent imaging system, pairing the RC16-Truss with a mount like the iOptron CEM120EC2 offers the rock-solid tracking this scope deserves. For robotic or remote use, the iEAF focuser is strongly recommended—it gives you precise, repeatable focus adjustment without touching the OTA, and plays well with ASCOM-based imaging platforms.
Solar Use Warning
Never look at the Sun through this telescope—or any telescope—without the proper solar filter installed. Permanent eye damage or blindness will result. Always use approved filters designed specifically for solar observing.
Package includes
#6117 16" Truss Tube RC OTA only
- OTA w/3" dual-speed Crayford focuser
- 2X 1" (25.4mm), 1X 2" (50.8mm) focus extension rings
- Cooling fan battery holder
- Primary and secondary mirror covers
