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A Dobsonian telescope is a type of reflector telescope known for being easy to use, affordable, and offering great views of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, dim star clusters, and nebulae. For beginners or those looking for an upgrade from a small telescope, a Dobsonian telescope is a great choice.
However, some Dobsonian telescopes are large and difficult to move from place to place. Therefore, it’s not an ideal choice for those who like to take their telescopes with them on trips. It’s also not ideal for astrophotography since it does not have the motorized tracking necessary for longer exposure times.
The size of the aperture plays a vital role in determining the type of objects you can observe. The 8-inch Dobsonian telescope is the most recommended for amateur astronomy, as it balances price and performance well.
As you become more experienced, you may want to upgrade to larger apertures, such as the 12-inch or 16-inch Dobsonian telescope. These provide more light-gathering power for further exploration of deep sky objects.
With that in mind, let’s look at the best Dobsonian telescopes available. Read on to find out which one is right for you!
1. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit – The best affordable Dobsonian telescope
This Dobsonian telescope has a 6-inch (150mm) parabolic primary mirror that gathers enough light to show crisp images of the planets, stars, and deep sky objects. It also has a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with a 1.25-inch adapter, making it compatible with most 1.25 and 2-inch eyepieces on the market.
Most beginners and amateur astronomers want a telescope that’s affordable and easy to use. The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit is your best bet if this sounds like you.
The kit includes a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece and an EZ Finder II reflex sight for accurate alignment. It also features a collimation cap, which makes collimation easier.
The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian’s mirror is center-marked for collimation, making the process easier and faster.
The telescope comes with a stable base. It stands on four adjustable Teflon pads, allowing you to make small azimuth adjustments. The base provides a vibration-free platform for precision tracking and smooth movement when using the telescope.
The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit features quality accessories, like an Orion MoonMap 260 and DeepMap 600, to help you explore the night sky. These maps feature thousands of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies worth exploring with this telescope.
It comes with an Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, doubling any eyepiece’s magnifying power, making it suitable for astrophotography. You also get a smartphone adapter for capturing images with your smartphone.
The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is a full beginner’s package that won’t break the bank. Other accessories include a Telescope Observer’s Guide and a RedBeam Mini flashlight.
This is an excellent telescope for those just starting out in astronomy and looking for an affordable and reliable telescope.
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2. Celestron–StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian – The best smartphone-connected Dobsonian telescope
Some telescopes are good for astrophotography, but the Celestron–StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian takes it a step further. This telescope is compatible with your smartphone, allowing you to connect and analyze star patterns through the StarSense Explorer.
This technology makes your first time using this telescope a breeze. All you have to do is attach your smartphone to the telescope, align the camera with the directions provided by the app, and you’re ready to start exploring the sky.
This Celestron–StarSense Explorer has a 10-inch parabolic primary mirror with a 1200mm focal length and focal ratio of f/5.
Celestron uses XLT (Extra-Low Dispersion) coatings on all the optical elements, giving you crisp and vivid images when viewing deep-sky objects.
It also has a 2-inch Crayford focuser, allowing you to attach 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces that provide maximum clarity and sharpness for enhanced viewing.
With this telescope, you can find objects like planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and more in no time.
The ultra-stable Dobsonian base makes tracking and following objects as they move across the sky easy. It has large-diameter altitude bearings and adjustable tension knobs, allowing you to make fine adjustments easily.
The side panels enhance the telescope’s stability and reduce vibrations, keeping your views steady.
With its large aperture, smartphone compatibility and mount, and easy setup, the Celestron–StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian is best for those who want to observe deep-sky objects without any hassle.
3. Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian – The est big budget Dobsonian telescope
The 12-inch Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian is one of the best telescopes due to its large aperture and robust construction. If you are on a budget and want a good telescope to produce clear images of the planets, this is your best bet.
The parabolic borosilicate primary mirror has 94% reflectivity coatings for maximum light transmission. They are made of titanium, quartz, and silicon dioxide, which helps enhance contrast and reduce thermal stress.
A 300mm objective lens has enough aperture to reveal clear planetary details and deep sky objects. And with its 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and an 8×50 right-angle finder scope, you can be sure to get great views of the night sky.
It has an innovative, collapsible truss-tube design for easy storage and transportation. It’s also lightweight, weighing 40 pounds (18 kg) when fully assembled. Despite its large size (41 x 29 x 21 inches), it’s easy to move around and set up.
One of the best things about the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian is that it holds collimation extremely well.
You don’t need to adjust the telescope every time you use it, and if you do, you can buy a laser collimator and make the process much easier.
The steel needle bearings on the telescope’s base provide smooth, accurate motions with minimal backlash. They make azimuth movement more effortless and provide a steady platform for reliable tracking.
The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian also comes with proprietary tension control handles that let you adjust the tension of the altitude and azimuth movements. It allows for precise tracking even at high magnifications.
4. Sky-Watcher S11610 Traditional 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope – Best for beginners
This telescope offers an unparalleled view of the heavens, providing awe-inspiring glimpses into galaxies, nebulae, distant planets, and star clusters.
A high-quality 8-inch parabolic primary mirror frames these sights with crystal clarity while a 2-inch Crayford style focuser makes focusing effortless for a truly unforgettable experience.
Your first telescope should be easy to set up and use while also offering enough aperture and focal ratio to observe celestial objects in no time. The Sky-Watcher S11610 Traditional 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect choice for beginners.
The primary and secondary mirrors are made from Pyrex, a type of glass highly resistant to thermal shock and provides excellent image quality. The glasses are fully multi-coated to ensure maximum light transmission.
With its 1 1/4-inch adapter, this focuser offers twice the eyepiece convenience; you can use 1.25 and 2-inch accessories for optimal stargazing.
It comes with two super wide-angle lenses (10mm & 25mm) to give your night sky views.
The Sky-Watcher S11610 Traditional 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope features a 9×50 straight-through finder scope for easy object location and a sturdy Dobsonian base to keep the telescope steady during long viewing sessions.
It also has adjustable altitude and patented tension control handles that allow you to adjust the telescope’s position easily.
The Sky-Watcher S11610 Traditional 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner for budding stargazers. With a whopping 1200mm (47.2 in) maximum focal length, an f/5.9 aperture ratio, and easy setup instructions, adventure awaits wherever you point it.
5. Celestron 76mm Classic FirstScope – Best Dobsonian tabletop telescope
If you are looking for a smaller telescope that is easy to transport and use, the Celestron – 76mm Classic FirstScope is an excellent option. This tabletop weighs only 4.5 pounds and is perfect for taking to dark-sky sites or even camping trips.
Its 76mm parabolic primary mirror has a 300mm focal length and a focal ratio of f/3.95, providing sharp images of objects like the rings of Saturn and the Orion Nebula with plenty of detail. The telescope also features an erect image optical system that allows you to observe terrestrial and deep-space objects.
Included with the Celestron – 76mm Classic FirstScope is a 20mm and 4mm eyepiece, giving you up to 75x magnification when viewing different objects. You can also attach other eyepieces with a 1.25-inch barrel size to increase the magnification.
The telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up. It also comes with Starry Night educational software, allowing you to learn more about the night sky and maximize your viewing experience.
This model of Celestron’s FirstScope series pays tribute to the most notable astronomers that have ever lived, making it a great gift for science enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The optical tube exterior displays their names and contributions to the scientific field, making it a truly unique telescope.
Even without a finderscope, this telescope is easy to use, making it perfect for first-time users. With its small size and portability, the Celestron – 76mm Classic FirstScope is an excellent telescope for those who want to venture into astronomy.
6. Sky-Watcher 10in. Flextube 250P Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope – Best collapsible Dobsonian
The Sky-Watcher Flextube 250P is an outstanding telescope, boasting a large 10-inch (250mm) aperture that allows it to revel in the night sky. Its parabolic primary mirror crafted from superior-quality glass offers incomparable imagery and immersive celestial exploration.
Are you looking for a telescope to enhance your stargazing experience? If you have been in the hobby for a while and want to upgrade, the Sky-Watcher 10” Flextube 250P Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope is a great option.
This Dobsonian telescope is designed for users who want the convenience of a collapsible tube telescope without sacrificing optical performance.
It’s outfitted with a highly reflective coating on both primary and secondary mirrors to offer unparalleled light transmission. Its adjustable mirror cell ensures accurate collimation for the astronomer’s convenience at minimal effort.
This telescope allows you to explore the night sky easily and conveniently. Equipped with a Crayford-style focuser, it can easily take on different eyepieces or accessories – 1 ¼-inch or 2-inch, allowing for complete flexibility in your next stargazing experience.
Its 25mm and 10 mm wide-angle eyepieces give you a fantastic view, while its 8×50 right-angle finderscope allows for easy object location. It also comes with an additional 9×50 straight-through finderscope that is perfect for discovering even the faintest stars.
The Dobsonian mounting provides a reliable and accurate tracking experience thanks to tension control handles that let you customize the altitude and azimuth movements.
It also has an added primary mirror lock that ensures superior performance so you can see objects in stunning detail, even at magnification levels.
The collapsible tube design of the Sky-Watcher 10” Flextube 250P Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope makes it easy to transport and store. Its sturdy base adds stability and ensures the telescope remains steady during long observing sessions.
It combines superb optics with a versatile mount, making it an excellent choice for novice and experienced astronomers alike. The telescope comes with all the necessary accessories to get started, including eyepieces, a finderscope, and collimation tools.
Read also: Top 3 Sky-Watcher 10-inch Dobsonian Telescopes
7. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Reflector Dobsonian Telescope – Best for quick setup and observation
The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Reflector Dobsonian Telescope features a built-in cooling fan that can reduce the time it takes for your primary mirror to cool down. This means you can start observing in almost no time and enjoy clear views of all your favorite celestial objects.
Stargazing is an exciting way to observe the night sky, but it’s more complex than pointing and looking. Before you can marvel at any deep-space objects in detail through your telescope, you must give its primary mirror time to fall into equilibrium with its cold nighttime surroundings, often taking up to an hour for optimal image quality.
It’s fitted with an 8-inch parabolic primary mirror and a 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser to help you capture stunning images of deep space. With 1200mm of focal length, crystal clear views are yours for the taking.
Other accessories include a 30mm eyepiece for wide-field views and a 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification. There is also a 1.25-inch moon filter to reduce glare and enhance contrast.
The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Reflector Dobsonian Telescope also comes with a collimator cap, making it easy to align the optics before you start observing.
This saves time and ensures that all your images are razor-sharp for a beautiful night sky view.
The telescope also features an 8×50 neck-saving finderscope, making object location easier than ever.
The telescope is mounted on a Dobsonian base with an adjustable base for smooth and precise tracking, making it easy to follow objects as they move across the sky.
And if you are worried about transporting your telescope, the Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Reflector Dobsonian Telescope can be broken down into two parts: telescope tube and base. This makes it easy to bring along on your next stargazing adventure.
8. Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope – Best equipped Dobsonian
The Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced astronomers. It is equipped with almost everything you need to start your astronomy journey.
The telescope has an 8-inch (203mm) parabolic mirror, giving you a wide field of view and bright images. It also has an aluminum and silicon dioxide coating, ensuring maximum light transmission.
The best part about this telescope is the accessories it comes with. It includes a twist-lock eyepiece clamp compatible with binoculars, microscopes, and telescope eyepieces measuring 25-45mm in diameter.
It’s loaded with informational materials such as the Orion DeepMap 600 Folding Star Chart and Orion Moon and Planets Guide Set, teaching you about the night sky’s wonders.
It also comes with a 1.25-inch Orion Variable Polarizing Filter, a 2-inch Orion UltraBlock Narrowband Eyepiece Filter, and a smartphone adapter to capture your best moments.
The 2-inch Crayford-style focuser is compatible with most 2-inch eyepieces, including the Sirius Plossl and Explore Scientific eyepieces. It also has an 8×50 right-angle finder scope and a cooling fan to ensure the best performance.
This telescope has an Altazimuth mount with roller bearings that is easy to operate for stable movement. It also features adjustable altitude trunnions and a tension clutch for fine altitude adjustments.
The Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope is best for those who want a complete package for their astronomy needs. With its quality optics and convenient features, this telescope is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to explore celestial wonders.
9. Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Telescope – Best large aperture computerized telescope
Scientists of all skill levels can marvel at the night sky in a way like never before with the motorized Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian telescope.
This revolutionary piece of equipment offers users an intuitive and convenient experience thanks to its collapsible design and range of features designed for novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike.
The 94% reflectivity Sky-Watcher mirror is 12 inches in diameter, giving you a wide field of view and sharp images.
It has a 1500mm focal length and focal ratio of f/5, making it perfect for viewing the 42,000+ celestial objects in the SynScan database.
The ultra-stable Dobsonian base allows you to track and follow these objects as they move across the sky. It features a hand controller that provides you with the best alignment and tracking accuracy, making it a great choice for observing deep-sky objects without any hassle.
Despite being motorized, the best part about this telescope is its collapsible design. The telescope collapses into two sections that can easily fit into the trunk of your car, making it convenient to take with you anywhere.
Like all Sky-Watcher Flextube models, the 300 SynScan Dobsonian has a massive diameter, hence the name “Light Bucket.”
The large 70mm diameter allows you to take in more light and detail to observe faint objects that are usually hard to see with smaller telescopes.
This telescope is one of the few with two adapters, the 2-inch, and 1.25-inch, allowing you to use various eyepieces for optimal viewing.
The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian makes observing deep-sky objects a breeze, thanks to its large aperture and computerized capabilities.
10. Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope – Best portable tabletop telescope
The Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is a tabletop reflector telescope good for terrestrial and celestial viewing. It weighs 18.6 lbs (8.4 kg), making it highly portable and easy to take on observing trips.
The 5-inch (130mm) parabolic mirror has a 700mm focal length and f/5.4 focal ratio, giving you bright and sharp images with maximum clarity. It also features an industry-standard 1.25-inch focuser, compatible with most 1.25-inch eyepieces, including Sirius Plossl, Altazimuth, and Explore Scientific eyepieces.
The best part about this telescope is its portability. Its compact design allows you to take it wherever you go, whether camping or out of town. You can even fit it in your car’s trunk or put it on your back and take it with you.
With its Reflex finderscope and adjustable-tension slow motion control, this telescope will help you swiftly track down celestial phenomena. Zoom in on the night sky with a pair of powerful eyepieces– and switch between 25mm and 10mm for an optimal view.
The Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope combines ease of adjustment with maneuverability.
Its unique Altazimuth mount allows for smooth tracking and peak clarity when stargazing, while its slow-motion control rod enables fine-tuned adjustments at the touch of a finger.
The Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is perfect for the stargazer who wants to explore space on the go. Its compact size and top-notch optics make it a great choice if you want to bring your telescope with you wherever your travels may lead.
Takeaway: Enjoy celestial wonders with one of these top Dobsonian telescopes
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line telescope with the best optics or a budget-friendly option for your first telescope, a Dobsonian telescope can meet your needs.
You can explore and enjoy the night sky with one of these best Dobsonian telescopes equipped with high-quality optics, adjustable altazimuth mounts, and other convenient features.
Not to mention, you can also get great accessories like eyepieces, filters, and smartphone adapters with some of these models.
Start your journey to the stars and enjoy celestial wonders with one of these best Dobsonian telescopes.
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