Explore Scientific 12" Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope Generation II

$1,999.99

Availability: More on the way

The Explore Scientific Truss Dobsonian takes a large scope and breaks it down into a very portable package.  Get ready to see amazing detail in galaxies and nebulas.

Our Product #: ES12D
Explore Scientific Product #: DOB1245-00
Recommended Accessories
 

Product Description

This is a Generation II telescope. All updates have been performed on this telescope. No telescope type has changed the hobby quite as much as the Dobsonian. Before the introduction of the Dobsonian by John Dobson, the vast majority of amateur telescopes consisted of small telescopes with primitive mechanics - barely enough to see the polar caps of Mars or the rings of Saturn. Larger telescopes, such as the Schmidt-Cassegrain were reserved for the wealthy. The ingenious combination of simple yet effective mechanisms with the greatest possible opening gives the Dobsonian telescope a unique triumphant march around the world. Nowhere do you get as much light for your money like a good Dobson. Disassembly of the scope without tools ensures a trouble-free transport of this great scope even in small cars. The entire structure has been optimized for maximum stiffness with minimal weight. The combination of high altitude bearings with optimized aluminum structures allows fine adjustment flows at high magnifications.

The ideal workhorse for the deep sky observers. A 305mm mirror collects more than 1,800 times as much light as the naked eye. Details on planets and deep sky objects will be visible even for inexperienced observers. Bright star clusters are resolved to the core, and the sight of the terminator on the moon is an unforgettable experience.

Includes 2" focuser with helical gearing and 10:1 reduction; LED Red Dot Finder, collimation assist tool; soft light baffle and two radial main mirror fan for fast temperature equilibrium.

The scope is ready for the use with our optional coma corrector.

Tech Details

Aperture 12"
Focal Length 1525mm
Focal Ratio f/5
Heaviest Single Component 50.5
Weight 66.2
Warranty 1 year, extendable to lifetime

Reviews

Review by:
Upon receiving this scope, a few modifications were made to maximize the performance. Initially, the altitude movement was way too loose, even with the "hockey puck" altitude tensioners fully tightened and the altitude bearings placed in their uppermost position. By placing a felt pad on either side of the teflon pad, the altitude movement was greatly improved and the side tensioners could be loosened to where they merely serve as centering guides.

The other mod was to construct a full shield for the upper cage out of ABS plastic. The shield fits inside the upper cage and is lined with flocking material on the inside. This solution is much more effective than the flexible shield that is held on with Velcro tabs and has a tendency to flap in the breeze.

While some people may think that one should not have to "modify" a brand new scope, keep in mind the price point of this telescope. If I were paying Obsession-like prices, I would expect perfection out of the box. As it is, the Explore Scientific has surprising good optics, and with a few tweaks, can be transformed into a top notch scope at a great price. (Posted on 10/24/2019)
Review by:
Purchased an ES 12" Dob this May. Initially, the altitude movement was too loose, even with the altitude bearings shifted to the upper position (which the manual states is for heavier eyepieces/finders). By using a felt pad in conjunction with the teflon pads (not placed over the teflon pads, just along side), the altitude movement is now as smooth as butter. The hockey puck tensioners on the side of the altitude bearing now just serve as centering guides and no longer need to be excessively tight.

The second modification was to construct a light shield for the upper cage out of ABS plastic. Fitting inside the upper cage, the ABS plastic was lined with adhesive flocking and has proven to be much more effective than the supplied shield that flops in the breeze.

While some may say that a new telescope should require any modifications, remember the price point of this scope. With a little bit of tinkering, this has become a very good scope with surprisingly good optics. (Posted on 10/24/2019)
Review by:
Easy to setup and use. Used it last summer to observe Jupiter at very high magnifications. Wished it came with a shroud. (Posted on 1/10/2019)
Review by:
This scope gives the best of both worlds. Awesome light gathering power and great portability. Explore Scientific has hit a homerun with this one. I love this scope! (Posted on 11/28/2018)
How do you rate this product? *
Rating

Supplied Accessories

Includes 2" focuser with helical gearing and 10:1 reduction; LED Red Dot Finder, collimation assist tool; soft light baffle and two radial main mirror fan for fast temperature equilibrium.