Explore Scientific 406 Dobsonian Telescope - 16"

Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobson 406mm Telescope - GENERATION II

No type of telescope has changed amateur astronomy as much as the Dobsonian design telescopes. Before John Dobson introduced the Dobson telescope, the vast majority of amateur telescopes consisted of small lens telescopes with primitive mechanics - just enough to barely make out the polar caps of Mars or the rings of Saturn. Larger telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassegrains, were reserved for a much more expensive and specialised market, however this all changed with the introduction of the Dobsonian Telescope. The Dobsonian design combines simple but effective mechanics with the largest possible aperture, which has given the Dobsonian telescope a unique triumph worldwide. Nowhere else do you get so much light gathering ability for your money as with a good Dobsonian Telescope.

At 406mm (16") Aperture things start to get very serious in terms of what you can see through the eyepiece. The Moon and Planets are simply incredible and even fainter objects like Galaxies and nebula start to show lots of real detail and structure as well as hints of colour - Particularly if you are viewing from a dark sky location. A telescope with a mirror diameter of 406mm collects more than 3300 times as much light than the naked eye.

The easy disassembly of this telescope allows for problem-free transport, even in relatively small cars - the assembly then is quick and easy without the need for tools. The entire construction has been optimized for maximum stiffness without neglecting weight. The combination of large height wheels with an optimized aluminum sandwich construction enables the finest correction movements at the highest magnifications. The focus position has already been prepared for the use of a coma corrector. 

Transport dimensions for mobile use:

• Rockerbox: 550mm x 550mm x 330mm, Mirror box 480mm x 480mm x 300mm,
• Rod length approx: 1250mm
  
• Viewing height in zenith position approx: 1.63m,
  
• Total weight: 38.4 kg, 16" mirror box: 23.8kg, 16" top with secondary mirror + bottom rocker box: 10.5 kg, 16" 4 pairs of struts: 2.5kg, 16" height wheels pair: 1.6kg
  
• Threaded connection focuser: M54 x 0.75 mm

Features:

• Tubular all-aluminium construction.
• Aperture: 16"
• Focal Length: 1826mm
• Focal Ratio: f/4.5
• Mirror Material: BK-7
• Plain bearings made of Teflon and GRP, resulting in very sensitive tracking.
• Improved primary mirror cell with precise adjustment mechanism.
• Friction adjustment on both sides and brake system for the height bearings.
• Universal viewfinder shoe for an easy viewfinder upgrade is required.
• Quick-release fasteners with spring loaded elements for more comfortable handling.
• Powder-coated height wheels for better durability.

Whats Included:

1. Lattice tube Dobson Telescope
2. LED viewfinder with standard viewfinder shoe
3. Scattered light protection for secondary mirror cage
4. Adjustment tool for main mirrors
5. Battery box with pocket for fan
6. Balancing weights 2 x 1.0 kg
7. Extension sleeve for focuser
8. Reduction adapter 2" to 1.25"
9. Operating instructions

SAFETY NOTICE: Never look directly at the Sun through your Binoculars or Telescope - immediate and permanent eye damage may result. For Solar viewing please ensure you have a dedicated Solar Filter fitted correctly to your telescope.