Explore Scientific Generation II 16" Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope - ES-DOB1645-01
If you’re searching for a serious deep-sky telescope that delivers breathtaking views and true portability for a scope of this size, the Explore Scientific Generation II 16" Truss Tube Dobsonian is a powerhouse worth considering. With its massive 406mm aperture, stable and smooth motion, and practical breakdown design, this scope is made for the dedicated visual observer ready to uncover structure in galaxies, trace filamentary detail in nebulae, and resolve distant globular clusters into star-sprinkled spheres.
A 16" Mirror That Brings the Sky to Life
At the core of the ES-DOB1645-01 is a precision 406mm (16") parabolic primary mirror, optimized for deep-sky performance. The fast f/4.5 focal ratio (1829mm focal length) makes it easy to achieve wide-field views while still delivering enough focal length for high-magnification planetary and lunar observing with the right eyepiece.
The mirror is coated with standard aluminum and a protective overcoat, providing bright, high-contrast images across the visual spectrum. Whether you’re sweeping through the Virgo Cluster or studying the Veil Nebula under dark skies, this scope gathers enough light to make faint targets leap out with clarity.
Truss Tube Portability Meets Stability
Despite its large aperture, this telescope is surprisingly transportable. The open truss design breaks the optical tube down into compact sections, with numbered truss poles and tool-free connectors for fast and secure assembly. Once fully set up, the structure is sturdy and well-aligned, holding collimation throughout extended observing sessions.
A rear-mounted cooling fan comes standard and helps bring the large primary mirror to ambient temperature faster—an important feature for maintaining sharp, steady views as night falls. The open design of the truss structure promotes airflow and minimizes tube currents, which can soften images in enclosed optical tubes.
Smooth Manual Operation
The Generation II Dobsonian mount provides a stable, low-profile platform with smooth movement on both axes. The altitude bearings are generously sized, delivering fluid motion with reliable balance even when using heavier eyepieces or accessories. Adjustable tension knobs allow you to fine-tune altitude resistance to your preference.
The azimuth axis glides on Teflon pads over a durable laminate base, offering consistent resistance without sticking or backlash. The result is a mount that’s well-suited for manual tracking and star-hopping—precise enough to nudge at high magnification and forgiving enough for casual sweeping at low power.
The rocker box is made from reinforced laminated wood, designed to hold up to repeated setup and takedown in field conditions. Carry handles are built into the panels for easier transport and positioning.
Observer-Friendly Design
Explore Scientific has outfitted this scope with a simple red dot reflex finder, ideal for initial alignment and coarse targeting of bright stars or deep-sky objects. While not as precise as an optical finder, the red dot unit is lightweight, quick to align, and well-suited to users who prefer to star-hop with wide-field eyepieces.
The 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser delivers smooth, precise focusing with zero image shift. A 1.25" adapter is included, letting you use either size eyepiece seamlessly. Focus adjustments are easy, even at high magnifications or when using heavy eyepieces or filters.
The open truss layout also makes collimation more accessible, with a rear-access primary mirror cell that features tool-free adjustment knobs for quick alignment in the field.
Visual Astronomy on a Grand Scale
A telescope in this class opens up a staggering amount of the night sky. Thousands of objects show detail that’s beyond the reach of smaller scopes. Under dark skies, you’ll see spiral arms in galaxies like M51 and NGC 7331, resolve the dense cores of globulars such as M13 and M15, and tease out subtle variations in planetary nebulae and supernova remnants. Even familiar targets like M42 or the Double Cluster reveal new levels of complexity through a 16-inch aperture.
Despite its size, the Generation II 16" remains a practical and rewarding instrument for backyard observing, weekend trips to dark sites, or public outreach events where the "wow" factor of a big Dob really shines.
