Sky-Watcher 150mm (6″) Dobsonian Telescope

The 150/750mm dobsonian is a compact and easy-to-use table top telescope, ideal for all kind of observations. The patent 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!

The easy handling of the Dobsonian mount offers a great way of getting started in amateur astronomy. It is intuitive and simple to use; the built-in handle allows movement of the telescope to the left and right while the adjustable clutch allows adjustment of the altitude axis. The telescope and mount come fully assembled, ready to use straight out of the box

The Sky-Watcher 6″ Dobsonian Telescope commemorates the International Year of Astronomy – the tube is decorated with the names of great astronomers of the past.

Accessories in the Box:

• Red Dot Finderscope
• Eyepiece 1.25″ Super 25mm (26x)
• Eyepiece 1.25″ Super 10mm (65x)

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 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. 

The SkyWatcher Dobsonian 6 Inch Telescope 153mm/1200mm has a "parabolic" 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. In addition, this model includes a 2" focuser with a 1.25" adapter, allowing the use of either eyepiece size. This model also includes a new feature - tension control handles allow an adjustment of the level of friction applied during use.

WHAT is a Dobsonian Telescope and WHY are they so damn cheap!?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularised by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is most popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. The metal tube is almost entirely empty, save for the large primary mirror at the bottom. A ground-based mount replaces the expensive tripod found under most other telescopes, but still allows full pivot and swivel motions. This build saves hundreds of dollars compared to equivalently-sized 6 inch SCT or refractor telescopes, and you end up being able to see the same level of detail for a fraction of the cost!

So, what's the catch?

Dobsonian telescopes are large and bulky. This means they are difficult to store and transport. If you need something small and easily portable, tripod mounted refractors and cassegrains are a much better option (although at a higher cost). Otherwise, you should seriously considering buying a Dobsonian, because the details you can see through one are truly out of this world.

Specifications:

• 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°
• Diameter of Primary Mirror: 153mm
• Telescope Focal Length: 1200mm (f/7.84)
• 2" R&P focuser with 1.25" adapter
• Parabolic Primary Mirror with SiO Overcoat
• Diffraction Limited Optics
• 0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports
• Super-smooth Azimuth Movement with Teflon Pads
• Wooden Alt-Azimuth Mount with Accessory Tray
• 73% more Light Gathering than 114mm

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This 114mm aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for 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.

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

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car, to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the smoothest motion, even with slight imbalances. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via a tube cradle. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the cradle so the focuser is in the most ergonomic viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a 114mm (4.5”) parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop 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 114mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is lightweight and equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

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.

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.

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This 130mm aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for 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.

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

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low-profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via tube rings and a dovetail bar. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the rings so the focuser is in the most ergonomic viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a 130mm (5.1”) parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross) the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, 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 130mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is lightweight and equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

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.

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 Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 150mm (6") 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. The larger mirror in this model compared to the 130mm (5") version will mean brighter and more detailed images.

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 150mm (6") 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.

Celestron has reinvented the Tabletop Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Tabletop Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This larger-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for 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.

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

The stable Tabletop Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. The tabletop base is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel. The base’s low-profile makes accessing the eyepiece easier for some observers (especially children). You can also place the base on a stable platform, like a table or hood of a car, to raise it to a comfortable viewing height. Consider adding the optional tripod for even more viewing options.

Teflon bearings provide smooth motion in both altitude and azimuth. The integrated altitude "brake" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis to ensure the 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 follow them easily.

The optical tube connects to the base via tube rings. It’s easy to adjust the tube’s position in the rings so the focuser is in the best viewing position. The base features an eyepiece rack to keep your extra eyepiece(s) close at hand.

Dazzling Views with Excellent Optics

With a large 150mm (5.9”) aperture parabolic primary mirror, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. You'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae.

This telescope features a 1.25” rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts 1.25” eyepieces and dust covers for the front of the tube and the focuser.

Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites

Even if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 150mm Tabletop Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross), the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, 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 150mm Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.

The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian is equipped with carry handles, making it easy to transport to your observing site.

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.

Skywatcher does it again. An old favorite gets a complete facelift with new features and upgraded components!

The venerable Dobsonian reflector design has recently undergone some important upgrades and improvements: Skywatcher is pleased to introduce the all-new Collapsible Dobsonian complete with Crayford focuser – the ultimate in large aperture portability and performance.

This elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening!

The bearing system has been redesigned as well. The new Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonians feature buttery smooth azimuth bearings. Even the twelve-inch model can be rotated with just the push of a finger. Like our traditional Dobsonians, the new Collapsible Dobsonians feature Skywatcher’s patented tension adjustment control on the altitude bearings. This eliminates the need and added cost of clumsy counterweight systems to balance the telescope.

To top it off, all of the new Collapsible Dobsonians are shipping with ultra smooth Crayford focusers.

Skywatcher 8 Inch Collapsible Dobsonian Key Specifications

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

Normally available for pickup or shipping approx. 2-3 business days from your order

Sky-Watcher 8 Inch GOTO Collapsible Dobsonian

The elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the Sky-Watcher Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening! The patented Tension Control Handle allows users to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboards.

The SynScanTM AZ hand control allows you to point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The patented Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan series combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the convenience of a computerized Go-To telescope.

Freedom Find™ - tracking made easy!

With the patented Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology which allows the telescope to be moved manually or electronically in either axis without losing its alignment or positional information. After moving to a new object the telescope will automatically begin to track the new object accurately. No re-setup is required in one observing session.

Sky-Watcher 8 Inch GOTO Collapsible Dobsonian

SPECIFICATIONS

Instruction Manual

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.

Sky-Watcher does it again. An old favorite gets a complete facelift with new features and upgraded components!

The venerable Dobsonian reflector design has recently undergone some important upgrades and improvements: Skywatcher is pleased to introduce the all-new Collapsible Dobsonian complete with Crayford focuser – the ultimate in large aperture portability and performance.

This elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening!

The bearing system has been redesigned as well. The new Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonians feature buttery smooth azimuth bearings. Even the twelve-inch model can be rotated with just the push of a finger. Like our traditional Dobsonians, the new Collapsible Dobsonians feature Skywatcher’s patented tension adjustment control on the altitude bearings. This eliminates the need and added cost of clumsy counterweight systems to balance the telescope.

To top it off, all of the new Collapsible Dobsonians are shipping with ultra smooth Crayford focusers.

Skywatcher 12 Inch Collapsible Dobsonian Key Specifications

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.

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 and advanced observers alike, 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. Advanced observers will appreciate the ease of use and spectacular views the StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian provides.

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 many 12” 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 12" Newtonian reflector optical tube, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects. 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 other StarSense Explorer Dobsonian telescopes, the 12” Dobsonian has 2.25 more light gathering ability than the 8” and 2.25x more light gathering ability than the 10”, 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 12” Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Acrux (the "tail" of the Southern Cross, the Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, 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 12" 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.

To achieve the sharpest views faster, we recommend pairing the StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian with the USB Cooling Fan for Dobsonian Telescopes (sold separately). The fan cools the primary mirror to the ambient outdoor temperature faster, leaving you more time to observe. It mounts directly onto the rear cell of the Dobsonian and works with any USB power source.

SynScan AZ hand control SPECIFICATIONS:

• Power Supply: 10 to 15 V DC 1Amp, 2.1mm Plug (Center positive)
• Motor type: DC Servo Motors,
• Resolution: Motor encoder: 1,620,000 counts per revolution, Main axis encoder: 11,748 counts per revolution
• Slew speeds: 1.0X, 2.0X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 200X, 400X, 600X, 800X, 1000X
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Tracking Mode: Dual Axes Tracking
• Eyepieces: 1.25” Wide angle 12.5mm and 20mm
• Alignment Method: Brightest-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment
• Database: 25 user defined objects. Complete M, NGC and IC catalogue, partial SAO catalogues, total 42,900 objects
• Go-To Pointing Accuracy: Up to 5 arc min

The SynScanTM AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The patented dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan series combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the convenience of a computerized Go-To telescope.

The venerable Dobsonian reflector design has recently undergone some important upgrades and improvements: Skywatcher is pleased to introduce the all-new Collapsible Dobsonian complete with Crayford focuser – the ultimate in large aperture portability and performance.

This elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening!

The bearing system has been redesigned as well. The new Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonians feature buttery smooth azimuth bearings. Even the twelve-inch model can be rotated with just the push of a finger. Like our traditional Dobsonians, the new Collapsible Dobsonians feature Skywatcher’s patented tension adjustment control on the altitude bearings. This eliminates the need and added cost of clumsy counterweight systems to balance the telescope.

To top it off, all of the new Collapsible Dobsonians are shipping with ultra smooth Crayford focusers.

Skywatcher 16 Inch Collapsible Dobsonian Key Specifications

The exciting new Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian 14 GOTO is precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance.

The elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the SkyWatcher Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening! The patented Tension Control Handle allows users to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboards.

The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The patented dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan series combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the convenience of a computerized Go-To telescope.

Specifications

• Power Supply: 10 to 15 V DC 1Amp, 2.1mm Plug (Center positive)
• Motor type: DC Servo Motors,
• Resolution: Motor encoder: 1,620,000 counts per revolution, Main axis encoder: 11,748 counts per revolution
• Slew speeds: 1.0X, 2.0X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 200X, 400X, 600X, 800X, 1000X
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Tracking Mode: Dual Axes Tracking
• Eyepieces: 1.25” Wide angle 12.5mm and 20mm
• Alignment Method: Brightest-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment
• Database: 25 user defined objects. Complete M, NGC and IC catalog, partial SAO catalogues, total 42,900 objects
• Go-To Pointing Accuracy: Up to 5 arc min