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Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope – Portable, Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White/Black (S11740)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sky Watcher |
Optical Tube Length | 12 Inches |
Eye Piece Lens Description | Plossl |
Objective Lens Diameter | 305 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount Description | Altazimuth Mount |
Product Dimensions | 41"D x 29"W x 21"H |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Power Source | Adapter |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 35 Pounds |
About this item
- LARGE APERTURE: Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
- INNOVATIVE COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN: Unique strut design allows for optical tube to collapse for ease of portability while keeping collimation.
- PROPRIETARY TENSION CONTROL HANDLES: These patented handles allow for accurate movement without the need for perfect balance.
- 94% REFLECTIVE MIRRORS: Fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors deliver exceptional views.
- STEEL NEEDLE BEARINGS: Proprietary steel needle bearings ensure smooth azimuth movement.
- COMES COMPLETE: All accessories such as, 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and 8x50 right-angle finder scope are included with purchase.
- STURDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: When fully assembled, the Dobsonian weighs only 40 pounds fully assembled (46 pound tube, 38 pound base)
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This Item Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope – Portable, Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White/Black (S11740) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $1,715.00$1,715.00 | -10% $423.00$423.00 List: $470.00 | $799.00$799.00 | $639.99$639.99 | -22% $799.00$799.00 List: $1,020.00 | $275.00$275.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | — | Get it Apr 2 - 5 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to assemble | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.7 | — | 4.1 | 4.8 |
Easy to use | 3.6 | 4.0 | 5.0 | — | 4.0 | — |
Value for money | 4.2 | 4.5 | — | — | 4.1 | — |
Portability | — | 3.3 | 4.2 | — | — | 4.8 |
For beginners | — | 2.6 | 4.7 | — | — | 4.8 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Adorama | Focus Camera LLC | Adorama | OpticsPlanet, Inc |
focus type | Auto Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
eye piece lens | Plossl | Plossl | Galilean | — | Plossl | Plossl |
objective lens diameter | 305 millimeters | 150 millimeters | 8 inches | 150 millimeters | 254 millimeters | 130 millimeters |
telescope mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
lens coating | Multi-Coated | Fully Coated | — | — | Multi-Coated | Fully Coated |
weight | 35 pounds | 25.77 pounds | 1 pounds | 0.01 pounds | 42 pounds | 19.15 pounds |
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
Sky-Watcher's Flextube Dobsonian
Often referred to as a "light bucket", Sky-Watcher Flextube Dobsonians utilizes an innovative collapsible optical tube design, giving users the benefits of a large aperture in a portable design. Using just two mirrors, an aluminum tube and a rocker box, Sky-Watcher honors the simple telescope design invented by John Dobson with their line of Dobsonians. If you're new to astronomy and want to experience bright and vivid planetary viewing, this is the scope for you.
Flextube 200P | Flextube 250P | Flextube 300P | |
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Customer Reviews |
3.6 out of 5 stars
86
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3.6 out of 5 stars
86
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3.8 out of 5 stars
40
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Aperture (mm) | 203 | 254 | 305 |
F/ratio | 5.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 |
Focal Length (mm) | 1200 | 1200 | 1500 |
Secondary Diameter (mm) | 48 | 64 | 70 |
Dawes Limit | 0.57 | 0.46 | 0.38 |
Limiting Magnitude | 14 | 14.5 | 14.9 |
Maximum Magnification | 400 | 500 | 600 |
OTA Weight (lbs) | 24.2 | 33 | 46.2 |
Base Weight (lbs) | 26 | 26.5 | 38.3 |
Included Eyepieces | 10mm & 25mm | 10mm & 25mm | 10mm & 25mm |
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Collapsible Optical TubeAll Flextube Dobsonians feature a unique strut design, allowing the optical tube to collapse for easier transportation and storage. When you're ready to use, simply lift the struts and lock in place. |
94% ReflectivityUsing a top of the line parabolic borosilicate mirror with a quartz overcoat, Flextube Dobsonians produce an incredible 94% reflectivity rating! |
Comes Complete with AccessoriesAll Flextube Dobsonians come complete with a finderscope, two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), and a 2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter. |
Patented Tension Control HandleUsing Sky-Watcher's patented tension control handle provides the Flextube Dobsonian with solid control for precise aiming and slewing. |
Product Description
For years, Dobsonian telescopes have provided astronomers with the most bang for their buck using a large aperture and simple design. Viewing with a large aperture can provide a stellar experience, however the size of large reflector telescopes can pose problems for users looking to either store or transport their telescope from one location to another. The Sky-Watcher Collapsible Dobsonian solves this problem with a unique collapsible design using three retractable steel struts, allowing for easy storage and transit. Dobsonians are known for giving users a large aperture reflecting telescope at a low price, however they often lack portability. Sky-Watcher has innovated this classic telescope design by integrating a collapsible tube system, addressing users’ portability concerns. Sky-Watcher Collapsible Dobsonians feature a strut system carefully designed to ease setup time in the field while delivering consistent optical performance. Each strut has preset indentations which place the optics in the same position time after time, maintaining collimation. Unlike Dobsonians using a truss-tube system, Sky-Watcher’s Collapsible Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled. The strut system is comprised of three 1” steel poles, joining the bottom and top portion of the optical tube. When extended, three chrome locking screws hold the instrument in place. Unlike truss tube Dobsonians, Sky-Watcher’s Collapsible Dobsonian holds collimation extremely well, forgoing the need to collimate each time it’s used. The retracting design can shorten the optical tube up to 36%, making storage and transit much easier. At the heart of any Sky-Watcher telescope are observatory-grade optical components. The Collapsible Dobsonian is no exception, using components that yield exceptional contrast, 94% reflectivity and minimal vignetting. Mirrors are constructed with borosilicate glass, then coated with quartz, titanium and silicon dioxide to ensure an unparalleled viewing experience. Combining these superb optics with a large Dobsonian aperture helps ensure you’ll have bright, bold views of faint deep sky objects. To ensure Sky-Watcher Dobsonians remain easy to use, all Collapsible Dobsonians include a mount base that is so smooth, it can be rotated with the push of a finger. 8” and 10” models come complete with Teflon bearings, while the larger 12” models use steel needle bearings to ensure smooth and easy movement. At Sky-Watcher, we want you to feel confident in your purchase, knowing that your telescope will come with all required accessories to start using your telescope. All Sky-Watcher Dobsonian telescopes include a 2” Crayford focuser and a 1.25” adapter, allowing you to utilize both 2” and 1.25” eyepieces. Also included, are two 1.25” eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 8x50 finderscope and eyepiece tray.
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 41 x 29 x 21 inches |
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Item Weight | 35 pounds |
ASIN | B004Q78OK6 |
Item model number | S11740 |
Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #4,260 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #110 in Telescope Reflectors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 17, 2003 |
Manufacturer | Sky-Watcher |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of assembly, viewing, and collapsible design of the telescope. For example, they mention it's well engineered, can see objects clearly, and is easy to assemble. Some appreciate the movement. That said, opinions are mixed on portability.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the telescope. They mention that it is well-engineered, wonderful, and solid. Some customers also mention that the telescope comes apart very easy and can be easily manipulated.
"...3: Quality. It seems really well made.4: Smooth movements and the tensioning handles/knobs.5: Speed of setup, teardown...." Read more
"...The scope itself is relatively heavy, as is the base, but they come apart very easy and can be easily manipulated...." Read more
"...6. Base assembly process was straight forward.7. Mirror/cell and spider well made.8. Smooth focuser.9...." Read more
"...Feels solid and a good design. I may re-work the mount to reduce weight / size in transit. I'd recommend it as a good dob scope...." Read more
Customers find the telescope easy to assemble. They appreciate the smooth telescoping assembly, which allows it to be collapsed into a smaller size. They also appreciate the clear instructions and tools provided. Customers mention that the telescope is fast to set up and tear down, and can be easily manipulated. They say it's also fairly easy to aim and adjust.
"...It took about 30-45 minutes to put everything together (very clear instructions and all tools provided)...." Read more
"...heavy, as is the base, but they come apart very easy and can be easily manipulated...." Read more
"...5. Diagonal mirror adjustment was easy, also.6. Base assembly process was straight forward.7. Mirror/cell and spider well made.8...." Read more
"...and fairly easy to aim and adjust...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the viewing capabilities of the telescope. They mention that it is easy to assemble, provides stunning views, and allows them to see objects clearly. Some say that the moon is detailed and that they can pick out the general area of Apollo. Overall, most are happy with the product's viewing capabilities.
"...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)...." Read more
"Only out twice, but great views of Jupiter, the moon, and Orion nebula...." Read more
"...Could see the rings around Saturn. The moon was so detailed I could pick out the general area of the Apollo missions landing areas...." Read more
"Easy to assemble, good viewing...." Read more
Customers like the collapsible design of the telescope. They mention that it's smaller to store overall than their old 8" was. They also appreciate the straightforward collapse feature.
"...Things I like about the scope1: The collapse feature is pretty straightforward, you loosen 3 knobs, pull up and it snaps into place, and..." Read more
"...I'd recommend it as a good dob scope. The collapsing part is awesome. It's smaller to store over all than my old 8" was." Read more
"...I love the collapsible feature of the scope, just worry about customer service being pretty much non existant." Read more
"...I love the collapsable design! I saved up for it and don't regret the purchase AT ALL!!" Read more
Customers are satisfied with the movement of the telescope. They mention that it is well-made, has smooth movements, and has a smooth focuser.
"...3: Quality. It seems really well made.4: Smooth movements and the tensioning handles/knobs.5: Speed of setup, teardown...." Read more
"...7. Mirror/cell and spider well made.8. Smooth focuser.9. Friction bearing mounts to maintain scope position10...." Read more
"...just "explore the sky" free hand, and this gives you both movement and deep sky power. Feels solid and a good design...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They say it is well built and a great value.
"...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..." Read more
"I highly recommend investing in this scope. It is well worth the price...." Read more
"...It is an amazing tool that at the time was an affordable price...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the portability of the telescope. Some mention that it's well designed for transport, while others say that it is pretty heavy and awkward.
"...The scope itself is relatively heavy, as is the base, but they come apart very easy and can be easily manipulated...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...3. Base is heavy since it is constructed of particle board (with a melamine lamination).4. Since the base is particle board it will be fragile...." Read more
"...Bulky, but very easy to "move and scan" the sky with (once it's set up) which is what I wanted...." Read more
Customers find the telescope awkward to move and heavy. They also say the eyepiece holder makes it a pain to move the base.
"...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...." Read more
"...out of particle board and a sono tube and was very heavy and awkward to move...." Read more
"Almost impossible to use. Not stable and moves to much. Don’t buy!" Read more
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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.
First generation 36-year old 12-inch version: The old one was made totally out of particle board and a sono tube and was very heavy and awkward to move. Also the tube being a heavy sono tube and adding a finder caused it to overbalance requiring lead weights to be added to the base making the whole thing even heavier. Also the mirror had to be removed for transportation.
The Sky Watcher Flex-Tube 300P
Pros:
1. All major components are metal (aluminum and steel).
2. Has a smooth telescoping assembly allowing it to be collapsed into a easier to handle 37" long tube. Has a detent positioner when fully extended.
3. The lower tube has a removable dust cover.
4. Collimation adjustment was quick and easy (assuming you possess a laser collimator)
5. Diagonal mirror adjustment was easy, also.
6. Base assembly process was straight forward.
7. Mirror/cell and spider well made.
8. Smooth focuser.
9. Friction bearing mounts to maintain scope position
10. Base and scope separate easily for transportation.
11. All components were shipped well boxed and protected.
Cons:
1. In spite of lighter materials, it is still pretty heavy and somewhat awkward but not too bad. Scope and base each weigh about 40 pounds (never bothered to weigh them).
2. Finder is okay but tends to go out of adjustment after transportation no matter how careful one might be.
3. Base is heavy since it is constructed of particle board (with a melamine lamination).
4. Since the base is particle board it will be fragile. Avoid rough handling since it will break like glass.
Had one issue which came close to being catastrophic:
Upon opening the scope shipping box and removing the foam insert at the mirror end, I heard a "clack" noise like something fell. After carefully removing the scope from the carton (keeping it horizontal), I found two of the mirror adjusters, two plastic washers and two adjuster tension springs loose in the base of the scope. The mirror was only being retained by the third adjuster and it was quite loose. If that third adjuster had come loose, the mirror and cell assembly would have been tumbling around inside the tube and would have likely gotten destroyed. Also the loose hardware never made it past the bottom of the mirror/cell and so never touched the front surface. The issue looks to be that they neglected to tighten the adjuster locking screws prior to shipment.
I carefully reassembled the adjusters to the base and cell and it works fine.
A very close call.
I sent a photo and message to Sky Watcher.