SkyWatcher 12" - 300mm Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian Telescope

Experience Powerful Deep Sky Viewing – With Portability in Mind

For decades, Dobsonian telescopes have been the go-to choice for astronomers seeking exceptional value and large aperture optics. These telescopes offer stunning views of the night sky thanks to their simple, robust design and generous light-gathering power. However, traditional Dobsonian telescopes are notoriously bulky and difficult to store or transport — often limiting when adventure calls beyond your backyard.

Sky-Watcher has solved this challenge with the Collapsible Dobsonian, a revolutionary design that retains all the optical power of a large-aperture telescope while dramatically improving portability. With a unique retractable truss-tube system, this model allows the optical tube to shrink by up to 36%, making it compact enough to fit in a car boot or backseat — perfect for escaping city lights and chasing darker skies.

Innovative Collapsible Tube – Quick Setup

Unlike conventional truss-tube Dobsonians that require assembly and realignment, Sky-Watcher’s 3-point strut system simplifies the setup process. Three sturdy 1” steel poles connect the upper and lower sections of the optical tube and lock securely with chrome tightening screws. Thanks to precision-machined preset indentations, the telescope retains collimation even after repeated use, so there's no need to re-align the optics every session. It's grab-and-go convenience for serious observers.

This design not only makes setup faster but ensures that optical performance remains consistent night after night — a significant advantage for astronomers who want both performance and convenience.

Premium Optics – Exceptional Contrast and Brightness

At the heart of the Collapsible Dobsonian is a high-quality 305mm (12") parabolic primary mirror constructed from borosilicate glass and coated with enhanced reflectivity layers. These include quartz, titanium, and silicon dioxide coatings, delivering 94% reflectivity and excellent resistance to thermal expansion and deformation. The result? Stunning contrast, bold views of faint nebulae and galaxies, and sharp, detailed planetary images.

With a focal length of 1500mm (f/4.9), this telescope offers a wide field of view ideal for deep-sky exploration while still providing ample magnification for observing lunar features and planetary details.

Smooth Mount and GoTo Tracking – Built to Move with the Stars

The 12" model features a motorized GoTo Alt-Azimuth Dobsonian base powered by servo-assisted motors, allowing you to track and locate objects with pinpoint precision. The included SynScan GoTo Hand Controller boasts a 42,900+ object database, including the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues. Simply select your target, and the mount will automatically slew and track it — no star charts required.

The mount’s ultra-smooth design ensures seamless manual or motor-driven movement. Steel needle bearings (used in the 12" base) provide effortless rotation, enabling you to move the telescope with a gentle push — a must-have for extended stargazing sessions.

A Serious Telescope for Serious Observers

With 44% more light-gathering power than a 10" telescope, the Sky-Watcher 12" Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian offers an unmatched combination of performance, portability, and value. It's the perfect instrument for dedicated astronomers ready to elevate their stargazing experience — whether observing from the backyard or the darkest skies you can reach.