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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.
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.
All Flextube Dobsonians feature a unique strut design, allowing the optical tube to collapse for easier transportation and storage. When you're ready to use, simply lift the struts and lock in place.
Using a top of the line parabolic borosilicate mirror with a quartz overcoat, Flextube Dobsonians produce an incredible 94% reflectivity rating!
All Flextube Dobsonians come complete with a finderscope, two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), and a 2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter.
Using Sky-Watcher's patented tension control handle provides the Flextube Dobsonian with solid control for precise aiming and slewing.
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.
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.
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.
| Skywatcher 12" - 300mm Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian Telescope | |
|---|---|
| Optical Design | Newtonian Reflector (Parabolic) |
| Aperture | 305 mm (12") |
| Focal Length | 1500 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/4.9 |
| Maximum Practical Magnification | 600x |
| Faintest Steller Magnitude | 14.3 |
| Included Eyepieces | 1.25" Super Plossl 10mm and 25mm (60x and 150x) |
| Eyepiece Adapter | 2″ to 1.25″ with M42 thread |
| Focuser | Crayford 2" with 1.25" adapter |
| Finder Scope | 9x50 straight-through |
| Tube Design | 3-point retractable truss tube |
| Mount Type | Motorised GoTo Dobsonian (Alt-Azimuth) |
| Drive System | Servo-assisted dual-axis motor drive |
| Hand Controller | SynScan GoTo Handset with 42,900+ object database (Messier, NGC, IC, etc.) |
| Camera Connection | SLR Camera Compatible (via T-Ring, sold separately) |
| Power Requirement | 12V DC (Tip Positive), recommended: Sky-Watcher 17Ah Power Tank |
| Light Gathering Power | 44% more than 250mm (10") telescope |
| Secondary Mirror Diameter | 70 mm |
| Tube Dimensions | Ø450 mm × (920–1400 mm adjustable length) |
| Tube Weight | 21 kg |
| Shipping Weight | Base: 26 kg, OTA: 23 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | Base: 53 × 52 × 103 cm OTA: 106 × 54 × 55 cm |
| Included Accessories | |
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New ZealandToo early to use my new telescope, still building a platform. Jacobs Digital was very fast with dispatch, but sent the wrong telescope. Fortunately they gracefully rectified their mistake, also very quickly. The transformer they sent this week didn't have the NZ plug, as advertised. So all in all they provide very fast and helpful service, but accuracy could be improved.
New ZealandReally pleased with this telescope. Great discount on Black Friday sale so couldn't miss the opportunity to get the telescope I've had my eye on for a while. Jacob's Digital provided great service and shipping was quick.
New ZealandComparing this to an 8 inch CPC, the view is certainly better from the bigger optics. Looking forward to lots of use from this one.
Jacobs Digital is a speciality on-line retailer, as well as a brick-and-mortar retail store, operating in the same Auckland, NZ location for over 40 years.
9 Mokoia Road
Birkenhead
Auckland 0626
New Zealand
+64 (9) 480-5903
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