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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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Availability: Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by Adorama

Arrives Wednesday, May 22
Order within 17 hours and 2 minutes
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Features

  • 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)

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.

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


Product Dimensions: 41 x 29 x 21 inches


Item Weight: 35 pounds


Item model number: S11740


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No


Date First Available: June 17, 2003


Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Wednesday, May 22

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Great value and well built
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2011 by W. Kimeria

  • Great scope
I highly recommend investing in this scope. It is well worth the price. If your new to astrology, like me, I recommend you purchase a laser collimator, barlow lens, lunar lens, and a small hex wrench for collimation. The scope comes with every thing you'll need to get started, but if you purchase these other items along with it you'll save some time. The scope itself is relatively heavy, as is the base, but they come apart very easy and can be easily manipulated. Also want to point out that the mirrors do shift when your moving and you will need to collimate before you get started viewing the vastness of our universe. Peace be with you and clear skies! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2016 by Amazon Customer Amazon Customer

  • My worst purchase on Amazon (ever)
I will fill you in on the headline and try to be brief so you will read it. This order is NOT Amazon's fault. The telescope tube arrived damaged. The primary mirror was unattached and banging around inside. Both boxes were damaged outside. Based on other dealer's prices, I was dramatically overcharged. The dealer tried to offer a discount refund but as yet, have not seen it. I have assembled the telescope and can't get it focused (collimated). Lesson learned: buy from a reputable dealer that sells telescopes. I will answer any questions. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021 by Texas Best

  • Very good Dobsonian
I used to have a first generation 12" Dobsonian that I purchased 35 years ago. This one is superior in every way. 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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020 by Nevada Geezer

  • but great views of Jupiter
Only out twice, but great views of Jupiter, the moon, and Orion nebula. Bulky, but very easy to "move and scan" the sky with (once it's set up) which is what I wanted. I like the freedom to just "explore the sky" free hand, and this gives you both movement and deep sky power. 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. The collapsing part is awesome. It's smaller to store over all than my old 8" was. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015 by OldskoolTech

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