- A first instrument to get started in planetary observation
- Compact, comfortable, aesthetic and easily transportable
- For young teenagers or adult beginners.
To invite as many people as possible to discover the pleasures of observing the sky , in 2009, on the occasion of the anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei, Sky-Watcher decided to launch a "small format" model of Flexible Dobson tube . This Flextube range from 130 to 305 mm diameter offers a unique practical aspect, thanks to the fact that each instrument can be "folded" in on itself. This patented innovation saves space, ease of use and time.
In fact, it is not necessary to disassemble the instrument every time it is used, as in "classic" Dobsonians, and reassemble it. The same applies to collimation, after having set it on first use, it does not need to be set again for each observation. In effect, the structure that supports the secondary mirror slides by means of two rigid rods towards the cage of the primary mirror, without misalignment of the secondary mirror with respect to the primary one.
With a 130mm primary mirror, the Sky-Watcher 130mm Heritage Dobsonian FlexTube gets you started in earnest with its ability to Collect 30% more light than a 114mm telescope . Under a very dark sky, then it is possible to see in more detail than with a smaller instrument. It promises beginners who want to invest in a telescope that is both bright, without being expensive, many nights of observations rich in discovery. In planetary observing after collimation, you will reveal many details about Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon using a Barlow or short focal eyepiece.
Optical design
Its Newton-type design offers several advantages over other families of instruments (Cassegrain receivers and telescopes). First, mirrors are cheaper to manufacture for the same diameter and their focal ratio is generally smaller (hence shorter focal length and larger field with the same eyepiece). Then you benefit from an attractive budget with a brilliant telescope . The central obstruction is also weaker than Cassegrain type telescopes, if collimation (mirror adjustment) is well respected, the image quality is good in planetarium.
Unlike very cheap manufacturers, the Newton (Dobson) SkyWatcher has a parabolic primary mirror . First, the mirrors are polished spherically and then trimmed to achieve a paraboloid shape (more expensive and difficult to obtain). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments above 114 mm and with a short f/D. At once beautiful, efficient and practical, there is no doubt that the Sky-Watcher FlexTube Heritage 130mm will please you and make you appreciate Astronomy!
Specifications
Characteristics
|
Dobson Sky-Watcher FlexTube 130 mm |
optical formula
|
newton
|
Useful diameter
|
130mm
|
Focal length
|
650mm
|
F/D Ratio
|
5 |
primary mirror
|
Parabolic
|
Separating power
|
0.9 arc seconds
|
Limit magnitude |
13.3 |
Ocular
|
1.25"
|
optical tube
|
Metal
|
Mount
|
Rocker (fork support) in wood
|
Base dimensions (diameter, height)
|
520mm, 440mm
|
Dimensions
|
460 to 695 mm unfolded
|
Total weight
|
6.2kg
|
Items delivered:
- 1 Newton Sky-Watcher FlexTube Heritage 130mm optical tube
- 1 wooden Dobsonian mount
- 2 1.25" eyepieces: Super 10 mm and Super 25 mm
- 1 red dot finder