Spectrum Optical DS 8" f/6 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

A Deep Sky Gateway That Balances Power, Precision, and Portability

The Spectrum Optical DS 8 is for those ready to take the next step into the universe. With a larger aperture, refined mechanical design, and features often reserved for premium instruments, this 8-inch Dobsonian delivers the kind of immersive observing experience that keeps stargazers coming back night after night.

Whether you're chasing the cloud belts of Jupiter, the airy spiral arms of M51, or simply losing yourself in the velvet richness of the Milky Way, the DS 8 offers more light, more resolution, and more observing satisfaction than anything else in its price range. It’s an ideal second telescope—or a forever-first for those who want to start with serious optics.

Brightness and Clarity: A Noticeable Step Up

With 200mm (8 inches) of parabolic primary mirror, the DS 8 gathers 180% more light than a 6" model—a jump you'll see instantly at the eyepiece. Fainter galaxies stand out with more contrast, globular clusters resolve into starlight, and planetary features reveal more delicate textures. The optics are coated with enhanced aluminum for 93% reflectivity, ensuring that every photon your mirror captures ends up in your eye.

The f/6 focal ratio offers a beautiful compromise between field of view and magnification. It's wide enough for bright nebulae and open clusters, but slow enough to handle planetary observing and higher magnification with ease—without requiring exotic eyepieces or perfectly precise collimation.

Designed to Follow the Sky Naturally

• Curved spider vanes reduce diffraction spikes on bright stars and planets, improving contrast and giving images a more natural, refractor-like quality.

• Altitude tension knobs let you adjust the up-down motion of the optical tube easily. Whether you're using a light Plössl or a heavy 2" wide-angle eyepiece, the balance stays buttery smooth.

• Teflon pads on the azimuth axis provide frictionless rotation on the rocker box base—offering that classic Dobsonian “fluid push” as you glide across the stars.

This kind of intuitive movement makes the DS 8 a star-hopper's dream. No clutches, no electronics, no delays—just point, nudge, observe.

Premium Focusing at Your Fingertips

A telescope this capable deserves a focuser to match. The DS 8 comes with a 2" dual-speed Crayford-style focuser, offering fine 10:1 microfocus control that makes high-power planetary viewing a joy. Whether you're snapping Saturn into perfect focus or dialing in the stars at f/6, this focuser gives you the control and stability you need.

A 2" to 1.25" adapter is included, allowing compatibility with virtually any modern eyepiece.

What’s in the Box:

• 8" f/6 optical tube assembly (OTA)

• Rocker-style Dobsonian base with Teflon bearings and adjustable tension knobs

• Two 1.25" Plössl eyepieces: 23mm (low power) and 10mm (higher power)

• 1.25" Barlow lens for doubling magnification

• 8x50 straight-through optical finder scope with bracket

• 2" to 1.25" eyepiece adapter

• Assembly tools

• Printed owner’s manual

Technical Specifications:

• Optical Design: Newtonian reflector (Dobsonian mount)

• Aperture: 200mm (8")

• Focal Length: 1200mm

• Focal Ratio: f/6

• Primary Mirror: Parabolic, aluminum-coated with 93% reflectivity

• Focuser: 2" Crayford-style with 10:1 microfocus and 1.25" adapter

• Mount Type: Alt-azimuth Dobsonian with tension-controlled altitude bearings and Teflon azimuth pads

• Finder Scope: 8x50 straight-through optical finder

• Included Eyepieces: 23mm and 10mm Plössl (1.25")

• Included Accessories: 2x Barlow lens, finder bracket, tools, manual

• Part Number: DS8

Observing Tip:

For deep-sky observing, try using a wide-angle 30mm or 32mm eyepiece to explore extended nebulae like the North America Nebula or the Veil. Then shift to the included 10mm with the Barlow to study lunar rilles, Saturn's Cassini Division, or the Galilean moons in transit. The DS 8 strikes a beautiful balance—offering power when you need it and generous views when you don't.