An astrophotography system, not just a Newtonian

The ARTEC astrograph series represents a technological innovation in the world of astrophotography, thanks to cutting-edge production techniques and top-level optics.

The ARTEC project was born in 2011 from an idea by Stefano Seveso, owner of Artesky, and was developed with the support of engineer Flavio Simeone. The project was designed for the most demanding astrophotographers, looking for a telescope with stable collimation, quality optics, and repeatable results. ARTEC was not conceived as a simple telescope, but as part of a broader acquisition system, where optics, mechanics, focusing, and rotation work together.

After more than a decade of development and manufacturing improvements, the ARTEC series continues to evolve through ongoing research into new technologies and engineering solutions.

Discover all the images captured with the ARTEC series on Astrobin.

The ARTEC 250 is a 250 mm aperture Newtonian astrograph, designed and manufactured entirely in Italy using top-quality materials. It is the ideal instrument for entering the ARTEC world, offering exceptional stability, portability, and ease of collimation. Thanks to its contained weight and compact dimensions, it is perfect for traveling astrophotographers seeking dark skies: collimation stability, achieved through precision mechanics, makes it an alternative to the more common refractors or Cassegrain systems.

High-quality optics

The Newtonian optical system has a native focal ratio of F/4.0, with a parabolic primary mirror in aluminized quartz with reflectivity above 95%; the secondary mirror receives the same treatment.

ARTEC series optics are selected to guarantee high-level performance:

• Reflectivity above 95%
• Correction equal to or better than λ/8
• Strehl ratio equal to or greater than 0.95

The ARTEC 200 includes a 1.14x coma corrector, extending the focal length to 1140 mm and the focal ratio to F/4.56, with a resulting illuminated field of 55 mm.

The conical quartz primary mirror ensures stability by avoiding lateral shifts and reducing glass mass, optimizing acclimation times.

New focuser: PrimaLuceLab ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile

The current ARTEC 250 configuration integrates the new PrimaLuceLab ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile, replacing the previous focusing system.

It is a high-end motorized focuser with a 3.5" aperture, particularly suited to advanced imaging systems and large-format sensors. Compared to a generic commercial focuser, ESATTO offers:

• greater mechanical robustness and precision, even under heavy load;
• reliable handling of complex imaging trains, with multiple accessories in line (filter wheel, OAG, rotators);
• native integration into a fully motorized, remotely controllable system, ideal for permanent observatories and unattended installations.

PrimaLuceLab is an Italian company specializing in advanced solutions for astrophotography, astronomical observatories, and automation, internationally known for products such as ESATTO, ARCO, and EAGLE. Integrating ESATTO into the ARTEC 250 is therefore not a simple pairing of two products, but the union of two Italian projects designed from the outset for professional astrophotography, further reinforcing the Made in Italy philosophy shared by both brands.

Dedicated adapter and back focus

The ARTEC 200 is supplied with an adapter specifically designed for use with the ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile, ensuring the correct system back focus. This configuration was not created by fitting a commercial focuser onto an existing telescope, but was developed as an integrated system from the design stage.

• Available back focus: 65 mm
• Output thread:M68x1

Ready for the PrimaLuceLab ARCO 3" rotator

The current ARTEC 250 configuration is ready for the later integration of the PrimaLuceLab ARCO 3", via the dedicated adapter.

ARCO enables motorized rotation of the camera and the entire imaging train, a feature particularly useful for advanced astrophotography and essential for remote or fully automated installations, where manual adjustment of the optical train between sessions is not possible.

The benefit for the user is concrete: it is possible to purchase the ARTEC 250 with ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile first, and later add the ARCO 3" without having to redesign the optical train. With the ESATTO + ARCO configuration, the system maintains the back focus required by the design:

• Back focus with ARCO 3": 65 mm

Optional secondary mirror heating

The secondary mirror heating system can be requested directly at the time of order, designed to prevent condensation from forming during sessions with high humidity or significant temperature swings.

This optional is particularly useful for permanent installations and remote observatories, where the telescope may operate for many hours without an operator present, increasing operational reliability during long, automated sessions — not an essential accessory in every setup, but a valuable option for those managing remote installations.

Advanced mechanics

The ARTEC series is designed using advanced optical and mechanical design software, ensuring an extremely rigid structure.

Metal parts are made from 6061 aluminum, CNC-machined and laser-cut to guarantee high precision, stability, and reliable collimation.

Mechanical advantages of the ARTEC 250 include:

• Stable focus even with temperature changes, reducing the need for constant adjustments
• Laser-cut steel secondary mirror support, for rigidity and precision
• Anodizing resistant to the harshest weather conditions
• Generous focuser travel, compatible with most imaging accessories and remote setups

High-quality carbon fiber structure

The ARTEC 250 tube is made from carbon fiber, not to reduce weight, but to ensure thermal stability and structural rigidity.

The carbon fiber used comes from an Italian company specializing in materials for the automotive and aerospace sectors. It is solid carbon fiber, with no foam filler inserts, autoclave-cured before final polishing and matte finishing.

The inside of the tube is treated with an anti-dust, anti-reflective coating, with a roughened surface to reduce condensation.

What's in the Box

• ARTEC 250 Astrograph
• Rings for ARTEC 250
• Losmandy bar
• PrimaLuceLab ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile focuser
• Dedicated ARTEC 250 – ESATTO 3.5" Low Profile adapter
• 4" tilter for the optical train
• 1.14x coma corrector
• Reinforced cardboard packaging