Sky-Watcher FlexTube Go-To 300mm Dobsonian Telescope

Included WiFi card allows you to control the telescope using a smartphone

• Large diameter perfect for observing the deep sky (galaxies, nebulae)
• Good for planetary and lunar observation.
• Automatic pointing (GOTO) and motorized tracking
• Transportable by one person.

In recent years, Dobsonian craze has increasingly gripped amateur astronomers, who are aware that the most intense experiences are experienced with large-diameter telescopes. Indeed, planetary observations are limited to Jupiter, Mars, Saturn (and the Moon), while clusters, nebulae, and galaxies are counted in the thousands on a 305 mm instrument. Without a motor or electronics, Dobsonians are in fact the instruments that provide the most light, within a given budget, compared to any other type of instrument (mostly motorized and Go-To).

However, the quest for diameter poses a major drawback: bulk! When you want to observe in the best conditions, to take full advantage of your instrument's potential, far from city lights, it's essential to transport your equipment in a vehicle and then assemble and disassemble it. Of course, you need space and, if possible, minimal back and forth when loading. Although Serrurier frames have been around for a long time, they have only recently become available in inexpensive Dobsonians and require permanent disassembly/reassembly and then re-collimation (a somewhat time-consuming operation that eventually becomes more common with experience).

Sky-Watcher, which has been designing solid-tube Dobsonians, popular with beginners and hobbyists, for many years, innovated in 2009 by completely redesigning its instruments. The Chinese-Canadian manufacturer sought to combine the advantages of the "complete assembly" of solid tubes with the reduced footprint of open tubes. The idea of ​​the "telescopic telescope" is now a reality (at a price that remains very attractive) through the FlexTube range.

Following the principle that "the best instrument is the one used most often", SkyWatcher takes comfort even further with the FlexTube range so you don't hesitate for a moment to contemplate the sky and its wonders.

FlexTube: maximum comfort

The FlexTube's principle is simple; it's based on a Locksmith-style design, where three tubes solidly support the secondary mirror cage (which also holds the eyepiece and viewfinder). Except here, the tubes can't be removed because they're housed in a clamp that allows them to slide. By simply loosening three knobs, the tubes slide down until the instrument collapses. Three screws on the secondary cage then allow it to be locked to the primary body. Everything is much smaller and fits easily, vertically, in the trunk of any car (maximum height of 920 mm for the 305 mm model). With a 630x740 mm base, you'll even have room for several accessories.

The key to such a setup is maintaining collimation (alignment between the two mirrors). According to the manufacturer, FlexTube maintains the position of the two optical elements (particularly the secondary mirror) with each folding/unfolding. Note: Alignment does not change overnight or depending on the position of the optical tube. Therefore, there is nothing easier than setting up such instruments. Using the handles (altitude adjustment knobs), remove the entire telescope (40 kg total for the largest model). Loosen the tube adjustment knobs (as well as the locking screws). Slide the mirror cage to the tube stop position. Tighten the knobs to finish.

Since there's no setup required, your telescope is ready for a night of observing filled with discoveries (if you haven't touched the eyepiece since your last outing, focusing will already be "ready"). In just a few seconds, you'll have completed/avoided the traditional steps: telescope removal/mounting/collimation. Save more time and enjoy unparalleled convenience!

Mechanical design

Sky-Watcher not only offers telescopes at very advantageous prices, but also easy-to-use instruments, as demonstrated by the tilt system fitted to all 150 to 305 mm Dobsonians. In fact, the Chinese-Canadian company has developed and patented (US Patent No. 6,940,642) a handle that allows the fork on the optical tube to be tightened or loosened. Thus, depending on the tube's tilt and the weight of the accessories in the eyepiece holder (binocular head, eyepieces with different fluxes), the observer can increase or decrease the friction. The tube is then sufficiently secured so as not to tilt downward, as is the case with other manufacturers, and free enough to easily point it at another location in the sky.

Unlike the cheaply made or small diameter Newtonian telescopes, the Sky-Watcher 203-400 mm Newtonian (Dobsonian) telescopes have a parabolic primary mirror. The mirrors are spherically ground and then trimmed to achieve a parabolic shape (which is more expensive and difficult to obtain). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments longer than 130 mm and with short f/D.

As for the primary mirror material, the 203/254/305/355/406 mm ones are made of Pyrex, which reduces the effects of expansion due to thermal changes. In fact, the coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of standard glass, reducing warm-up time and ensuring better image quality. Like the secondary mirror, the primary mirror is covered with layers of titanium dioxide (SiO2) and quartz (SiO4) for effective protection.

An achromatic finder scope is also included as standard. With a large 50 mm diameter and 9x magnification, it reveals objects invisible to even the smallest researchers, making them much easier to find. Two 25 mm and 10 mm focal length eyepieces will allow you to initially have a good range of magnifications compatible with all possible objectives.

Focuser for Dobsonian FlexTube 203, 254 and 305 mm

Focusing is achieved through a Crayford dual-flow eyepiece. A 31.75 mm adapter is supplied as standard for using 31.75 mm eyepieces from the 50.8 mm output. An adjustment screw located on the bottom of the eyepiece holder allows you to maintain focus by following the orientation of the optical tube.

Motorized GoTo system (automatic aiming)

To offer greater user convenience, Sky-Watcher has decided to equip its Dobsonian range with a dual-axis motorization (equivalent to a motorized altazimuth mount) and a control frame capable of pointing and tracking. To eliminate the need to know the position of distant stars or deep-sky objects, the AZ GOTO Dobsonian mount takes care of moving the instrument toward the target to be observed.

After calibration (setup), pointing the optical tube north, and leveling, select mount alignment on one or two stars. The database contains over 42,900 objects, including all major catalogs (Messier, NGC, IC, as well as the planets, the Moon, and the Sun). For maximum convenience, the mount is quickly moved using the SynScan control panel. Easy to use, it helps you quickly point the instrument toward any galaxy, nebula, cluster, or object in the solar system. Discover in detail the famous Andromeda Galaxy, the fabulous curtains surrounding the heart of Orion, the Hercules cluster M13 and its heart rich in thousands of stars. Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon are also wonders to be examined without restraint.

The date, time, and observing location indication on the racquet, combined with the "Tour" function, allows AZ GOTO to point to the most interesting objects throughout the night. Enjoy a guided tour of the sky at your observing location by clicking the "Enter" button based on the object presented in a drop-down list. The ability to track any object eliminates the need for systematic manual captures (practical during observing nights with the general public). The object remains in the center of the field, making it easier to discover details, especially on the planets.

The Sky-Watcher FlexTube GoTo range now includes a built-in Wi-Fi card that allows you to remotely control the telescope with your smartphone or tablet, without any connection cables, using the free SynScan Pro app.

Features Dobsonian Sky-Watcher FlexTube GoTo 305mm f/5

• Newton's optical formula
• Useful diameter 305 mm
• Focal length 1500 mm
• F/D ratio 5
• Separating the power 0.39 arc seconds
• Clarity 2584x
• Recommended maximum magnification 400x
• Crayford Skygazer Eyepiece Holder 50.8/31.75mm
• Height of the set at zenith (folded/unfolded) 1160 mm/1630 mm
• Focuser height at zenith 1510 mm
• Base width 650 mm
• Optical tube length (folded/unfolded) 930 mm/1400 mm
• Optical tube inlet diameter 360 mm
• Optical tube weight 21kg
• Basic weight 22kg
• Mount Dobsonian Azimuth GoTo
• Dual motorized axes with automatic Go-To pointing
• DC Servo Motorization
• Go-To Aiming Accuracy: 5 arc minutes
• Encoder Accuracy: Motor Encoder: 1,620,000 steps/revolution, Shaft Encoder: 11,748 steps/revolution
• Aiming speeds: 1x to 1000x
• SynScan Control Rack Access System with 42,900 objects from common celestial catalogs
• Tracking mode: sidereal, lunar or solar
• Wireless connection Integrated WiFi card
• Power supply (not included) 10 to 15 V DC 1 A, 2.1 mm plug (positive pole in the center)

Items included

• 1 Newton FlexTube Sky-Watcher 305mm f/5 optical tube
• 1 GoTo motorized Dobsonian azimuthal mount
• 2 flowing eyepieces 31.75 mm: Super 10 mm and Super 25 mm
• 1 9x50 straight finderscope
• 1 cigarette lighter cable