Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 130P Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian S21210

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 130P Tabletop Dobsonian – Compact GoTo Power with WiFi Control and Big-Aperture Views

The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 130P Tabletop Dobsonian delivers an unexpected blend of portability, automation, and light-gathering power in a remarkably compact package. With a 130mm parabolic Newtonian reflector riding on a fully motorized alt-azimuth base, this tabletop scope is a standout choice for beginners, casual observers, and seasoned astronomers seeking a grab-and-go option with serious sky coverage. Add in built-in WiFi, full GoTo capability via the SynScan app, and a collapsible optical tube, and you’ve got a telescope that’s equally at home in the backyard or under dark skies far from city lights.

Big Views from a Small Tube

At the heart of the Virtuoso GTi 130P is a 130mm (5.1") f/5 parabolic mirror capable of gathering 345% more light than the average 60mm starter scope. This aperture lets you resolve rich lunar detail, track down faint Messier objects, and split tight double stars. The fast f/5 focal ratio delivers wide, immersive fields of view—perfect for open clusters, sweeping the Milky Way, and even glimpsing large nebulae under dark skies.

Unlike most budget reflectors, the 130P doesn’t skimp on optics. The primary mirror is parabolic, not spherical, meaning you'll enjoy sharper images across the field, especially at higher magnifications. 

GoTo, Guided, and Ready to Travel

What truly sets the Virtuoso GTi 130P apart is its built-in GoTo system, driven by Sky-Watcher’s trusted SynScan technology. Instead of a traditional hand controller, the Virtuoso GTi uses WiFi to connect to your smartphone or tablet. Simply download the free SynScan app for iOS or Android, and you can control the telescope with intuitive taps and swipes. Choose from over 10,000 celestial objects in the app’s database, and the scope will automatically slew and track your target.

The dual-axis motors keep your object centered for extended viewing or casual astrophotography with a smartphone. Setup is streamlined thanks to Sky-Watcher’s easy two-star alignment routine. The tracking is accurate enough for long observing sessions without constant adjustment—a rarity in a telescope of this size and price.

The tabletop Dobsonian base is low-profile and ultra-stable. Set it on a sturdy picnic table, portable crate, or even a custom Dob base if desired. Rubber feet and a smooth azimuth bearing ensure solid performance in the field. Despite its motorized functionality, the scope still offers full manual operation. You can unlock the clutches and move it by hand without harming the motors—a feature that makes impromptu stargazing even easier.

Collapsible Tube, Maximum Portability

Portability is one of the biggest perks of the 130P design. The optical tube collapses down for transport, making it ideal for road trips, camping, or simply storing in a closet when not in use. Fully assembled, the telescope weighs just under 18 pounds—light enough for most users to carry outside in a single trip.

Sky-Watcher’s patented collapsible strut-tube design maintains collimation remarkably well between uses. You’ll spend less time adjusting and more time observing.

Included Accessories

Out of the box, the Virtuoso GTi 130P comes ready to observe. The package includes:

• Two 1.25" eyepieces: a 25mm (26x) and 10mm (65x), giving you a solid range to start

• Red dot finder for quick manual targeting

• Vixen-style dovetail mounting bar for alternate mount options

• Battery-powered operation (8 AA batteries, not included) or optional external power supply

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an urban observer looking for an easy-to-use GoTo telescope, a beginner who doesn’t want to give up optical quality for convenience, or a seasoned backyard astronomer in need of a compact travel scope, the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 130P checks every box. It’s proof that serious features don’t require a serious footprint—or budget.

Experience wide-field GoTo observing with a proven optical system in a smart, space-saving design. The Virtuoso GTi 130P is one of the best values in tabletop astronomy.

Tech Details: