Vendor: Orion
Type: telescope
Price: 899.99

With its synthesis of big aperture optics and uncomplicated operation, the SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian will provide years of captivating views for the intermediate and advanced astronomy enthusiast. It brings a "new level of joy to simple observing" as Astronomy magazine raved.

The SkyQuest XT10's jumbo, 10" (251mm) diameter parabolic primary mirror gathers a ton of light, revealing fainter objects and in higher resolution than you would see with an 8" or smaller telescope. Its single-speed 2" Crayford focuser accepts optional 2" eyepieces and comes with a 1.25" adapter for 1.25" eyepieces. The included 1.25" 25mm Plossl eyepiece provides 51x magnifying power and is fully multi-coated for excellent light transmission. With this eyepiece alone you will see stunning views of the Moon's battered surface, deep-sky nebulas and star clusters.

The XT10 Classic is refreshingly easy to use thanks to its simple, "point-and-view" Dobsonian design. Instead of a more complex tripod and mount foundation, which can be a nuisance to set up and balance, the SkyQuest XT10 optical tube is supported by a sturdy composite base. Just carry the base using its beefy handle, set it down where you want to observe, then set the optical tube on the base's cradle and secure it with the CorrecTension springs. The tube glides smoothly up, down, left and right with just a gentle tug or nudge — right where you want to aim it. (One-time base assembly required.)

The accessory package of the SkyQuest XT10 Dobsonian also includes these wonderfully helpful items: the detailed Orion MoonMap 260, Orion DeepMap 600 folding star chart, and a smartphone photo adapter that lets you take incredible keepsake pictures through the telescope with your phone.

Orion CorrecTension springs make setup easy and keep the telescope balanced.

Orion's CorrecTension springs help keep the optical tube in perfect balance while also providing secure attachment to the base. They provide just the right amount of tension for buttery smooth motion of the tube's side bearings on the non-stick UHMW bearing pads on the base's cradle as you move the telescope from object to object.

Dial-in celestial details with the precision 2" Crayford focuser.

The SkyQuest XT10 features an aluminum 2" Crayford focuser with a removable step-down adapter so you can use both 1.25" and (optional) 2" telescope eyepieces. The gearless Crayford mechanism ensures that focus adjustments are smooth and free of backlash, so you can achieve sharp focus easily and quickly.

The included red-dot scope makes it easy to aim the telescope.

Following a simple alignment procedure, you'll use the red dot scope to accurately aim the telescope at objects in the sky like the Moon and bright planets. You'll see a red LED dot projected onto the finder's viewing window. Move the telescope until the red dot is superimposed on your target, then look in the telescope's eyepiece, and the object will be there!

Explore the night sky with the included 25mm Plossl Eyepiece.

The included 1.25" 25mm Plossl eyepiece provides a 48-power view and a generous 52° apparent field of view. Its fully multi-coated optics yield extremely sharp, high-contrast images that will impress night after night. Its barrel is threaded to accept Orion filters. Expand your magnification options by purchasing additional 1.25" or larger 2" wide-angle eyepieces of different focal lengths. (Additional eyepieces sold separately.)

Use the Orion MoonMap 260 to identify lunar features.

With locations and names of over 260 features on the Moon such as craters, mountains, valleys, "seas" and more, the MoonMap 260 is a great tool for amateur astronomers. This detailed map will even show you where various spacecraft have landed on the Moon's surface!

The Orion DeepMap 600 will guide you to fascinating celestial gems.

Full-color star map of the night sky with clearly indicated positions of 600 of the finest celestial objects to view. It folds up just like a road map for easy storage and transport. Back side lists essential data for all 600 objects, including a brief visual description of each. An ideal reference for beginning and advanced observers alike! Printed on dew-proof plastic.

Take smartphone pictures of the view through your telescope with this Smartphone Telescope adapter.

Adjustable smartphone holder clamps onto the telescope's eyepiece, allowing you to take shake-free, well-focused, high-power photos of celestial objects. Sure beats trying to steadily hand-hold your phone over the eyepiece — frustrating! You'll get lots of "keepers" with this smartphone photo adapter.

The SkyQuest XT10 is a big telescope all right, but it's surprisingly portable. To transport it you just unhook the CorrecTension springs from the base and pop the optical tube off. Then carry the base and the optical tube separately — each weighs less than 25 lbs.

If you're serious about amateur astronomy and want a telescope that will deliver the goods, get the Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian.

• With its big 10"-class parabolic mirror and rock-solid, smooth-gliding base, this visual powerhouse will take your observing to the next level
• Equipped with a 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter, allowing use of both 1.25" and (optional) 2' eyepieces
• Stable Dobsonian telescope base with Orion CorrecTension friction optimization system to keep the optical tube perfectly balanced in any position
• Unhook the CorrecTension springs to conveniently transport the XT10 in two pieces, each weighing less than 25 lbs.
• Includes a 25mm (51x) Plossl eyepiece, red dot reflex sight, Orion MoonMap 260, Orion DeepMap 600 folding star chart, and smartphone photo adapter - a great value!

• Optical tube
• 25mm Plossl eyepiece, 1.25"
• Base boards and assembly hardware
• Base carry handle
• Reflex sight
• Dust cover
• Smartphone photo adapter
• MoonMap 260
• DeepMap 600

Vendor: William Optics
Type: telescope
Price: 2241.00

William Optics Gran Turismo 81 APO w/ Internal Focus Design

Introducing the William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD) Apochromatic Series. This innovative and revolutionary design combines a precision (patented) internal focusing mechanism with the highest quality optics available, providing the ultimate Apochromatic refractor for astrophotography. Designed from the ground up with the ability to handle the newest generation of large, heavy, high-resolution cooled cameras, the rock-solid optical tube assembly is uncompromised in quality. The movement of the focuser is integrated inside the main tube assembly, so there are no movements of a focuser drawtube visible from the outside. The user can enjoy the benefits of a traditional two speed fine focuser, while not worrying about limitations typically found in traditional rear mounted focusers.

Focuser Design

William Optic's new design includes the patented WO center focuser with precise internal sliding of fixed optics to prevent image shift. The integrated position viewing window on the focuser provides instant verification of the graduated numerical display. The smooth rack and pinion design is incorporated into the focuser to provide super fine adjustability for critical focus. The internal movement of the optical elements is protected from the elements and can’t come out of alignment. The redistribution of weight allows for better balance during imaging sessions.

Design Principle

The WIFD series will allow for many sizes and is not limited to smaller refractors. Additional optical designs are possible to meet various photographic requirements enhancing the line to include a number of apertures and fast focal ratios.

Inspired by the tremendous success of the WO CAT series of astrographs, William Optics has advanced the capabilities of astrophotography to the next level with this "no weight limit on photo accessories" design. The solid tube where accessories are attached, has a rigid design, and will not flex or exhibit any change in the optical path regardless of the weight of the camera and filter wheel attached to it.

Cat Design

Improved "CAT" design ring tubes and dovetail base are lighter while remaining equally rigid. The new design allows for better balance with heavy accessories, and has integral placement of the focuser knobs, providing easy access to focusing during imaging. Included is the popular WO saddle bar handle, critical for rigid guidescope mounting and autoguiding performance.

Super Smooth Field Rotator. Our field rotator design features smooth camera rotation with markings for degrees and a locking thumbscrew to prevent accidental camera movement, also new Electric Rotator will be available in near future.

William Optics FLAT6AIII Adjustable Field Flattener

The William Optics Adjustable Field Flattener  improves the flat-field imaging performance of William Optics GT71, GT81, Z81, and Z103 refractors. 

Features of the William Optics Adjustable Field Flattener

• APO triplet optics made with Ohara glass. 
• Fully multi-coated to provide bright and flat field across 97% of full-frame sensors.
• Built with M63 threads on the telescope side.

The following telescope models can be used with the William Optics FLAT6AIII Adjustable Field Flattener

• Amount of Adjustment:
• GT71 - 9.1mm
• GT71 - 9.1mm
• GT81 - 7.1mm
• Z103 - 2.5mm
• Z81 - 5.2mm

• Back Focus:
• GT71 - 64.1mm
• GT71 - 9.1mm
• GT81 - 62.1mm
• Z103 - 57.5mm
• Z81 - 60.2mm

• Image Circle:
• GT71 - 44mm
• GT71 - 9.1mm
• GT81 - 44mm
• Z103 - 43mm
• Z81 - 44mm

William Optics UniGuide 32mm Guide Scope - Red

The William Optics UniGuide slide-based guide scope is a great addition to your William Optics telescope set-up. You'll get the perfect focus you need every time!

• Comes with an adjustable field flattener and a red 32mm guide scope
• The new Apochromatic Series with Internal Focus Design (WIFD)
• The new design includes the patented WO center focuser with precise internal sliding of fixed optics to prevent image shift
• The WIFD series will allow for many sizes and is not limited to smaller refractors
• Improved "CAT" design ring tubes and dovetail base are lighter while remaining equally rigid

• William Optics Gran Turismo 81 w/ Internal Focus Design APO
• Bag
• Saddle bar handle
• William Optics FLAT6AIII Adjustable Field Flattener
• William Optics UniGuide 32mm Guide Scope - Red

Vendor: Orion
Type: telescope
Price: 159.99

Although perfect for beginning stargazers, this telescope is not a toy! The Orion SkyScanner 100 mm TableTop Reflector is just the right size - large enough to see night sky objects yet compact enough to sit on a desk. The wide field of vision is ideal for observing detailed moon craters and even the spectacular rings of Saturn without having to leave town.

Under darker skies, the SkyScanner has enough light-gathering power to reveal objects as deep as the Milky Way. Complete with 100 mm parabolic primary mirror optics made of glass, not plastic, two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10 mm and 20 mm), and an EZ finder II reflex sight, this 100 mm reflector provides up to 40x magnification out of the box and collects over 200 times more light than the unaided eye!

• Observe detailed moon craters and even the spectacular rings of Saturn!
• Includes two 1.25-inch eyepieces of 10 mm and 20 mm length.
• Light enough to take it to darker sky sites!

• SkyScanner 100mm optical tube
• EZ Finder reflex sight
• 20mm 4-element eyepiece, 1.25"
• 10mm 4-element eyepiece, 1.25"
• 3x Barlow lens
• Base (assembled)
• Dust cap
• MoonMap 260

Vendor: Orion
Type: telescope
Price: 279.99

Here is a fun and compact telescope that's sure to inspire the whole family's natural inclination to explore. The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope will impress you and your family with its high-quality construction, hassle-free operation, and space-penetrating optical performance.

A perfect telescope for beginning amateur astronomers, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector is manufactured with the kind of quality you'd expect only to find in much more expensive models. Beginning amateur astronomers will enjoy hour after hour of fun under the stars. In fact, the optics of the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector are so good that it's also a very popular choice for more experienced amateur astronomers wanting a "grab-and-go" alternative to larger, bulkier mounted models that require more setup time and maintenance.

With its big 4.5" aperture parabolic primary mirror, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope will wow the whole family with gorgeous wide-field views of the night sky. Fascinating craters and mountains on the Moon pop out in crisp detail. The planetary giant Jupiter with its orbiting moons and Saturn with its stunning rings will have you gazing in awe. And from a dark sky you will study intriguing views of bright galaxies, distant cloudy nebulas, and sparkling star clusters.

Set the compact StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector on the ground, on a table in the back yard, or even on the hood of your car in the backcountry, and comfortably view the heavens to your heart's content. Thanks to its modest stature, the StarBlast makes a great "take it with" telescope for road trip adventures, camp-outs, and just hitting the local park.

Outfitted with a thorough set of included accessories, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector is one nicely equipped telescope!

You get quality 20mm and 10mm 4-element eyepieces with the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector.

Start with the 20mm eyepiece to see a wide view with 22.5x magnification. Once you've centered an object in the 20mm eyepiece, swap in the 10mm eyepiece to boost the magnification up to 45x. Both eyepieces have threaded barrels to allow use of Orion filters, including the glare-reducing Moon filter that comes with the telescope.

The included Orion EZ Finder II red-dot scope makes it "EZ" to aim the telescope.

Following a simple alignment procedure, use the EZ Finder II "red dot scope" to accurately aim the StarBlast 4.5 at objects in the sky like the Moon and bright planets. Just peer through the EZ Finder's viewing window and move the telescope until the red dot is positioned on the object you want to observe. And voila the object will appear right in the telescope's eyepiece, ready to view. Recently upgraded with a dovetail base.

Dial-in celestial details with the smooth adjusting 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser.

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector telescope features a precision rack-and-pinion 1.25" focuser built to accept any 1.25"-sized Orion eyepiece or accessory. The smooth focus control makes it easy to dial-in fine details when observing objects in the night sky, whether you're looking at a rocky lunar crater or a wispy nebula. The focuser features two knurled thumbscrews to secure inserted 1.25" eyepieces and accessories in-place.

Built-in base handle makes the StarBlast a great "grab-and-go" telescope.

Thanks to the built-in carrying handle on the telescope's pre-assembled base, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector can be set up quickly and easily and carried conveniently. With a total assembled weight of just 13 lbs., the StarBlast 4.5 is delightfully transportable.

Cut the Moon's glare and see more detail on its surface with the Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter.

This popular accessory reduces glare and boosts contrast so you can enjoy more-detailed views of lunar surface features. It blocks 87% of the Moon's brightness to provide a more comfortable view and reveal subtle details. It's a neutral density filter that will not alter the natural color of the Moon, either.

Explore the Moon and identify its craters, spacecraft landing sites, and more with your telescope!

With locations and names of over 260 features on the Moon such as craters, mountains, valleys, and "seas", the Orion MoonMap 260 is a wonderful tool for all amateur astronomers. Keep it handy while you look through the telescope to help identify lunar features as you observe them. "Wow, that bright crater is named Tycho!"

The StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector has been designed with simplicity and performance in mind. The telescope swivels effortlessly on its sturdy altazimuth base for point-and-view ease of use. In fact, the whole telescope comes pre-assembled and ready for stargazing action right out of the box! All you have to do is attach the included EZ Finder II reflex sight, insert one of the two included 1.25" telescope eyepieces, and you're ready for a night of family fun with the stars! A handy eyepiece rack attached to the StarBlast 4.5 base provides a storage spot for telescope eyepieces when not in use.

NOTE: The StarBlast 4.5 is a reflector type telescope, and reflectors are not recommended for daytime terrestrial viewing because the image in the eyepiece is not right-side up. But reflector telescopes make great astronomical instruments, because there is no "right side up" in space!

• Compact grab-and-go telescope designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts
• Substantial 4.5" aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio provides bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets, as well as wide-field celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters
• Low-profile swivel base ships pre-assembled, provides smooth altazimuth motion for easy manual targeting and tracking of celestial objects
• Includes 20mm (22.5x power) and 10mm (for 45x power) 4-element eyepieces, EZ Finder II aiming device, eyepiece rack, glare-reducing Moon filter, and Orion's MoonMap 260

• StarBlast 4.5 optical tube
• EZ Finder reflex sight
• 20mm 4-element eyepiece, 1.25"
• 10mm 4-element eyepiece, 1.25"
• 1.25" Moon filter
• Base (assembled)
• Tube clamp
• Eyepiece rack
• Dust cap
• MoonMap 260

Vendor: Celestron
Type: telescope
Price: 1629.00

The Celestron Advanced VX 8-inch Newtonian Telescope is engineered from the ground up with astro-imaging in mind and sets a new standard in mid-level telescopes on the market today. The Celestron Advanced VX provides you with many of the features found on sophisticated German equatorial mounts, at an extremely affordable price.

The Celestron Advanced VX equatorial mount is specifically designed to provide optimum imaging performance for telescopes that weigh 30 lb or less. Track through long exposures with the Advanced VX, by using permanently programmable periodic error correction, or image across the meridian without doing a meridian flip. You can also enjoy features like All-Star Polar Alignment and auto guider support.

Take this portable mount to a dark sky site and experience the same quality as a larger stationary mount! The Celestron Advanced VX will serve you for a long time, whether you choose to do visual or imaging work- or both!

Gain Better Observation with the features of the Celestron Advanced VX 8-inch Telescope 

• NEWLY DESIGNED dual saddle plate compatible with both narrow dovetail and larger CGE dovetails.
• Celestron's 8-inch (200 mm) Newtonian optical tube assembly, with its f/5 optical design, gives excellent wide-field views.
• The 8-inch Newtonian's parabolic primary mirror minimizes spherical aberration to produce a better image.
• Integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction on the Celestron Advanced VX mount eliminates recurring track errors from the worm gear.
• The motors of the VX mount offer improved tracking performance & provide more power to overcome load imbalances.
• The updated industrial design of the Advanced VX offers more rigidity, less flexure, and improved aesthetics.
• The Celestron VX design allows viewing or imaging across the meridian without interference from the motor's housings.
• The Advanced VX mount can be used between 7 and 77 degrees latitude, incorporating a much larger latitudinal range than generally seen on equatorial mounts.
• The improved electronics on the Advanced VX contain increased memory for future expansion!
• A Celestron NexStar+ hand control offers multiple language programming (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish).

More About Celestron's Optical Tube Assembly

The 8-inch Newtonian OTA offers a wide field of view with a focal ratio of f/5. With a 200 mm of light-gathering capability, you can travel out of the solar system and into deep space! This reflecting telescope system, with its classic parabolic aluminized primary mirror, is a great way to enter the hobby. If you decide you want something a bit bigger, or of a different optical design, you can simply swap one OTA for another. Since the VX mount can handle up to 30 lb, you have plenty of options.

• 8-inch Newtonian Advanced VX Reflector Telescope.
• Parabolic Primary Mirror.
• Uninterrupted views across the meridian.
• It can be used between 7 and 77 degrees latitude.
• NexStar+ hand controller/ multiple language programming.
• 2 Year Warranty!
• NEW dual saddle plate compatible with both narrow CG-5 dovetails and larger CGE dovetails.
• PLEASE NOTE: The manufacturer has stated this mount unable to accept D-Style (Losmandy style) dovetail plates.

• 8-inch f/5 Newtonian Reflector OTA.
• VX Advanced Mount.
• Tripod: Adjustable, 2-inch Stainless Steel Legs.
• 1 Eyepiece, 20mm Plossl.
• Finderscope: 9x50 Optical.
• Counterweight Bar: 12-inch Length, 0.75-inch Diameter lb (5.44 kg).
• 2 Counterweights, 11 lb each.
• DC Power Cord/ Cigarette Lighter Adapter.
• NexStar+ Hand Controller with a Database of 40,000+ objects.
• Internal Clock.
• 2 Year Warranty.

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 4525.00

Sky-Watcher’s Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian series are the telescopes your mother warned you about. Big aperture, bigger attitude, with all the innovations that make Sky-Watcher the obvious choice when hunting for that Goldilocks zone where value meets desire. Ranging from the standard 8 to a whopping 16 inches in diameter, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are precision engineered instruments that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures such as planets and the Moon, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance which is crucial when travelling to dark skies to make the most of these impressively large telescopes.

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 Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces (optical tube and rocker box) 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 and even after being collapsed! 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 patented Freedom Find dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Flextube SynScan series seamlessly combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the performance and precision of a computerized GoTo telescope all to help you in your quest for big aperture views.

• Large 406mm aperture delivers dazzling views, 1800mm focal length, f/4.4 focal ratio
• Built-in Wi-Fi telescope control
• Innovative collapsible design for portability, storage, and back focus for astrophotography all while retaining collimation
• 3257x more light-gathering power than the human eye
• Patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders to allow manual control while retaining alignment
• Patented tension control handle allows for precise slewing and maximum stability
• Parabolic primary mirror with Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coating for 94% light reflectivity
• Heavy-duty rocker box with Teflon™ bearings provide a stable base with smooth motion
• 2" single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adapter allows for use of nearly any eyepiece
• 9x50 straight-through finderscope, 10 and 25mm 4-element 1.25" Plössl eyepieces, and wifi adapter included

• Flextube 400P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian
• Wifi adapter
• 9x50 straight through finderscope
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter
• 10 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")
• 25 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 3460.00

Sky-Watcher’s Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian series are the telescopes your mother warned you about. Big aperture, bigger attitude, with all the innovations that make Sky-Watcher the obvious choice when hunting for that Goldilocks zone where value meets desire. Ranging from the standard 8 to a whopping 16 inches in diameter, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are precision engineered instruments that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures such as planets and the Moon, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance which is crucial when travelling to dark skies to make the most of these impressively large telescopes.

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 Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces (optical tube and rocker box) 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 and even after being collapsed! 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 patented Freedom Find dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Flextube SynScan series seamlessly combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the performance and precision of a computerized GoTo telescope all to help you in your quest for big aperture views.

• Large 356mm aperture delivers dazzling views, 1650mm focal length, f/4.6 focal ratio
• Built-in Wi-Fi telescope control
• Innovative collapsible design for portability, storage, and back focus for astrophotography all while retaining collimation
• 2507x more light-gathering power than the human eye
• Patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders to allow manual control while retaining alignment
• Patented tension control handle allows for precise slewing and maximum stability
• Parabolic primary mirror with Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coating for 94% light reflectivity
• Heavy-duty rocker box with Teflon™ bearings provide a stable base with smooth motion
• 2" single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adapter allows for use of nearly any eyepiece
• 9x50 straight-through finderscope, 10 and 25mm 4-element 1.25" Plössl eyepieces, and wifi adapter included

• Flextube 350P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian
• Wifi adapter
• 9x50 straight through finderscope
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter
• 10 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")
• 25 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 2405.00

Sky-Watcher’s Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian series are the telescopes your mother warned you about. Big aperture, bigger attitude, with all the innovations that make Sky-Watcher the obvious choice when hunting for that Goldilocks zone where value meets desire. Ranging from the standard 8 to a whopping 16 inches in diameter, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are precision engineered instruments that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures such as planets and the Moon, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance which is crucial when travelling to dark skies to make the most of these impressively large telescopes.

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 Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces (optical tube and rocker box) 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 and even after being collapsed! 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 patented Freedom Find dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Flextube SynScan series seamlessly combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the performance and precision of a computerized GoTo telescope all to help you in your quest for big aperture views.

• Large 305mm aperture delivers dazzling views, 1500mm focal length, f/4.7 focal ratio
• Built-in Wi-Fi telescope control
• Innovative collapsible design for portability, storage, and back focus for astrophotography all while retaining collimation
• 1840x more light-gathering power than the human eye
• Patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders to allow manual control while retaining alignment
• Patented tension control handle allows for precise slewing and maximum stability
• Parabolic primary mirror with Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coating for 94% light reflectivity
• Heavy-duty rocker box with Teflon™ bearings provide a stable base with smooth motion
• 2" single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adapter allows for use of nearly any eyepiece
• 9x50 straight-through finderscope, 10 and 25mm 4-element 1.25" Plössl eyepieces, and wifi adapter included

• Flextube 300P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian
• Wifi adapter
• 9x50 straight through finderscope
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter
• 10 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")
• 25 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 1325.00

Sky-Watcher’s Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian series are the telescopes your mother warned you about. Big aperture, bigger attitude, with all the innovations that make Sky-Watcher the obvious choice when hunting for that Goldilocks zone where value meets desire. Ranging from the standard 8 to a whopping 16 inches in diameter, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are precision engineered instruments that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures such as planets and the Moon, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance which is crucial when travelling to dark skies to make the most of these impressively large telescopes.

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 Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces (optical tube and rocker box) 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 and even after being collapsed! 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 patented Freedom Find dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Flextube SynScan series seamlessly combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the performance and precision of a computerized GoTo telescope all to help you in your quest for big aperture views.

• Large 254mm aperture delivers dazzling views, 1200mm focal length, f/4.7 focal ratio
• Built-in Wi-Fi telescope control
• Innovative collapsible design for portability, storage, and back focus for astrophotography all while retaining collimation
• 1275x more light-gathering power than the human eye
• Patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders to allow manual control while retaining alignment
• Patented tension control handle allows for precise slewing and maximum stability
• Parabolic primary mirror with Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coating for 94% light reflectivity
• Heavy-duty rocker box with Teflon™ bearings provide a stable base with smooth motion
• 2" single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adapter allows for use of nearly any eyepiece
• 9x50 straight-through finderscope, 10 and 25mm 4-element 1.25" Plössl eyepieces, and wifi adapter included

• Flextube 250P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian
• Wifi adapter
• 9x50 straight through finderscope
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter
• 10 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")
• 25 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 1095.00

Sky-Watcher’s Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian series are the telescopes your mother warned you about. Big aperture, bigger attitude, with all the innovations that make Sky-Watcher the obvious choice when hunting for that Goldilocks zone where value meets desire. Ranging from the standard 8 to a whopping 16 inches in diameter, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are precision engineered instruments that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures such as planets and the Moon, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance which is crucial when travelling to dark skies to make the most of these impressively large telescopes.

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 Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces (optical tube and rocker box) 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 and even after being collapsed! 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 patented Freedom Find dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

The Flextube SynScan series seamlessly combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the performance and precision of a computerized GoTo telescope all to help you in your quest for big aperture views.

• Large 203mm aperture delivers dazzling views, 1200mm focal length, f/5.9 focal ratio
• Built-in Wi-Fi telescope control
• Innovative collapsible design for portability, storage, and back focus for astrophotography all while retaining collimation
• 814x more light-gathering power than the human eye
• Patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders to allow manual control while retaining alignment
• Patented tension control handle allows for precise slewing and maximum stability
• Parabolic primary mirror with Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coating for 94% light reflectivity
• Heavy-duty rocker box with Teflon™ bearings provide a stable base with smooth motion
• 2-inch single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25-inch adapter allows for use of nearly any eyepiece
• 9x50 straight-through finderscope, 10 and 25mm 4-element 1.25-inch Plössl eyepieces, and wifi adapter included

• Flextube 200P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian
• Wifi adapter
• 9x50 straight through finderscope
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter
• 10 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")
• 25 mm Plossl eyepiece (1.25")

Vendor: Lunt Solar
Type: telescope
Price: 1809.00

The LUNT Solar Systems 60 mm Universal Telescope is the smallest and most portable of the new line telescopes. You can enjoy this new versatile 60 mm telescope with its new ED Doublet Lens in all our available wavelengths, for a true grab-and-go scope that will deliver excellent views in all its configurations.

The Lunt 60 mm Universal Telescope provides stellar Solar Viewing in its default configuration with provided Hydrogen Alpha Module, its 60 mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry.

Explore the majesty of the Sun’s prominences, Filaments and other surface phenomena during the day, and when the Sun finally sets, switch to wandering through our Galaxy at night with minimal effort. The 60 Universal has been designed with ease in mind, ensuring your transition from daytime to nigh time viewing in mere moments.

Includes a 2" Rack & Pinion Focuser

• Includes a Rack & Pinion focuser
• Smallest and most portable of the new line of modular telescopes
• 60mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry
• White Light, calcium K, terrestrial, and night time viewing at a 70mm aperture in its night time configuration
• Superb hydrogen alpha viewing

• Lunt 60mm Universal Day & Night OTA
• Clamshell
• Hard case with custom foam insert
• Rack & Pinion focuser

Vendor: Lunt Solar
Type: telescope
Price: 2030.00

The LUNT Solar Systems 60 mm Universal Telescope is the smallest and most portable of the new line telescopes. You can enjoy this new versatile 60 mm telescope with its new ED Doublet Lens in all our available wavelengths, for a true grab-and-go scope that will deliver excellent views in all its configurations.

The Lunt 60 mm Universal Telescope provides stellar Solar Viewing in its default configuration with provided Hydrogen Alpha Module, its 60 mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry.

Explore the majesty of the Sun’s prominences, Filaments and other surface phenomena during the day, and when the Sun finally sets, switch to wandering through our Galaxy at night with minimal effort. The 60 Universal has been designed with ease in mind, ensuring your transition from daytime to nigh time viewing in mere moments.

Lunt Solar Systems 2″ Crayford Dual Speed Focuser

Lunt Solar's nicely machined 2″ dual speed 10:1 Crayford-style focuser, designed and made in house at Lunt’s machine shop, is now available for all Lunt Solar Universal Day and Night Telescopes and has course and fine focus adjustments with its smooth action focusing knobs.

With a travel distance of 52mm, Lunt Solar designed this Crayford-Style 10:1 focuser for a variety of uses and applications alongside their Universal Telescope. Whether you are shooting night time photography, or simply spending a day in the Sun, the New Lunt Crayford Focuser is sure to delight and keep you steady!

• Includes a Lunt Solar Systems 2″ Crayford Dual Speed Focuser: dual speed, 10:1 fine focus, 2″ draw tube travel, internal braking system, draw tube compression ring system, lifting capacity 8-10 lbs, and made in the USA
• Smallest and most portable of the new line of modular telescopes
• 60mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry
• White Light, calcium K, terrestrial, and night time viewing at a 70mm aperture in its night time configuration
• Superb hydrogen alpha viewing

• Lunt 60mm Universal Day & Night OTA
• Clamshell
• Hard case with custom foam insert
• Lunt Crayford focuser

Vendor: Lunt Solar
Type: telescope
Price: 2215.00

The LUNT Solar Systems 60 mm Universal Telescope is the smallest and most portable of the new line telescopes. You can enjoy this new versatile 60 mm telescope with its new ED Doublet Lens in all our available wavelengths, for a true grab-and-go scope that will deliver excellent views in all its configurations.

The Lunt 60 mm Universal Telescope provides stellar Solar Viewing in its default configuration with provided Hydrogen Alpha Module, its 60 mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry.

Explore the majesty of the Sun’s prominences, Filaments and other surface phenomena during the day, and when the Sun finally sets, switch to wandering through our Galaxy at night with minimal effort. The 60 Universal has been designed with ease in mind, ensuring your transition from daytime to nigh time viewing in mere moments.

2″ Feather Touch Focuser

The Starlight Feather Touch Focusers have been redesigned and is even better than the original! All running parts are now hardened stainless steel on hardened stainless steel. This greatly improves the smoothness, wear characteristics and its robustness. This new design will virtually not wear out and moves with even greater smoothness and precision than the original model. It is still an absolute must for CCD imaging and astro-photography, in addition to making visual use a joy.

Standard Features:

• Ultra-smooth coarse/fine focus knobs (10:1 Ratio)
• Glare resistant black internal baffling
• Durable hardened stainless steel, steel, and aluminum construction
• Anodized aluminum fine focus knob
• Standard Draw Tube with nylon
• Tipped stainless steel set screws (gentle on eyepieces)
• Ultra-Low backlash system for accurate control
• 52 mm threaded Draw Tube to accommodate filters
• Sleek aesthetic design

Technical Information:

• Focuser travel: 1.5″ or 2.5″ (depending on model)
• Minimum focus height: 35.56 mm
• Focuser height with adapter plate: 40.64 mm
• Focus repeatability: 0.01 mm
• Backlash: 0.0 mm
• Fine focus reduction: 1,778 mm per step
• Lifting capability: 2.5 kg = 5.5 lb

• Includes a 2″ Feather Touch Focuser: ultra-smooth coarse/fine focus knobs (10:1 Ratio), glare resistant black internal baffling, durable hardened stainless steel, steel, and aluminum construction
• Smallest and most portable of the new line of modular telescopes
• 60mm aperture allowing the viewer to gaze at the sun with an unobstructed clarity that is unparalleled in the industry
• White Light, calcium K, terrestrial, and night time viewing at a 70mm aperture in its night time configuration
• Superb hydrogen alpha viewing

• Lunt 60mm Universal Day & Night OTA
• Clamshell
• Hard case with custom foam insert
• Feather touch focuser

Vendor: Orion
Type: telescope
Price: 699.99

• 203mm (8") aperture and 1200mm focal length Dobsonian reflector telescope allows you to reach deep into space for jaw-dropping images of the Moon, planets, and deep space objects too
• Big-aperture Dobsonian telescope optics + point-and-view ease of use = out-of-this-world value
• Included Orion 2x Shorty Barlow Lens doubles the magnification of virtually any 1.25" eyepiece, adding magnification options to your telescope
• The included Beginning Stargazers Toolkit provides plentiful reference material for nighttime observing and a handy red LED light to see them with
• An amazing value compared to purchasing each item separately

Vendor: William Optics
Type: telescope
Price: 1065.00

• Triplet air-spaced objective (FPL-53) in adjustable CNC machined ultra-high precision lens cell.
• Extremely sharp with excellent color correction.
• Each lens is Fully Multi-Coated with a special super-high transmission coating (STM Coating) on all surfaces
• This f/5.9 lens is ideal for astrophotography. 

2" V-power Focuser

• Extra-smooth new 2" Crayford focuser with 1:10 dual speed: a treat to use during astrophotography. No image shifting (up to 15Lb.)!
• Comes with two locking screws on angled positions for heavy load applications.
• Stainless steel reinforcement inserts on both sides and on the back to allow heavy loading without problems.
• Graduated scale for precise camera alignment.
• Innovative Bahtinov Mask Cover (Patented) included

Simply Beautiful Finish

• Quality fit and finish powder-painted white CNC-machined aluminum tube, gold trim finish, retractable dew shield, dew shield cap.
• Top quality anodizing.
• Very compact for carrying on flights.

• Telescope tube weight: 4.9 lbs
• Focal length: 420 mm
• Focal ratio: f/5.9
• Aperture: 71 mm
• Includes Flat6AIII for a more complete astrophotography experience.

• William Optics Gran Turismo 71 APO Refractor
• Built-in Bahtinov Mask
• CNC Handle Bar
• 2.5" R&P Focuser
• Soft Carry Case
• Flat6AIII Flattener
• William Optics Camera Angle Rotator

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 1150.00

The Sky Watcher 10" Dobsonian is an instrument that will provide a lifetime of continued exploration of the cosmos. This telescope will hit the sweet-spot for many amateurs, providing all the capability and value you are seeking in a large aperture telescope. Sky-Watcher's revolutionary truss-support concept allows the optical tube's front and back cells to collapse together, aligning on the truss support rods which can then be locked down for easy and secure telescope transport. This one piece, low-hassle OTA design is mechanically simple and results in a large aperture telescope that can be reasonably handled and transported by one individual. This innovation gives Sky-Watcher users tremendous functional ease-of-transportability.

In viewing deep-space, aperture matters - big time! With this telescope you have tremendous light gathering power. Prominent deep-space objects seen well in the 10" Sky-Watcher Dobsonian, such as diffuse emission nebulae in the summer sky like the Lagoon (M8), Trifid (M20), and Swan (M17); the stunning globular star clusters M13 and M92 in Constellation Hercules; the awesome winter sky's Great Orion Nebula (M42) in Constellation Orion, and our enormous local galaxy group companion the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) in Constellation Andromeda, to name a very few, will appear more spectacular, brilliant, and wider in extension in a Sky-Watcher 10" DOB.

Many challenging objects for an 8" aperture now come into their own with the SW 10" DOB: the planetary nebula the Crab (M1), a supernova remnant, requires a 10" aperture to truly begin to appreciate the several subtle, gaseous filamentary structures. M33 the spiral galaxy in Constellation Triangulum exhibits significantly more open arm structure. The Rosette Nebula in Monoceros begins to show the discernable pattern of a blooming rose. M51, the fascinating spiral Whirlpool Galaxy, displays remarkable greater structural detail in a 10" aperture vs. 8" diameter size telescope.

There is no question the incremental resolving power of a 10-inch aperture is visually impressive when compared to an 8-inch. Therefore, it is no wonder then that the 10" aperture is overtaking the 8" as the serious amateur astronomer's aperture of choice in a Dobsonian telescope. Sky-Watcher's compact, collapsible optical tube design makes the decision to step up in aperture to a 10" even easier.

Observing with a Dobsonian has been described akin to shooting ducks in a barrel because it is so easy to find your target. Just swing your Sky-Watcher Dobsonian to the quadrant of sky to be searched, and scan the vicinity. The included 8 x 50mm right angle optical viewfinder provides both magnification and light-gathering to help narrow your search. The standard-equipment backlash-free 2" Crayford Focuser insures ultra smooth focusing adjustments, and the multi-coated, 4-element Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) provide a spacious 52 degree Apparent Field of View.

To ensure mechanical ease-of-use, Sky-Watcher USA uses a high-performance Teflon bearing system in both axes, combined with tension adjustment in altitude to facilitate setting the appropriate amount of friction, assuring smooth vertical and horizontal manual movement without free-play from small bumps or gusts of wind. This also eliminates the need to have a balanced optical tube as in an equatorial mount. Sky-Watcher's Teflon bearing system is preferable to the use of ball-bearings. Ball-bearings make unintended movement of the optical tube more difficult to control. Fortunately, at low power, deep-space objects leisurely drift through the field of the Sky-Watcher 10" Dob, so constant mechanical adjustment of the telescope's orientation isn't needed to keep objects in the field of view.

Sky-Watcher's revolutionary truss-support concept allows the optical tube's front and back cells to collapse together, aligning on the truss support rods which can then be locked down for easy and secure telescope transport. This one piece, low-hassle OTA design is mechanically simple and results in large aperture telescopes that can be reasonably handled and transported by one individual. This innovation gives Sky-Watcher users tremendous functional ease-of-transportability.

The Sky-Watcher 10" Dobsonian utilizes quality components throughout. Pride of workmanship manifests itself in high quality standards of optical and mechanical fabrication. The polishing process for primary and diagonal mirror yields smooth mirror surfaces ensuring good contrast, and properly corrected optics show minimum alterations to the optical wave-front.

Aluminum is vacuum-deposited to the front glass surface on each primary mirror and elliptical diagonal mirror and then over-coated with hard quartz (SiO4). Additional layers of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and (SiO4) are then applied. Dust covers help keep your telescope clean when not in use.

The mechanical and structural components of the OTA exhibit rigid construction and outstanding stability. The mount construction is sturdy and rigid. Mount design, while simple, facilitates smooth motions about both axes. Quality accessories enhance the observer's viewing experience.

• Aperture: 254mm (10")
• Focal Ratio: f/4.7
• Focal Length: 1193mm
• Optical Design: Open Tube Newtonian
• Tube Weight with Accessories: 33 lb
• Overall Weight: 59.5 lb
• Will ship directly from Sky-Watcher in the continental US

• 10" f/5 Dobsonian Telescope
• 8 x 50 RA Finderscope & Bracket
• 2" Crayford Focuser
• 1.25" Adapter
• 10mm Plossl Eyepiece (1.25")
• 25mm Plossl Eyepiece (1.25")
• Dust Cover
• Eyepiece Tray

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 375.00

The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Mount and 90 mm f/13.9 Maksutov-Cassegrain Refracting Telescope:

This lightweight, motorized mount from Sky-Watcher is versatile, indeed! With the 90 mm (3.54-Inch) aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope attached to the arm, you can use the Virtuoso as a nighttime telescope with the two eyepieces that are included in the package. Extra eyepieces can always be added later on as your interest in the hobby grows. During the day you can look at activity on the Sun with the included full aperture solar filter and special sun finder. Watch huge sunspots grow and shrink with your own eyes, and know that you will always have a way to safely view solar eclipses! When you're not looking at the Sun you can use the telescope as a terrestrial spotting scope. Watch for whales from the beach, safely view wildlife when you're camping or on vacation, or check out the bird's nest in your own backyard!

With most telescopes, when the optical tube assembly is being removed from the mount, you are normally putting everything away. Not with the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso! The multi-function motorized mount with dual-encoders can help you take pictures or video with your phone, camera, or camcorder that you wouldn't be able to achieve if you were holding the device in your hand.

Attach the special bracket to the mount and then simply mount your device to the bracket. Make a panoramic photo of your surroundings, or use a video camera to go video cruising and program up to six stops in the sequence. There is even an automatic shutter release function for the Canon Rebel EOS DSLR camera included on the mount.

The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount requires 8 AA user-supplied batteries, which means you can take this mount anywhere! Sit it on a picnic table, a solid concrete wall, or other flat surface, or attach it to a tripod if you'd rather stand. The dual-axis encoders on the mount allow you to make manual movements during tracking without causing the electronics to losing alignment.

OPT Product Number: SW-S11750

• Mount: single Arm, Alt-Azimuth, Table-Top
• Virtuoso Mount can be used for telescopes, cameras, etc, smaller than 90 mm
• Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Aperture: 90 mm (3.54-Inch)
• Highly versatile mount has a wide range of applications

Includes:

• Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Alt-Azimuth Tabletop Mount
• 5 x 24 Finderscope
• 90 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly
• 90 mm Solar Filter
• Solar Finder with Bracket
• 1.25-inch Star Diagonal
• Two 1.25-inch Super Eyepieces: 10 mm and 20 mm
• 1/4-inch x20 L Bracket
• Bracket for DSLR, Camcorder, and Cell Phone

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 725.00

OPT loves Dobsonians! Many of our telescope experts started out with one, and have fond memories of silently pushing it around the sky, peering into the star clouds of the Milky Way in hopes of finding a new galaxy, nebulae, star cluster, or interesting star to investigate. Over time, we may have moved on to large electronic mounts to support our astrophotography habit, but we will always look fondly on our introduction to deep space through the eyepiece of a Dobsonian Telescope.

The Sky-Watcher 8" f/6 Dobsonian is just such a telescope. It is the middle-sized telescope in the Sky-Watcher Traditional Dobsonian line, but believe you me, you are getting a lot more bang for your buck with a 8" Dobsonian than with a comparably priced Cassegrain or Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount.

• Relatively Easy on the Wallet The Sky-Watcher Traditional Dob design costs the least to manufacture out of all the Dobsonian choices on the market today. It is very similar to the telescopes John Dobson, the father of the Dobsonian mount, built for himself and taught others to build to support the mirror they ground themselves in his "mirror making" classes.
• It's Pretty Much Indestructible! Since the rocker box mount sits firmly on the ground, there is no tripod to trip over and cause the whole telescope to come crashing to the ground. The closed tube assembly does a good job of protecting the mirror, whether its in use or being stored. There are no wires, cords, or delicate features of the telescope to worry about. The sturdiness factor makes this the perfect telescope for kids and teens, and it is the scope of choice for schools, organizations, and outreach.
• Super Easy to Use Set up takes about a minute. Place the telescope tube in the cradle of the Dobsonian mount, pop an eyepiece in the focuser. Done. You can show newbies how to use your Sky-Watcher 8" Dobsonian in about five minutes, tops. Especially if you buy yourself an easy-to-point red dot finder, like the classic Telrad. Now you can go get a cup of coffee, run another more complicated telescope, or go in the house and take a nap, because that newbie will be swinging your Dob around like a champ before you can add sugar to your cup.
• Like Elmer Fudd, its "Very, Very Quiet" There are no motors, no power supplies, and bells, no whistles, no button pushing....you get the idea. This is a Point and Shoot telescope. Point it, then look. Then move it to something else and look again. I'm not saying that computerized telescopes don't have a place in astronomy. They are very cool, and can find things in the sky for you in a flash. But you pay the price for all of those brains and motors, and sometimes it is more fun to, oh, I don't know, find the Andromeda Galaxy all by yourself.
• Learn the Sky If you buy a Sky-Watcher Dobsonian, you will have the opportunity to learn the sky. When you hunt down an object yourself, instead of letting a computer do it for you, the sense of discovery is heightened considerably. And here's the thing....we all have enough computer assistance in our lives. Smartphones, tablets, laptops...they are around us all day long. But to step outside into the night, and spend some time hunting down that elusive galaxy in Leo the Lion with a simple telescope that is not all that different from what Galileo would have used (except yours is quite a bit bigger!)...there is something to be said for that. We become enveloped in the mystery of the Universe, we commune with nature, and we gain self-assurance as our knowledge of the sky grows.

The 8" Sky-Watcher Dobsonian comes with all the accessories you'll need to start your astronomical adventures with the exception of two things....a red flashlight and a star chart (more on that later). Focusing is done via a 2" Crayford-style focuser. You can use either 2" or 1.25" eyepieces in this focuser, since a 1.25" adapter is included in the package. You will also get two 1.25" Plossl eyepieces...a 10 mm (higher power) and a 25 mm (medium power). A full-sized 9 x 50 finderscope and bracket allow you to find objects quickly once you have aligned the finder with the telescope...a simple procedure.

A really cool feature on all of the Sky-Watcher Traditional Dobsonians is the Tension Control Handle, invented by Sky-Watcher and patented in the United States (US Patent No. 6,940,642). The Tension Control Handle provides user-friendly tension adjustment that can quickly and easily increase or decrease tension between the telescope tube and where it sits on the Dobsonian mount. The addition of the Sky-Watcher Tension Control Handle is a big deal, because it means the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened so that the optical tube will stay in the desired position for as long as you like, but when you are ready to move again, it is simple to readjust tension to allow for smooth and easy movement.

Earlier I mentioned a Red Dot Finder. I highly recommend you buy one, even if you still use the 9x50 finder for magnified views when necessary. My favorite will always be a Telrad (see suggested accessories to your right). It offers wide field, zero magnification views of the sky that are right side up. An illuminated bullseye is used to point to the object you wish to observe....there are even star charts that show you where your Telrad bullseye should be to center a particular galaxy or other celestial object. I also recommend a simple red flashlight so you can read your star chart in the dark without affecting your night vision, as well as a planisphere or star chart. This is your map of the sky. Think of this as an amazing road trip where there are no roads (Roads? Who needs roads?), and your star chart takes the place of a Rand-McNally USA Road Map. You get the picture, now get out there.....what are you waiting for?

• Aperture: 203 mm (8")
• Focal Ratio: f/6
• Focal Length: 1200mm
• Optical Design: Dobsonian
• Will ship directly from Sky-Watcher in the continental US

• Sky-Watcher 8" f/6 Dobsonian OTA
• Tension Control Handle
• Rocker Base
• 9x50 Finder and Bracket
• 25 mm Plossl 1.25" Eyepiece
• 10 mm Plossl 1.25" Eyepiece
• 2" Crayford Focuser
• 1.25" Adapter

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 5200.00

The 16" Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan is a very large aperture, precision engineered telescope that will allow you to easily find and enjoy night sky treasures like Saturn, Jupiter, and other planets in the solar system, plus a huge array of deep-sky objects including galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and more. With the 16", elusive DSO's like the Horsehead Nebula are within your reach! See structure in galaxies and nebulae that evade those with smaller apertures.

The collapsible tube design turns what would be an unwieldly telescope into a portable one! The Dobsonian mount can usually ride in the backseat of most vehicles, but it is the length of the tube assembly that can cause trouble. With the collapsible trusses on board, however, you have the ability to shorten the OTA by half without requiring that you remove the trusses! It's almost magic!

The elegant truss tube design of the Sky-Watcher S11840 Dobsonian 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 and allowing the telescope to stay where you put it for as long as you like.

The Sky-Watcher 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 16" SynScan Dobsonian combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the high-tech features of a computerized Go-To telescope. You'll be amazed at what you can see with the 16" SynScan Collapsible Dobsonian!

Sky-Watcher 16" GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope Specifications

• Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm) 25 mm
• Focal Length of Eyepiece 2 (mm) 10 mm
• Finderscope 8x50 RA Viewfinder
• Highest Useful Magnification 500x
• 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
• 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

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 406 mm (16")
• Focal Length: 1800 mm
• Focal Ratio f/4.4
• Will ship directly from Sky-Watcher in the continental US

• 16" f/4.4 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope
• SynScan GoTo Hand Control & Cables
• 8 x 50 RA Finderscope & Bracket
• 2" Crayford Focuser
• 1.25" Adapter
• 10mm Plossl Eyepiece (1.25")
• 25mm Plossl Eyepiece (1.25")
• Dust Cover
• Eyepiece Tray

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 925.00

The Sky-Watcher Quattro 8" (205 mm) Imaging Newtonian OTA is a great optical tube assembly for either visual astronomy or astro-imaging work. This fast 8-inch f/4 Newtonian telescope has a superb mirror set, allowing you to see sharp, high contrast images of celestial objects. Additionally, the tube length has been slightly shortened to optimize performance for doing prime-focus photography. A 2-inch dual speed 10:1 ratio focuser is included for precision focusing adjustments, and an 8x50 finderscope will provide bright views when you're hunting down your favorite deep-sky object.

Sky-Watcher has designed a custom coma corrector for those astro-imagers with larger imaging sensors. The optional Quattro Coma Corrector will improve both visual and photographic performance by correcting for coma around the edges of the field of view, a normal aberration found in optical systems using parabolic mirrors, such as a Newtonian telescope.

Because this Sky-Watcher Quattro 8-inch (205 mm) Imaging Newtonian OTA incorporates significant improvements over competing fast Newtonians, you will be assured of rewarding views of many celestial objects and also achieve good image results when doing astroimaging.

When the OTA is assembled with its accessories, the total weight of this product (less its packaging) is 21-pounds.

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector.
• Aperture: 203 mm (8-inch).
• Focal Length: 800 mm.
• Focal Ratio: f/4.

• Sky-Watcher Quattro 8" Imaging Newtonian Telescope OTA.
• 8x50 Optical Finder.
• Two Tube Rings.
• Vixen Style Dovetail Bar.
• 2-inch Dual Speed 10:1 Focuser.

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 1325.00

The Sky-Watcher Quattro 10" (254 mm) Imaging Newtonian OTA is a great optical tube assembly for either visual astronomy or astro-imaging work. It would be a great choice for upgrading from a smaller entry level scope to a more advanced scope for serious observations or imaging. This fast 10" f/4 Newtonian telescope has a superb mirror set that is fully multi-coated, allowing you to see sharp, high contrast images of celestial objects. Additionally, the tube length has been slightly shortened to optimize performance for doing prime-focus photography. A 2" dual speed 10:1 ratio focuser is included for precision focusing adjustments, and an 8x50 finderscope will provide bright views when you're hunting down your favorite deep-sky object.

Sky-Watcher has designed a custom coma corrector for those astro-imagers with larger imaging sensors. The optional Quattro Coma Corrector will improve both visual and photographic performance by correcting for coma around the edges of the field of view, a normal aberration found in optical systems using parabolic mirrors, such as a Newtonian telescope.

Because this Sky-Watcher Quattro 10" Imaging Newtonian OTA incorporates significant improvements over competing fast Newtonians, you will be assured of rewarding views of many celestial objects and also achieve good image results when doing astroimaging.

Sky-Watcher Quattro 10" Imaging Newtonian OTA Specifications:

• Finderscope: 8x50 Optical finder scope
• Mirrors: Borosilicate glass mirrors
• Optical Coatings: Fully multi-coated mirrors
• Tube Rings: Includes 2 tube rings with Vixen-style dovetail rail

Note: The Sky-Watcher 10" Quattro OTA does not include a mount, a tripod, or eyepieces. These can be purchased separately from OPT to suit your particular needs.

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 254 mm (10")
• Focal Length: 1000 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/4

• Sky-Watcher Quattro 10" Imaging Newtonian Telescope OTA
• 8x50 Optical Finder
• Two Tube Rings
• Vixen Style Dovetail Bar
• 2" Dual Speed 10:1 Focuser

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 1995.00

The Sky-Watcher Quattro 12-inch (305 mm) Imaging Newtonian OTA is a great optical tube assembly for either visual astronomy or astroimaging work. Called the "Quattro 300P", this fast 12-inch f/4 Newtonian telescope has a superb mirror set, allowing you to see sharp, high contrast images of celestial objects. Additionally, the tube length has been slightly shortened to optimize performance for doing prime-focus photography. A 3-inch dual speed 10:1 ratio focuser is included for precision focusing adjustments, and an 8 x 50 finderscope will provide bright views when you're hunting down your favorite deep-sky object. This large aperture 12-inch Newtonian telescope is a smart choice for upgrading from a smaller mid level scope to a more advanced scope for serious observations and astroimaging.

Sky-Watcher has designed a custom coma corrector for those astro-imagers with larger imaging sensors. The optional Quattro Coma Corrector will improve both visual and photographic performance by correcting for coma around the edges of the field of view, a normal aberration found in optical systems using parabolic mirrors, such as a Newtonian telescope.

Because this Quattro 300P OTA incorporates significant improvements over competing fast Newtonians, you will be assured of rewarding views of many celestial objects and also achieve good image results when doing astroimaging.

Sky-Watcher Quattro 300P, 12-Inch Imaging Newtonian OTA Specifications:

• Finderscope: 8x50 Optical finder scope
• Mirrors: Borosilicate glass mirrors
• Optical Coatings: Fully multi-coated mirrors
• Includes a 3-inch dual speed 10:1 ratio focuser
• Tube Rings: Includes 2 tube rings with D-style dovetail rail
• Weight with the included accessories: 57-pounds

-

• Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
• Aperture: 305 mm (12-inch)
• Focal Length: 1200 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/4

• Sky-Watcher Quattro 300P, 12-Inch Imaging Newtonian Telescope OTA
• 8 x 50 Optical Finder
• Two Tube Rings
• Losmandy D Style Dovetail Bar
• 3-inch Dual Speed 10:1 Focuser
• Adapters for 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 4100.00

This Refracting Telescope ED Doublet has a 150 mm (5.9-inch) Aperture with two matched elements, one which is an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element. It has a 1200 mm Focal Length with an f/8 Focal Ratio.

This refractor sports a Dual-speed 3.4-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser and has tube-ring attachment hardware with a D-style dovetail plate.

These doublet refractors deliver dramatic, coal-black skies and faithful, contrast-rich views of planetary and deep-space phenomenon that are second to none.

Sky-Watcher Evostar refractors are the logical choice for the discriminating amateur astronomer looking for an investment in advanced instrumentation for exceptional viewing and astrophotography.

• 150 mm Apochromatic Refractor
• Matched Lens Assembly with one ED Element
• 1200 mm Focal Length / f/8 Focal Ratio
• Dual-speed 3.4-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser

• 150 mm Apochromatic Refractor
• Matched Lens Assembly with one ED Element
• Dual-speed 3.4-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser
• Tube-ring attachment hardware with D-style dovetail plate
• Aluminum case

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 400.00

This Sky-Watcher 102mm (4-Inch) f/5 Achromatic Refractor Telescope; is a two-element, air-spaced, fully multi-coated objective, achromatic refractor. This telescope can give exciting "rich field" astronomical views. It is also a fine terrestrial telescope when mounted on an alt-azimuth mount or a photographic tripod. Crisp images at a reasonable price make it an excellent beginner's "first telescope", or a great travelling telescope for a more advanced observer.

This 4-inch aperture model has great light collecting power and accepts 2-inch diagonals for awesome wide field views, with only a small amount of chromatic aberration.

Weighing about 3kg (6.5-pounds) the optical tube assembly is readily carried and with a compressed length of approximately 50cm (21.7-inches) it is easily transported.

As a refractor, it is quick and easy to set up and the low-maintenance, enclosed optics come fully collimated from the factory. The optical tube assembly comes with "tube mounting rings". These hinge open to allow easy installation of the optical tube and the locks can be loosened during use to allow tube rotation and balancing. Mounting the telescope on an alt-azimuth or an equatorial mount is quick and simple with the appropriate mounting plate. This telescope also performs well as a fixed aperture, 510mm lens for both terrestrial and astrophotography.

The "fast" f/5 focal ratio, combined with today's high-speed films, is excellent for capturing lunar and solar eclipses as well as for nature photographs. A solid, equatorial mount and a method of guiding are required for longer exposure astrophotography. A T-mount thread on the eyepiece holder allows direct attachment of an appropriate T2-adapter and the optional extension tube gives closer focusing for terrestrial photography.

• Aperture: 102mm
• Focal Length: 500mm
• Focal Ration: f/4.9
• Manual Altitude-Azimuth Mount (AZ3)
• Adjustable Aluminum Tripod

• StarTravel 102mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope
• AZ3 Manual Alt-Az Mount
• Accessory tray
• Fine Motion Control Knobs
• Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
• Two 1.25-Inch Super Eyepieces: 25mm and 10mm 
• 1.25-Inch Erect Image Diagonal: 45 Degree Angle 
• 2-Inch Focuser:  Rack and Pinion 
• 2-Inch to 1.25-inch Adapter
• Red dot finder

Vendor: Sky-Watcher
Type: telescope
Price: 550.00

This Sky-Watcher 120mm (4.75-inch) f/5 telescope is a two-element, air-spaced, fully multi-coated objective, achromatic refractor, which can give exciting "rich field" astronomical views. It can provide excellent vistas of star fields, clusters, nebulae, galaxies, planets, the Moon and (with correct filtering or by projection) the Sun. It is also a fine terrestrial telescope when mounted on an alt-azimuth mount or a photographic tripod. Crisp images at a reasonable price make it an excellent beginner's "first telescope", or a great travelling telescope for a more advanced observer.

This larger aperture model has more light collecting power at the same focal ratio and accepts 2-inch diagonals for awesome wide field views, while only a small amount of chromatic aberration and weight. Weighing about 3kg. (6.5-pounds) the optical tube assembly is readily carried and with a compressed length of approximately 50cm (21.7-inches) it is easily transported.

As a refractor, it is quick and easy to set up and the low-maintenance, enclosed optics come fully collimated from the factory. The optical tube assembly comes with "tube mounting rings". These hinge open to allow easy installation of the optical tube and the locks can be loosened during use to allow tube rotation and balancing. Mounting the telescope on an alt-azimuth or an equatorial mount is quick and simple with the appropriate mounting plate. This telescope also performs well as a fixed aperture, 510mm lens for both terrestrial and astrophotography.

The "fast" f/5 focal ratio, combined with today's high-speed films, is excellent for capturing lunar and solar eclipses as well as for nature photographs. A solid, equatorial mount and a method of guiding are required for longer exposure astrophotography. A T-mount thread on the eyepiece holder allows direct attachment of an appropriate T2-adapter and the optional extension tube gives closer focusing for terrestrial photography.

-

• 120mm achromatic refractor
• 600mm (f/5)
• Manual alt‐az mount (AZ3)
• Accessory tray
• Fine motion control knobs
• Adjustable aluminum tripod
• 25mm and10mm 1.25" Super eyepieces
• 1.25" erect 45 degree image diagonal
• 2" Rack and Pinionfocuser
• 2" to 1.25" adapter
• Red dot finder