Skywatcher Dobson 8" Pyrex Flex Tube telescope

A sizable Newtonian telescope equipped with a Dobsonian mount featuring a 200 mm aperture. Ideal for both novice users and advanced astronomy aficionados. The 203 mm aperture and moderate focal ratio provide excellent capabilities for observing intricate details on Solar System planets. Access to hundreds of deep-sky objects, including star clusters and galaxies, is also possible.

Constructed according to the classic Newtonian system, this model incorporates a parabolic primary mirror, 200 mm in diameter, with a 1200 mm focal length. The optical system delivers an f/6 focal ratio, significantly reducing coma at the image edges. Such optics effectively address common Newtonian shortcomings. Reduced coma and moderate secondary obstruction offer sharp detail for both planets and nebular targets through 8-inch Dobsonian scopes. All Sky-Watcher Dobson 8" and larger variants standardly include a Pyrex mirror crafted from low-expansion glass.

A collapsible design allows the OTA to be compacted for easy storage. Quick, tool-free setup and takedown is possible, thanks to the extendable tube assembly. No need to disassemble into separate components. Ready for viewing within seconds, with a precision mechanism that maintains collimation after each deployment.

Mounted on an azimuthal Dobsonian mount, the structure boasts simplicity and robustness, ensuring smooth navigation in both altitude and azimuth. Full rotation of the upper assembly is made possible via the base, with the OTA securely held in a dual fork configuration.

Fitted with a 2” Crayford focuser and a 1.25” adapter, the Crayford mechanism operates smoothly and without backlash. Includes a 2" extension and a 1.25" extension/reducer, which should be used independently, not together. The focuser supports compatibility with Sky-Watcher motorized autofocus units.

Optimal for a range of astronomical observations:

Solar System:
- Detailed views of lunar features above 1 km in size,
- Clearly resolves sunspots and photospheric granulation,
- Detects all major planets in the Solar System,
- Captures Mercury and Venus in their respective phases,
- Mars' planetary disk and initial surface markings visible near opposition,
- Distinct Jovian belts and Galilean satellites,
- Saturn's ring structure, including Cassini Division, atmospheric bands, and fainter moons,
- Uranus and Neptune appear as point sources, each with noticeable blue hues,
- Tracks the movement of asteroids across stellar backgrounds,
- Facilitates observation of numerous faint comets and their structural characteristics.

Stars:
- Over 2.7 million stars visible across the sky, down to approximately 12.5–13 magnitude,
- Resolves double and multiple star systems separated by more than 0.7-0.8 arcseconds,
- Color impressions of many individual stars are observable.

Nebular objects:
- Complete Messier catalog objects are accessible,
- Hundreds of globular clusters, some resolved into individual stars,
- Hundreds of open clusters, with noticeable differences in structure,
- Numerous bright nebulae, resolving early structural features and subtle details,
- Dozens of galaxies, with discernible disks and additional features,
- Planetary nebula structure viewable, further enhanced using nebula filters,
- Supernova remnants detectable.

Image quality in large aperture telescopes is influenced by surrounding light pollution, atmospheric clearness, and stability (seeing), along with the precision of optical collimation. Achieving optimal views with 200 mm and larger telescopes requires factoring in these variables.

For terrestrial observations, limited capabilities are provided. An image-erecting corrector lens is required for an upright, correctly oriented view.

Included in the set:
- 9x50 finder scope,
- Super PL 10 mm eyepiece,
- Super PL 25 mm eyepiece,

Technical data
Telescope optical system: Newtonian
Mount type: Dobsonian
Focuser: Crayford
Telescope control: manual
Objective diameter: 203 mm
Focal length: 1200 mm
Focal ratio: 5.9
Eyepiece 1 focal length: 25 mm
Eyepiece 2 focal length: 10 mm
Maximum useful magnification: 305x
Minimum useful magnification: 29x
Magnification with eyepiece 1: 48x
Magnification with eyepiece 2: 120x
Stellar magnitude limit: 13.8 mag
Resolution (Dawes): 0.57 arcseconds
Light-gathering capacity (compared to the naked eye): 841
Tube length: 1120 mm
Resolving power: 0.58"
Primary mirror diameter: 203 mm
Secondary mirror diameter: 47 mm
Tripod height: 74 cm
Focuser diameter: 2" with 1.25" reduction
Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher, Canada