SkyWatcher has been producing some of the optically finest products we've had the pleasure of using these past few years. We recently sold a fantastic 8" newtonian version of this scope and praised it for its stunning crisp optics. This 10" Dobsonian proves yet again that SkyWatcher has the upperhand in the telescope market when it comes to sheer quality of build and performance. We've looked through a lot of telescopes and done comparisons on most of the major competitors and thus far SkyWatcher has edged them all out. Whatever this Canadian company is doing in the mirror factories should remain a trade secret.
We obtained this awesome scope just a few days ago. It is in virtually new condition and after a quick and easy collimation we zeroed in on a beautiful gibbous moon. Our first views were gasp-worthy! The accuracy was unlike anything we have seen with other scopes of this aperture. Bright and tack sharp, this 10" light bucket really wowed our senses. After 30 minutes on the moon we gazed at the brightest stars and the famous Hercules Globular Cluster, M13. Again, sharpness was razor-like and focusing was effortless with the supplied focuser.
What makes this scope unique from most other Dobs is the collapsible configuration. With most other transportable scopes of this variety the user must break down the scope by removing the trusses. SkyWatcher has created an easy collapsible secondary array so the entire unit remains intact. Just press down on the two knobs and the two halves become one. Each has its own dust cover as well.
We decided to upgrade this bad boy by replacing the stock finderscope with a really nice 9x50 Celestron. We also installed some tensioning screws on the struts as a back-up for the ones supplied. The focuser supports both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. We are supplying the 2" adapter, and as an added bonus we are including an Astrozap lightshroud. This cloth shroud will help stray light out of the tube.
Slewing and turning is firm and stable. You won't need a step-stool or ladder for this compact scope and its lightweight and portable enough to fit in even the smallest economy vehicles.
We seriously considered holding on to this telescope for our own viewing pleasure! Optics like this are not easy to part with, especially at this price. The SkyWatcher 10" Dobsonian generally sells for around $700 but we're throwing it out there for $495.
As with most of our scopes, we are happy to deliver in the LA, Valley, Orange and Inland Empire regions for a small fee. Shipping would be pricey so we prefer to deal locally. We are also throwing in a free 10mm Plossl with this scope.
For more detailed information on this telescope go here.
Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com
