List Price :
$995.00Price : $899.00
Code : B00488R5UI
* Special discount only for limited time
Product Feature
Product Description
Large aperture 12 (305 mm) Dobsonian-style Newtonian for more light gathering ability at less cost 2 Crayford-style focuser with 1.25 adaptor brings those warm fuzzies into quicker and clearer focus Two, 4-element, Plossl 1.25 eyepieces; 25 mm and 10 mm Conveniently located accessory tray holds 3 eyepieces 8x50 RA viewfinder to help find target object Solid rocker-mount with Teflon bearings and tension clutch facilitates smooth vertical and horizontal movement Truss-support system allows the optical tube's front and back tubes to collapse together for easy and secure transport
Product Detail
- Amazon Sales Rank: #48276 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Sky Watcher
- Model: S11740
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42 of 43 people found the following review helpful.
Great value and well built
By W. Kimeria
I just got the Skywatcher 12 Collapsible Dobsonian. Previously, the only telescope I had was an Orion Shorttube 80 that I put on a Camera Tripod. I wanted the largest scope that a single person could move (in 2 pieces) and that would fit in a small sedan (Acura Integra and Honda Civic). I looked at the Orion Xx12 but didn't need the computer and I liked the Skywatcher over it because of the collapsible feature.
So the scope got delivered yesterday
First impressions
1: Holy moly!, this thing is huge!!
It took about 30-45 minutes to put everything together (very clear instructions and all tools provided). I then took the scope outside (moving the base first, and then the OTA). Against all odds, we had clear skies but I only had about an hour or so after sunset before running errands. The scope sat outside for about 1-2 hour to cool off the mirror and wait for darkness. I then collimated the primary and secondary using a homemade collimating cap (35mm film canister with hole punched in lid). I have a laser collimator (Orion) on order but I made do with the film canister for now. I then aligned the right angle finder (pain to use, I have a telrad on order to replace it).
I've never collimated a dob before, but it was pretty straightforward and took about 5-10 minutes. The scope came with a 10mm and a 25mm plossls (I already have another 25mm, 12mm and 6mm plossls and a 2x barlow).
I viewed M42 in Orion and the views were stunning even from my somewhat light polluted backyard using the 25mm (60X) and 25mm+2x barlow (120x). I'm pretty sure I saw dust lanes. I even used the 12mm + 2x barlow (250x) and felt that I could have gone even higher in magnification.
Unfortunately, then I was out of time and had to pack up the scope. I did one last test, attempt to get the scope into my small car. The OTA fits in the trunk (with the finder popped off of its base), and the base fits in the backseat (barely).
Things I like about the scope
1: The collapse feature is pretty straightforward, you loosen 3 knobs, pull up and it snaps into place, and then tighten the knobs. To collapse, do the reverse.
2: Ease of collimation (though I don't like the fact the retainer screws require a phillips flat-head)
3: Quality. It seems really well made.
4: Smooth movements and the tensioning handles/knobs.
5: Speed of setup, teardown.
6: Transportable, fits into any car about the size of an Acura Integra (which is essentially a Honda Civic) or larger.
Things I don't like
1: The pain in the behind right angle corrected view-finder. Will be replaced or supplemented by the Telrad on order.
2: No light shroud
3: The need for both a 1.25 and 2 inch adapter ! (I'd have expected no need for a 2 inch adapter).
4: Heavy and somewhat unwieldy (but I knew this already). It weights about 100lbs total hence the need to move it in 2 parts.
5: The multiple eyepiece holder makes it a pain to move the base, I'm taking it off when I get home because it's not really necessary.
I have an Orion 32mm 2 inch eyepiece on order along with a collimating laser (considering how well the homemade solution worked this might be overkill). I also have a Telrad on order and I'm looking to order a light shroud (maybe Astrozap light shroud).
Overall, I think this telescope is a really great value and the only thing they could improve is replace the finder with a non-corrected one, a straight through or a Telrad or similar device.
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