StellaLyra 12 Inch f5 Dobsonian

Product Description

The UK's BEST 12" Dobsonian telescope! Designed and manufactured to a very high standard by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) in Taiwan. With a 12" aperture, this Dobsonian telescope has 44% more light-gathering ability than 10" models. Telescopes of this size are often affectionately referred to as 'light buckets'—an excellent choice for visual astronomy.

Viewing the lunar surface will feel like you can reach out and scratch plaster! Venus and its phases are also viewable. In good seeing conditions, you can observe Mars with its surface shading and polar cap, Jupiter's weather bands and several of its Moons, and Saturn with its rings, including the Cassini division, are also clearly visible. So are many deep-sky objects, such as galaxies and nebulae. For many owners, this telescope will provide a lifetime of observing.

All StellaLyra Dobsonian telescopes are fitted with a quality GSO aluminised parabolic primary mirror with a minimum reflectivity of 93% and a silicon-dioxide protective overcoat to ensure the surface remains bright for years. Collimation knobs on the primary mirror cell provide easy collimation adjustment without tools, and an integrated fan provides fast cooling.

This 12” model also features an impressive CNC-machined 2" Crayford focuser with 1:10 dual-speed focus adjustment for smooth, precise focusing—and no image shift!

The focuser includes a 2" to 1.25" adapter, so you can use both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories. Brass compression rings grip them securely without marring their nosepieces. A convenient 35mm focus extender is also supplied so you can easily achieve focus when using most long focal length 2" eyepieces.

Three fully multicoated eyepieces (1.25" 9mm Plössl, 1.25" 15mm Plössl, and 2" 30mm SuperView) are included, so views will be clear and sharp from the outset.

The Dobsonian base is delivered flat-packed, is easy to assemble and has a convenient carry handle on each side.

A robust roller-bearing assembly between two metal plates provides smooth, reliable azimuth adjustments, even after years of use.

For altitude adjustment, a robust steel shaft and CNC-machined metal plates with large knurled tension adjustment knobs, one on each side, provide smooth, precise movements and adjustable tension.

The mount also features a convenient balance adjustment mechanism with an engraved scale that enables the telescope to be moved forward or backward for precise balance. This is especially useful when changing from a small eyepiece to a large, heavy one or when adding a second finderscope or binoviewer.

A Right-Angled Correct Image 8x50 finder scope is also included for comfort and convenience, so no cricked neck!

NOTE: The assembly instructions are generic for 8", 10" & 12" models, so please don't be concerned if your telescope is supplied with fewer screws than shown in the instructions. You will have the correct number.

FEATURES
304mm (12") optical aperture
1520mm focal length
f/5 focal ratio
25% secondary mirror obstruction
Parabolic primary mirror with minimum 93% reflectivity
Aluminium and silicon dioxide (SiO2) protective mirror coatings
Sturdy primary mirror-cell with easy grip collimation knobs
Cooling fan brings the primary mirror to ambient temperature quickly for best performance
Rigid, steel telescope tube with 4-vane, all metal secondary Spider and adjustable primary cell
CNC-machined 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser with non-marring brass compression rings
2" to 1.25" adapter enables the use of both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
35mm focus extension enables focus when using long focal length 2" eyepieces
Smooth, stable Dobsonian mount with tension adjustments
Convenient four-slot eyepiece holder on the front and a carry handle on both sides of the mount
A carry handle is also fitted atop the telescope
Supplied with fully multicoated 1.25" 9mm Plössl, 1.25" 15mm Plössl, and 2" 30mm SuperView eyepieces
8x50 Right-Angled Correct Image finderscope for comfort and convenience

Focuser
2" dual-speed Crayford focuser
10:1 fine focus adjustment for precise focusing
Crayford design provides smooth focusing with no image shift
Includes a 2" to 1.25" adapter so you can use 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
35mm focus extension enables focus when using long focal length 2" eyepieces
Brass compression rings hold items securely without marring the barrels
A handy measurement scale makes it easy to remember focus positions when changing eyepieces

Dobsonian Mount
Supplied flat-pack but quick and easy to assemble
Altitude tension clutch on the sides provides smooth, accurate movement and easy adjustment to suit different payloads and personal preference
The azimuth axis (on the bottom) features a 'Lazy Susan' style roller bearing assembly for smooth 360º movement and an adjustable tensioner
A handle on each side makes the Dobsonian mount easy to move around the garden
A handy 4-position eyepiece holder on the front provides convenient storage for eyepieces and accessories
8x50 Right-Angled Finderscope
Straight-through finderscopes can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, so most StellaLyra Dobsonians are supplied with an 8x50 Right-Angle Correct Image finderscope—so no cricked neck!
A large 50mm aperture helps spot dimmer targets
Cross-hair reticule for precise alignment
Two adjustment screws and a sprung loaded tensioner make it quick and easy to align the finderscope to the main telescope (it can be aligned during daytime when aimed at a distant pylon, but be careful not to point it anywhere near the Sun)!

Primary Mirror Cell
Robust primary mirror cell holds collimation well
Collimation is easily adjusted using oversize, easy-to-grip adjustment and locking knobs
The primary mirror cooling fan draws air over the mirror for faster cooling. It can be powered using the supplied AA battery holder (batteries not included) or a separate 12v DC power supply with a centre-positive 2.1mm/5.5mm DC jack

Other Accessories
9mm and 15mm 1.25" 52º Plössl eyepieces with 6mm and 13mm eye-relief
30mm 2" 68º Superview eyepiece with 22mm eye-relief
35mm 2" focus extension tube with brass compression ring for eyepieces and accessories that require additional back focus distance
8x AA battery holder with 2.1mm DC plug to fit the primary mirror cooling fan