Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P Tabletop Dobsonian – 6" f/5 Collapsible WiFi GoTo Reflector
The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P is a modern reinvention of the classic Dobsonian telescope—compact, collapsible, computerized, and ready for serious visual astronomy. With a generous 6" aperture, fully motorized GoTo tracking, and a collapsible strut-tube design, this tabletop reflector is equally at home on a backyard patio or a dark sky site. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first real telescope or an experienced observer in need of a portable powerhouse, the GTi 150P delivers exceptional optical performance and convenience without the bulk or price tag of traditional GoTo systems.
6" of Serious Light Gathering
At the heart of the GTi 150P is a 150mm (6") f/5 Newtonian reflector. This parabolic primary mirror gathers enough light to bring hundreds of deep sky objects within reach—globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and galaxies appear rich with contrast and structure under dark skies. Even from the suburbs, brighter Messier objects and planets will show impressive detail.
With a focal length of 750mm, the scope offers a versatile blend of wide-field observing and moderate magnification. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Milky Way, yet still resolve the rings of Saturn or the cloud bands of Jupiter with clarity. The parabolic mirror, unlike spherical mirrors found in budget scopes, eliminates spherical aberration, producing sharper images edge to edge—especially important at fast focal ratios like f/5.
Collapsible Tube for Portability
Sky-Watcher's clever collapsible strut-tube design allows the optical tube assembly to retract down for transport and storage, while maintaining collimation remarkably well between uses. This makes the GTi 150P a rare combination: a 6" aperture telescope that actually fits in small cars, closets, and travel plans. Setup takes just seconds—unlock, extend, and you’re ready to go.
Despite its compact form, this is no toy. The base is a scaled-down Dobsonian design—stable, intuitive, and smooth in motion. It sits securely on a tabletop or platform, but for added flexibility, the bottom of the base includes a 3/8" threaded socket, allowing mounting to a photo tripod or Sky-Watcher’s optional pier for those who prefer observing while standing.
Fully Motorized GoTo Mount with Built-In WiFi
Unlike most tabletop Dobsonians in this price range, the Virtuoso GTi 150P features a fully motorized GoTo system powered by Sky-Watcher's SynScan technology. Instead of a separate hand controller, the telescope connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet via the free SynScan app (iOS and Android). Once aligned using a simple two-star or bright-object method, you can command the scope to locate and track over 10,000 celestial objects with ease.
Dual-axis tracking motors keep your target centered automatically—ideal for extended viewing sessions or sharing views with others. And thanks to the built-in Freedom-Find encoders, you can manually push the telescope in any direction without losing alignment. It's the best of both worlds: computerized control when you want it, and manual freedom when you don’t.
Included Accessories and Expansion Potential
The GTi 150P comes ready to observe with two 1.25" eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), delivering 30x and 75x magnification respectively. The 25mm offers generous wide-field views, perfect for scanning star fields or framing larger deep sky objects, while the 10mm eyepiece provides higher magnification for lunar detail and planetary observation. A red dot finder is also included for easy alignment and star-hopping when needed.
The 1.25" focuser accepts a wide range of accessories and upgrades, including filters, Barlow lenses, and premium eyepieces. While not designed for long-exposure astrophotography, the GTi 150P can handle basic planetary or lunar imaging with a smartphone or lightweight planetary camera—especially when paired with Sky-Watcher’s tracking mount and proper adapters.
Compact, Capable, and Travel-Ready
Weighing just over 19 pounds fully assembled, the Virtuoso GTi 150P is one of the most portable GoTo reflectors available. It runs on AA batteries for field use or can be powered via external 12V supply using an optional cable. Its small footprint, collapsible tube, and wireless operation make it the perfect companion for spontaneous backyard sessions, outreach events, or remote dark-sky trips.
Unlike traditional GoTo systems that can be heavy, complex, and expensive, the GTi 150P simplifies the experience without sacrificing performance. You get a serious aperture, smart tracking, and true portability in one elegant package.
Summary
The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P is a game-changer for those seeking a highly portable yet powerful GoTo telescope. With its 6" parabolic optics, collapsible tube, dual-mode tracking system, and app-controlled GoTo functionality, this tabletop Dobsonian redefines what an entry-level telescope can be. It’s well suited for urban stargazers, dark sky explorers, and anyone who values optical performance in a compact, no-fuss form.
If you’re ready to move beyond department store scopes and into serious backyard astronomy—or just want an ultra-portable grab-and-go setup that doesn’t skimp on quality—the GTi 150P is hard to beat.
