So you finally made up your mind about getting a Dobsonian telescope? Well, you\u2019re no doubt finding out just how many different models and types there are in the market. But before you get overwhelmed and make a hasty decision, we\u2019ve chalked up this here buyer\u2019s guide and some of the best telescopes already making rounds in the UK.<\/p>\n
Looking for a balanced, powerful yet affordable dobsonian telescope with all the frills? Then look no further than the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher<\/strong><\/a>. This is the best overall Dobsonian that has some of the characteristics of a high end model without the unbelievably high price.<\/p>\n How about a state of the art, fully computerized dobsonian telescope to give you a huge head start? The Orion SkyQuest XT8i Dobsonian IntelliScope<\/strong><\/a> is the smart solution for the tech loving astronomer willing to make a solid investment.<\/p>\n So you love peering into the great expanse of space but barely have a budget to work on? If you\u2019re looking for something affordable but still capable of doing the job, how about the simple, budget friendly Skywatcher HERITAGE-100P T Parabolic Dobsonian Telescope<\/strong><\/a>?<\/p>\n So you\u2019re looking to get yourself the best dobsonian telescope out there (or at least as much as you\u2019re budget will allow)? Well, it\u2019s definitely a huge decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly (pun intended). Lucky for you, this here nerd has compiled all the information you need to buy the most suitable telescope. But first, let\u2019s take a look at why you want to go with a Dobsonian.<\/p>\n Dobsonian is simply a Newtonian<\/a> style telescope that uses classic or traditional optical reflector systems. However, it differs slightly when it comes to the mounting mechanism. Dobsonians come with an azimuth mounted design that pitches up down left and right.<\/p>\n What makes Dobsonian telescopes incredibly popular with beginner astronomers is that they are very easy to setup and use. For most of the models, all you have to do is place the tube on the mount and get it working. You don\u2019t even need to be a professional or even a bit familiar with equatorial mounts to install. Likewise, it\u2019s pretty much a point and look type of telescope that rotates any way you want.<\/p>\n Another benefit of dobsonians is their unrivalled light gathering capabilities when compared to the cost. Another telescope with the same size and aperture such as a Schmidt would cost twice as much. Seasoned astronomers know that the more light you can gather, the further away you can see and the more you\u2019ll be able to explore. Unfortunately, Dobsonian Telescopes tend to be quite heavy.<\/p>\n When talking about telescopes, you want to start with the aperture. This is the size of the light focusing mirror or lens. Typically, astronomers try to go as thin as possible with dobsonian mirrors. This allows for even more cut backs on the cost and weight.<\/p>\n While there are many different types of mounts available (including computerized ones that are able to track movements in the sky), it\u2019s the altazimuth design that really characterises Dobsonians. Not only are they cheaper, but they make operation simple and enjoyable.<\/p>\n Funny as it might sound, eyepieces are actually the most overlooked components when buying a telescope. The variety of these pieces are staggering \u2013 they come in a broad range of fields of view, magnifications and price. Those cheap eyepieces can make you really squint without any clear results. Make sure you get an eyepiece that is both clear and comfortable to look through. And lastly, make sure you get a solar filter if you want to look at objects close to the sun to avoid damaging your eyes.<\/p>\n [easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00B0GV1N8″ locale=”UK” src=”https:\/\/www.stargazing.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/31FEj9dudrL.jpg” tag=”stargazinguk-21″ width=”332″]<\/p>\n As the name suggests, the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher is among one of the best models for star gazers and deep sky astronomers. You\u2019re going to need a lot of light grasp to see fainter and more distant objects; and that\u2019s exactly what this Dobsonian telescope offers. Thanks to their larger aperture, a parabolic mirror is ideal for some serious deep sky peeking.<\/p>\n The Skyliner 200 P boasts of some sharp optics across 80% of the 1 degree field of view. The optics are diffraction limited and the manufacturer incorporated a telescopic focus length of 1200mm. At the same time, gazers get a highest practical power potential of x406. As for the mount, it consists of an easy to set up and use box that pivots in altitude and rotates at the base in azimuth.<\/p>\n So what does the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher do best? Well, it excels at the very thing that you want your telescope to do \u2013 viewing distant objects. Thanks to the Dobsonian\u2019s 0.5mm ultra thin mirror supports, the 200 P has visibly reduced light loss and diffraction spikes. At the same time, the top quality parabolic mirrors help eliminate spherical aberration for an even clearer image.<\/p>\n So with this particular telescope, you can catch the Crab Nebula M82 and M81 in near full moonlight. Most other scopes will just struggle at such light levels. In fact, if you can find some darker skies to peer into, you can view the Double Cluster in all its glory. The 200 P telescope has actually been used to see clearly as far as Saturn. This includes a clear cut Cassini Division, the distinct colour differences between the rings as well as five of the moons orbiting this beautiful planet.<\/p>\n While the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher is definitely one of the best in its class, even it isn\u2019t immune to a few imperfections and flaws. The first and obvious shortcoming has to be the sheer weight of it. As with all dobsonian telescopes, the mount contributes a very large portion of the final weight.<\/p>\n When packed, the thin weights almost 40 Kg. So it\u2019s safe to say that once you get her set up, make sure you choose a spot where you won\u2019t move the thing too much. Fortunately, the azimuth mount makes positioning your scope that much easier. But since it\u2019s not computerized, everything has to be operated manually. So you better be prepared for some serious manual adjustments and repositioning.<\/p>\n One trend I noticed with the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher telescope is that almost every newbie astronomer couldn\u2019t stop gloating about how wonderful the telescope was. Beginner stargazers love the model because not only is it super easy to use and set up, but it offers great cost savings as well. More experienced consumers had a few things to add, but all in all, everyone was satisfied with the power capabilities of the 200 P.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re just starting out your stargazing journey and are wondering which telescope will best suit your needs, then look no further than the SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher<\/strong><\/a>. Not only is this telescope among the most affordable Dobsonians out there, but its ease of assembly and use make it a favourite among beginner stargazers. Most scopes of the same class wouldn\u2019t be able to get anywhere near the power range; but with this beauty, the universe is indeed your oyster.<\/p>\n [easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B000P2ZPB2″ locale=”UK” src=”https:\/\/www.stargazing.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/41xsmS32B1PL.jpg” tag=”stargazinguk-21″ width=”334″]<\/p>\n Who says that you have to go manual just because it\u2019s a Dobsonian? With today\u2019s tech packed solutions even some of the simplest models still incorporate a bit of tech for the modern astronomer. So, why do you want a telescope with a computer system in it? Allow me to blow your mind.<\/p>\n The Orion SkyQuest XT8i<\/a> Dobsonian IntelliScope is a price leader and a highly advanced model with a built in computer that takes exploration to a whole new level. This particular computer boasts of a comprehensive database with more than 14,000 fascinating celestial objects already programmed inside.<\/p>\n The XT8i takes things a step further by getting the mount to actually move automatically and focus on any pre programmed location. So if you\u2019re an entry level astrographer or a beginner astronomer, star gazing never seemed so easy, natural and accurate.<\/p>\n First off, the Orion SkyQuest XT8i is an extremely large telescope. Thanks to its larger 203mm aperture, users can see all the planets and even a clear image of the moons of those planets. But that\u2019s not all; you can also get a view of bodies even further away including distant galaxies and some elusive nebulae. If we\u2019re talking physical power, then this bad boy is definitely built for the long haul. But that\u2019s just the appetizer.<\/p>\n Where the Orion intelliscope really excels is the computerized object locator that gives users easy access to over 14,000 different and equally fascinating celestial objects. So instead of having to spread around charts looking for any signs of light up there, the intelliscope makes things a whole lot easier by giving you something new to look at every night.<\/p>\n Now, while the Orion SkyQuest XT8i Intelliscope is a super advanced piece of tech, there are a couple of things they could have improved on. For instance, if you\u2019re going to install a computer on board, why not make the thing motorized? Sure, there are 14,000 preset locations, but you\u2019ll have to actively push your telescope through each and every one of them. Still, it\u2019s a whole lot easier when the telescope knows where it\u2019s pointing.<\/p>\n Looking at other reviews, it seems most of the customers who bought the SkyQuest XT8i Dobsonian IntelliScope were pretty happy with their purchase. After assembling the unit, all previous customers seem to appreciate how easy the telescope is to use. The computerized system is an obvious strong point that gives the intelliscope an edge over other dobsonians. Still, some customers feel that the manufacturer should have done something more with the mount. There are no motors so moving the scope is a fully manual job.<\/p>\nBuying Guide for Dobsonian Telescopes<\/h2>\n
What is a Dobsonian Telescope?<\/h3>\n
Key Considerations when Purchasing a Dobsonian Telescope<\/h3>\n
i) Consider the Aperture<\/h4>\n
ii) The Mount<\/h4>\n
iii) Other Considerations<\/h4>\n
Best Dobsonian Telescope Reviews<\/h2>\n
1. BEST OVERALL:\u00a0[easyazon_link identifier=”B00B0GV1N8″ locale=”UK” tag=”stargazinguk-21″]SkyLiner 200 P Parabolic Sky Watcher[\/easyazon_link]<\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Overview<\/h3>\n
What It Does Best<\/h3>\n
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers<\/h3>\n
What Other Customers Think<\/h3>\n
Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n
\n2. BEST COMPUTERISED:\u00a0[easyazon_link identifier=”B000P2ZPB2″ locale=”UK” tag=”stargazinguk-21″]Orion SkyQuest XT8i Dobsonian IntelliScope[\/easyazon_link]<\/h3>\n
Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Overview<\/h3>\n
What It Does Best<\/h3>\n
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers<\/h3>\n
What Other Customers Think<\/h3>\n
Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n