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This 8" Sky-Watcher go-to collapsible Dob will find and track over 42,000 celestial objects for you at the touch of a button or two. Its unique collapsible (telescoping) design makes set-up and take-down fast and easy.

This 8" Sky-Watcher 8" go-to collapsible truss-tube Dobsonian has:
  • 8" (203 mm) Dobsonian-style Newtonian optics
  • built-in WiFi telescope control
  • 1200 mm focal length (f/5.9)
  • 2" single-speed Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adaptor
  • 25mm and 10mm 1.25" 4-element Plössl eyepieces
  • 8x50 RA erect-image finderscope
  • SynScan hand controller with 42,000 object database
  • Go-to Dobsonian base with DC servo motors and dual encoders

The 8" Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan is a precision engineered go-to telescope that lets you easily find and enjoy viewing over 42,000 deep sky treasures - the Moon, planets, nebulas, star clusters, multiple star systems, galaxies, and more. With its patented collapsible tube design, this compact 8" Dobsonian sets up in minutes in your back yard as well as fit into any car for transporting to a dark sky observing site. It is truly the ultimate in portability and performance.

The collapsible truss tube design combines ease of use, extreme portability, and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the 8" Sky-Watcher collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be completely disassembled when not in use. The secondary mirror cage and trusses slide down onto the mirror box, allowing all the optics to be lifted out of the scope base as a single unit with the trusses attached. The two compact assemblies (optics and base) can then be transported separately and reassembled and ready to use in just minutes.

The Sky-Watcher Dob is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening! Its patented tension control handle allows you to add or reduce tension in altitude when changing eyepieces, to compensate for the added weight of today's massive wide field eyepieces.

The Sky-Watcher SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the best objects visible in the night sky, at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even if you have never used a telescope before, you can master its variety of features in only a few observing sessions. The patented dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need to re-align on the sky after you have moved the scope.

The 8" Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the convenience of a computerized go-to telescope that takes the work out of finding your way around the sky.

SynScan™ AZ hand control Specifications:

Power Supply: 10 to 15 V DC 1 Amp, 2.1mm plug (center positive)
Motor type: DC servo motors,
Resolution: Motor encoder: 1,620,000 counts per revolution, Main axis encoder: 11,748 counts per revolution
Slew speeds: 1.0X, 2.0X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 200X, 400X, 600X, 800X, 1000X sidereal
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
Tracking Mode: Dual-axis tracking
Alignment Method: Brightest-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment
Database: 25 user defined objects; the complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs; plus a partial SAO catalog, for a total of 42,900 objects
Go-To Pointing Accuracy: Up to 5 arc min

Tech Details: 

Aperture 8"
Binary and Star Cluster Observation Very Good
Focal Length 1200
Focal Ratio f/5.9
Galaxy and Nebula Observation Very Good
Heaviest Single Component 39 lbs.
Highest Useful Magnification 300x
Lunar Observation Great
Weight 69 lbs.
Planetary Observation Very Good
Resolution 0.57 arc seconds
Telescope Type Reflector
View Finder 8 x 50mm RA
Visual Limiting Magnitude 14
Warranty 2 years

 

SKU S11700
UPC 050234117005
Optical Info
Optical Design Newtonian
Mirror Coatings Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ)™ coatings with 94% reflectivity
Glass Type Borosilicate
Primary Aperture (mm) 203
F/Ratio 5.9
Focal Length (mm) 1200
Secondary Diameter 48mm
Secondary Obstruction (by diameter) 24%
Secondary Obstruction by Area 6%
Observational Info
Dawes Limit 0.57
Rayleigh Limit 0.69
Limiting Mag. 14
Minimum Magnification 29
Maximum Magnification 400
Light Gathering (compared to next size down) 78%
General Info
Focuser 2" Crayford
OTA Length (Retract/Ext.) 33"/44"
OTA Outer Diameter 9.375"
OTA Weight (with accessories) 24.2
Dob Base Weight 26
Dob Base Measurements 29.5"x20"
Zenith Eyepiece Height 44.5"
Accessories
Included Finder 8x50 RACI
Included Diagonal No
Included Eyepieces 25/10 Plossl
Magnification w/ Included Eyepieces 48x/120x
Included Case No
Corrector No

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