Spectrum Optical 6" DS Dobsonian Telescope

A Thoughtful First Telescope for Stargazers Who Want More Than the Basics

The Spectrum Optical DS 6 Dobsonian is a telescope that punches well above its weight, delivering serious light-gathering ability, clean optical performance, and intuitive mechanics—all in a package that’s both beginner-friendly and observatory-capable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a solid, affordable Dobsonian for quick visual sessions, the DS 6 offers a compelling combination of quality, value, and real-world usability.

With a 6" (150mm) parabolic primary mirror, this telescope collects enough light to reveal the swirling arms of distant galaxies, the split cores of globular clusters, and the cratered surface of the Moon in bold relief. Compared to a 90mm telescope, it’s over 400% brighter—a leap in capability that’s immediately visible at the eyepiece.

Optical Performance That Delivers

At the heart of the DS 6 is a 6" f/8 parabolic mirror, coated with enhanced aluminum for 93% reflectivity. This is not a shortcut mirror or a spherical compromise—it’s a true parabolic primary that delivers crisp star images across the field and holds up well at higher magnifications for planetary and lunar observing.

The f/8 focal ratio gives this telescope an excellent balance between wide-field viewing and higher-power detail work. It’s also far more forgiving of collimation errors than faster f/5 or f/4 scopes, making it a good match for new observers still learning how to tweak alignment.

A Better Dobsonian Experience

Where many entry-level Dobsonians cut corners, the DS 6 puts in thoughtful touches that improve the observing experience:

• The altitude bearings use adjustable tension knobs, allowing you to fine-tune the motion of the tube with a simple twist. Whether you're switching from a light eyepiece to a heavier one or just want to make smooth, controlled movements through the sky, these knobs make a difference.

• The azimuth base rotates smoothly on Teflon pads, offering that classic “push-to” Dobsonian feel—stable yet responsive, allowing you to nudge the telescope across the stars with a light hand.

• The spider vane assembly uses a curved design, which reduces diffraction spikes on bright stars and planets. This creates a cleaner, more natural-looking image that’s especially noticeable when viewing Venus, Jupiter, or Vega.

Precision Focus for Any Eyepiece

The DS 6 is equipped with a dual-speed 2" Crayford-style focuser, a premium feature rarely seen at this price point. The 10:1 fine focus knob lets you dial in sharp focus at high powers without overshooting, while the included 1.25" adapter means you can use virtually any eyepiece on the market. Whether you’re observing with a wide-field 2" eyepiece or a planetary 1.25" Plössl, the focuser will help you get the most out of your optics.

What’s in the Box:

Spectrum Optical didn’t stop at just giving you a telescope—they’ve included everything you need to get started observing on your first night out:

• 6" f/8 optical tube assembly (OTA)

• Easy-to-assemble Dobsonian rocker base with Teflon pads

• 2x Plössl eyepieces: 23mm and 10mm (1.25")

• 1.25" Barlow lens for extended magnification options

• 8x50 straight-through 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: 150mm (6")

• Focal Length: 1200mm

• Focal Ratio: f/8

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

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

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

• Finder: 8x50 optical finder

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

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

• Part Number: D1261209

Observing Tip:

With the included eyepieces and Barlow lens, you’ll have a versatile set of magnifications right out of the box. On clear nights, use the 23mm for wide views of the Pleiades or the Orion Nebula. Then switch to the 10mm (or double it with the Barlow) for tighter looks at Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. The f/8 focal ratio makes it easy to get crisp, contrasty views with even modest eyepieces.