Telescope SkyWatcher Skyliner 150/1200 dobsonian

Feeling lost between many telescope designs? Just want a simple to use good all-around telescope for visual observing at reasonable price? Can”t afford good refractor or catadioptric? Even reflectors, with large equatorial mounts seam too bulky and inconvenient? Look no further, you found it. Sky-watcher Skyliner series Dobsonian reflector is a very reasonable priced, good quality telescope. You won”t find any cheaper of this aperture! But don”t think that price cut will affect quality of optics, you pay less because the Dobsonian mount is very cheap to manufacture. A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970”s. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swiveled on a base in azimuth. The mount is very sturdy and very easy to operate. Newtonian reflector for this mount was chosen for many reasons, but the main is in a word ? value. A Newtonian reflector offers more performance for your observing dollar than any other telescope type. The reflector?s large light-gathering area and relatively short focal length can provide bright images of deep space objects that are too faint for any small aperture refractor to see. And the reflector”s large aperture can resolve details within those objects with a precision no small scope can match if the seeing is good. When choosing a reflector always make sure you get a telescope with parabolic primary mirror, since it is only form that will correctly concentrate gathered light. The second optical element is a secondary mirror. Light diffracted, or scattered, by this mirror can reduce image contrast in lunar and planetary observing, masking subtle surface details compared with an unobstructed refractor image. In addition, diffraction spikes on star images, due to the spider vanes that hold the diagonal mirror, can mask faint binary star components and smear globular cluster detail. But don”t worry you”ll have plenty of aperture to compensate these drawbacks. In addition, unlike refractors or catadioptric telescopes, a reflector requires frequent recollimation or alignment of its optics, and its exposed mirrors mean that periodic cleaning will also be required. However, this maintenance typically averages only a few additional minutes of work per observing session, and reflectors we sell are always collimated before sale. So for serious visual observing of faint galaxies and nebulas, as well as for more-than-acceptable lunar and planetary observing, you”d be hard-pressed to equal, much less surpass, the excellent price-to-performance ratio of a Newtonian reflector. Reflectors have been a best-seller for over 300 years and sheer value for the money is why. This 150 mm Skyliner is a perfect choice for beginner, who is looking for simple to use telescope. This scope is universal, suitable for anything starting from planetary observations to deep sky study. Primary mirror parabolic, focal ratio of f/8 works well on anything your planning to observe. Coated with high reflectivity aluminum and protective layer of silicone dioxide. The unique design feature of Skyliner series Dobsonian is Tension Control Handle. By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position. In general this telescope combines great value for money, with ease of operation. Highly recommended for beginners. Be aware that although Dobsonian mount is perfect for visual observing photography is not possible. So if you planning to take some deep sky pictures in the future, consider purchasing good equatorial mount. Also 150mm aperture could be too small if your passion is faint galaxies. For better views of deep sky, consider 200mm or 250 mm models.

Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x48 & x120

Highest Practical Power (Potential): x306

Diameter of Primary Mirror: 153mm

Telescope Focal Length: 1200mm (f/7.84)

Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm

Parabolic Primary Mirror

Diffraction Limited Optics

0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports

6x30 Finderscope

Direct SLR Camera Connection

Wooden Alt-Azimuth Mount with Accessory Tray

73% more Light Gathering than 114mm