Sky-Watcher Dobsonian 8 Inch

What is a Dobsonian Telescope and why the Tension Control Handle?

In the late 1970s, John Dobson popularized a simple, elegant design to carry a Newtonian reflector. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. It consists of a box which allows the telescope to pivot in altitude and swivel left and right in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount relies on smooth friction between the mount and telescope to hold the optical tube in position. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the field of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not stay in the right position.

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian 8 Inch includes Tension Control Handles (US Patent No. 6,940,642) that users can easily adjust to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount. By providing such a tension adjuster the telescope will hold its position even when unbalanced. With the setting just right, the optical tube is stationary when you need, but can still be moved smoothly as necessary to follow the motion of your target. When the tension adjuster is completely tightened it locks the optical tube in position.

Like any Dobsonian, the SkyWatcher Dobsonian 8 Inch provides more light grasp for your money than any other telescope type. We are often asked, "What telescope is the best for an avid beginner?". Of course the answer depends on how you plan to use your telescope, but SkyWatcher Dobsonian 8 Inch would be right near the top of the list!

The Saxon 8" DeepSky （203/1200）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.

This telescope comes with an aperture of 203mm and a focal length of 1200mm in a 8" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.

The Saxon 8" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.

What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

The saxon 6" DeepSky Dobsonian (153/1200) Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.

This telescope comes with an aperture of 153mm and a focal length of 1200mm in a 6" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, rack and pinion focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.

The saxon 6" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers. 

Celestron has reinvented the Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This large-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for serious beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. The large aperture will ensure that you won’t outgrow the telescope as you continue on in your astronomical adventures.

Dock, Launch, Explore

Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.

High-Quality Altazimuth Base

An ultra-stable Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. It features large diameter altitude bearings with variable tensioning, Teflon azimuth bearings, and braces on the side panels for extra stability (unlike most 8” Dobsonian bases). The altitude bearings provide a smooth up-and-down motion while the integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis for smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. The panning knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic grip so you can precisely point the telescope without introducing heat from your hands into the optical system. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to easily follow them with minor adjustments to the telescope’s position.

Dazzling Views with High-Quality Optics

With a large 8" Newtonian reflector optical tube, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects while remaining remarkably portable. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the gaseous glow of the Orion Nebula, dust lanes in the Lagoon Nebula, and our neighbor galaxy, Andromeda. Compared to the StarSense Explorer DX 130 AZ, the 8" Dobsonian has 240+% more light gathering area, providing better views of faint objects.

All mirror surfaces are coated with our XLT optical coatings to visibly increase contrast and light throughput for brighter views. With XLT, you'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae. The mirrors are made of low-expansion optical glass, which helps ensure the best images under changing environmental conditions.

This telescope also comes with a high-quality 2” Crayford focuser. The Crayford design provides precise and smooth movements without focus shifting. It also includes a 2” to 1.25” adapter and a 2” extension tube, so you can use virtually any 1.25” or 2” telescope eyepiece with your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian. The focuser also features a thumbscrew so you can lock in the sharpest focus.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8” Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Alberio, the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.

But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 8" Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

Transporting your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian is easy thanks to the ergonomic carry handles located at the balance point of the tube and base. Dust covers are also included for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Smartphone Compatibility

Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here.

Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology

StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.

While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.

Enhance Your Setup

Keep your phone charged all night while exploring with your StarSense Explorer by adding the PowerTank Glow 5000 to your must-have accessories (sold separately). This 2-in-1 accessory was made with the StarSense Explorer Dobs in mind, it has a red flashlight PLUS a USB power bank for charging mobile devices in the field. Connect the PowerTank Glow 5000 to the two posts at the front of the StarSense Explorer dock with the included bands so it is held in a convenient location for charging your smartphone while in use.

The Saxon 10" DeepSky (254/1200）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.

This telescope comes with an aperture of 254mm and a focal length of 1200mm in a 10" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.

The Saxon 10" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.

What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

The Saxon 5" DeepSky CT delivers serious optical performance in a remarkably portable package. Its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length gather sufficient light for detailed lunar observation and bright deep-sky objects, while the compact tabletop design keeps total weight under 6.5kg—ideal for observers who value mobility without sacrificing aperture. The pre-assembled tube and included pair of 1.25" eyepieces mean you're ready to observe within minutes. A practical choice for those transitioning from binoculars to dedicated telescope work, or for experienced observers seeking a secondary scope for travel and field sessions.

Saxon 5" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope

The saxon 8" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope （203/1200） features a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.

This beginner telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tube saxon 8" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope and comes with the same specs of 203mm aperture and a focal length of 1200mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.

Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use the saxon 8" DeepSky Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope with its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.

What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

The Saxon 10" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope （254/1200） features a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.

This telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tube Saxon 10" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope and comes with the same specs of 254mm aperture and a focal length of 1200mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.

Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use the Saxon 10" DeepSky Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope with its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.

What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 130mm (5") reflector table top Dobsonian is a GOTO telescope that’s ideal for beginners and experienced observers who want to get straight into their star gazing.

This small telescope is highly portable and has full GOTO and tracking capabilities.

Download the SynScan app from the Apple or Android store and connect to the Wifi network generated by the Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO mount. You don’t need an Internet connection to use the telescope once you’ve installed the SynScan app, so it’s great for observing in dark sky sites where there a mobile phone signal mightn’t be available.

Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode. The computerised SynScan system allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky including planets star cluster, nebulae and even galaxies. This means less time spent finding that faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing.

The 130mm (5") diameter Collapsible Dobsonian is a compact and easy-to-use table top telescope. The patented collapsible system makes it is particularly easy to store and transport. Just extend the tube, point the telescope using the red dot finder scope, insert the eyepiece and enjoy the night sky. This Sky-Watcher Telescope will reveal details in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, the Martian polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus and the moon as well as views of many deep sky objects.

The VIRTUOSO GTi Dobsonian Mount requires 12v DC and can be run on batteries. BINTEL can supply an additional 12v power adaptor or rechargeable portable battery pack to suit your needs.

The Saxon 12" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope features a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.

This telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tube saxon 12" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope and comes with the same specs of 305mm aperture and a focal length of 1500mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.

Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use the saxon 12" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope with its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.

The DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescopes series comes in three sizes - 8", 10" and 12".

What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

Step up to to the Sky-Watcher 10" Dobsonian for extra light gathering and sharper observing!

• Most Practical f/5 Telescope
• Outstanding Light Gathering Ability
• Super-smooth Azimuth Movement
• Tension Control System
• 2″ Focuser with a 1.25″ Adaptor
• 5 Years Sky-Watcher Limited Warranty

The Ultimate Light Gatherers

The Dobsonian telescopes are named after John Dobson, an amateur astronomer who designed a very simple but effective telescope, where the key factor is a large aperture for little money. His idea was to mount a Newton telescope on an easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount that does not need time-consuming alignments.

The Sky-Watcher 10″ Dobsonian is a large aperture Newtonian reflector telescope with f/5 focal ratio, make it ideal for wide field and deep-sky observation. Big aperture means better light gathering power and with this Sky-Watcher Telescope you are able to see prominent deep-sky object such as nebulae, star cluster and many more. It's also an excellent telescope for viewing planets such as Jupiter, Saturn and its rings and more. 

To top it off, the Sky-Watcher Classic 250P Dobsonian is equipped with a 2″ Crayford focuser and focuser locking screw to allow easy use of either eyepiece size.

Tension Control System
The Tension Control System allows you to adjust the friction setting; to increase or reduce the amount of resistance when moving the tube on the wooden mount, so you always have the appropriate resistance. The secret of the design is to correctly balance the optical tube with the specially designed handles (found on the base) and this adds enough friction and tension to allow the tube to move easily when nudged or to stay solidly in position.

In The Box:

• Finderscope 6X30 straight version
• Eyepiece 1.25″ 20mm (60x) – apparent field of view 70°
• Eyepiece 1.25″ 12.5mm (96x) – apparent field of view 70°
• Eyepiece adaptor from 2″ to 1.25″ with M42 thread
• 2″ Tube Extension
• User Manual

Specifications

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 127/1500 Maksutov Cassegrain table top Dobsonian is a GOTO telescope that's ideal for beginners and experienced observers who want to get straight into their star gazing.

This small telescope is highly portable and has full GOTO and tracking capabilities.

Download the SynScan app from the Apple or Android store and connect to the Wifi network generated by the Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO mount. You don't need an Internet connection to use the telescope once you've installed the SynScan app, so it's great for observing in dark sky sites where there a mobile phone signal mightn't be available.

Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode. The computerised SynScan system allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky including planets star cluster, nebulae and even galaxies. This means less time spent finding that faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain is a compact and powerful optical design that combines a front meniscus lens and two mirrors. The optical tube is closed by the front meniscus, keeping the mirrors protected from atmospheric agents such as humidity, dust and pollution. The tube is short but the focal length is long allowing high magnification with the standard eyepieces. With maximum practical magnification of 256x , this Sky-Watcher Telescope will reveal details in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, the Martian polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus and the moon.

The VIRTUOSO GTi Dobsonian Mount requires 12v DC and can be run on batteries. BINTEL can supply an additional 12v power adaptor or rechargeable portable battery pack to suit your needs.

The Saxon 12" DeepSky （305/1500）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.

This telescope comes with an aperture of 305mm and a focal length of 1500mm in a 12" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.

The Saxon 12" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.

What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.

These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.

By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.

Hubble UL32 – 32" Lightweight Reflector Telescope

The Hubble UL32sg is a flagship 32-inch Dobsonian telescope designed for serious deep-sky observers, research-grade visual work, and advanced EAA applications. With a massive 32-inch primary mirror, the UL32sg delivers 16 times the light grasp of an 8-inch telescope and four times that of a 16-inch, revealing galaxies, nebulae, and fine structure at a level few instruments on Earth can match.

Despite its extraordinary aperture, the UL32sg is engineered to remain as compact and transportable as possible for its class. Fully assembled, the telescope weighs around 150 kg and features a modular, all-metal construction with sectional truss tubes and a folding altitude bearing structure. A real mirror box provides safe protection for the primary mirror during transport and storage.

Light, Strong, Compact and Still Portable

The UL32sg is built using precision-machined aluminium alloy components, extensively modelled with CAD and FEA to optimise structural rigidity while minimising weight. Eight rigid sectional truss tubes ensure excellent stiffness and collimation stability, even at extreme elevations.

While the UL32sg is not a casual backyard instrument, it remains one of the most compact and practical 32-inch class telescopes available, capable of being transported and assembled by a small team for dark-sky expeditions, observatories, and research installations.

Revolutionary Smart Go-To System

The UL32sg is supplied exclusively in a Smart Go-To configuration, built around the state-of-the-art OnStep control system. This advanced platform combines fully motorised Go-To, high-resolution encoders, and a revolutionary plate-solving smart finder for unmatched pointing accuracy.

Using the system is simple: select a target via the smart hand controller or third-party software such as SkySafari or Stellarium, then with a single button press the telescope captures an image, plate-solves its position, and automatically refines its pointing until the target is perfectly centred.

The system supports automated star alignment, automated “Star Shows” such as Messier Marathons, intelligent routing to reduce slewing time by 30–50%, and full EAA live stacking for electronically assisted observing.

Connectivity includes built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, INDI and ASCOM drivers, real-time clock, spiral search, park/unpark, and full sidereal, lunar, and solar tracking rates. Control is available via smart hand controller, desktop software, or mobile apps on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Exclusive Sandwich Mirror Technology

The UL32sg uses a lightweight sandwich primary mirror designed to reach thermal equilibrium far faster than traditional solid mirrors. Rapid cooling dramatically reduces mirror seeing and internal turbulence, allowing the telescope to achieve its full optical potential much sooner in real-world conditions.

Unlike thick solid mirrors that may never stabilise during changing temperatures, the sandwich design delivers sharp, stable images without the need for active cooling systems, avoiding vibration and mechanical complexity.

Enhanced Optical Coatings

Both primary and secondary mirrors receive 96% enhanced dielectric coatings with multiple precision-controlled layers. These coatings maximise reflectivity, reduce scatter, and provide excellent chemical and mechanical durability, delivering bright, high-contrast images even at extreme magnifications.

Real Mirror Cell in a Real Mirror Box

The UL32sg features a fully engineered 27-point flotation mirror cell with sling and 90-degree pivoting lateral supports. This system prevents mirror deformation and eliminates astigmatism commonly caused by simpler collimation designs.

The independent three-point rod-end collimation system allows precise adjustment without stressing the mirror edge, maintaining optical integrity under all observing orientations.

Dual-Speed 2" Linear Bearing Crayford Focuser

The UL32sg is fitted with a precision 2-inch dual-speed linear bearing Crayford focuser, capable of handling heavy modern eyepieces and imaging equipment. The fine focus control provides ten times finer adjustment for critical focusing at high power or during EAA use, with approximately 50 mm of travel.

Specifications (UL16)

New from Sky-Watcher: 400m (16") Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope

• View moon, planets, comets, stars, galaxies and nebulae
• Collapsible truss design – 30 minute setup time
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Backed by 5 Years Sky-Watcher Limited Warranty