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

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!

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

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 10 Inch Collapsible Dobsonian Key Specifications

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 exciting Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian 10 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

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.

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

• Fits 12 inch Sky-Watcher collapsible Dobsonian Telescopes
• Lightweight and Breathable Black Fiber

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.

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

Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian 16 GOTO

The Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian 16 GOTO is precision engineered and allows you to easily find and enjoy deep sky treasures. Choose from the Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more - it's 16" primary mirror has enough light grasp to see just about anything you desire. The patented collapsible tube design makes these Dobsonians the ultimate in portability and performance. The top section collapses for transport and storage making it far more convenient compared to traditional solod tube Dobsonians.

The elegant truss tube design combines 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 SynScan™ AZ hand control points the telescope at your chosen object, or even tours the night sky at the touch of a button!! The menu is easy to navigate and 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. Add the simplicity of the collapsible truss poles and you will not find comparable performance and convenience without paying a lot more!

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 Axis Tracking
• Alignment Method: Brightest-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment
• Database: 42,900 objects - complete Messier, NGC and IC catalog, partial SAO catalogues plus 25 user defined objects.
• Go-To Pointing Accuracy: Up to 5 arc min
• Eyepieces: 1.25” Wide angle 12.5mm and 20mm
• 9x50 straight finderscope

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.

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 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.

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

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

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