Bresser Dobson telescope N 203/1200 Messier Hexafoc DOB (47842)

The traditional company Bresser offers telescopes under the Messier brand, providing an excellent price-performance ratio for ambitious beginners. These Messier telescope systems are expandable and retrofittable, making them suitable for use well beyond the initial entry point.

Dobsonian Telescopes
Dobsonian telescopes are among the most practical instruments in astronomy. Their simple construction and innovative design make them highly popular. They consist of two main components: the optics, typically a solid tube or truss tube design, and the mount, a wooden box (commonly called a "rocker box") that sits on the ground and holds the telescope. This design allows users to start observing immediately without requiring complicated setup or alignment.

The Dobsonian design was created with the goal of offering a large telescope at an affordable price, a goal that has been achieved remarkably well. Since its invention, Dobsonian telescopes have gained a dedicated fan base due to their simplicity and high performance at a low cost.

The DOBSON telescopes from SKYWATCHER combine technical innovation with functional design. The alt-azimuth mount, popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970s, consists of a box that allows the optical tube to pivot in altitude while swiveling on a base in azimuth. These mounts are typically moved by hand rather than motor-driven and are known for their low cost, fast setup, and ability to support larger optical tubes.

The telescopes also feature handles for easy transportation and precise adjustment of the altitude axis.

Hexafoc Focuser
The telescope includes a 2" focuser with an adapter for 1.25" eyepieces, allowing for easy upgrades to 2" wide-field eyepieces without any issues. The excellent Hexafoc focuser has a large aperture of 64 mm, ensuring no shading from the focuser tube even when using wide-field eyepieces.

Special Advantages of the Messier Series Dobsonian Telescopes

• The rocker box is equipped with metal quick-release connectors, allowing it to be disassembled and reassembled in minutes without requiring tools like a cordless screwdriver.

• A new 2.5" focuser is included, offering high rigidity and freedom from shifting.

• The optical tube is supported by pipe clamps with large altitude wheels on the sides. This setup allows the tube to be used on an equatorial mount if needed and enables rotation along its longitudinal axis for optimal eyepiece positioning. By adjusting the tube within the clamps, optimal balance can be achieved for smooth operation.

Specifications

Optics:

• Type: Reflector

• Build: Newtonian

• Aperture: 203 mm

• Focal length: 1200 mm

• Aperture ratio (f/): 6

• Resolving capacity: 0.58 arcseconds

• Limiting magnitude: 13.3 mag

• Light gathering capacity: 820x (compared to the human eye)

• Maximum useful magnification: 400x

• Tube construction: Full tube

• Tube length: 1280 mm

• Tube weight: 11.5 kg

Reflector Features:

• Main mirror construction: Parabolic

• Primary mirror material: Borosilicate glass

• Secondary mirror design: Planar

• Adjustable mirrors: Yes

• Secondary mirror heating: No

• Ventilation for primary mirror: No

Focuser:

• Type of build: Hexafoc

• Free aperture: 64 mm

• Motorized: No

• Gear reduction: Without

Mount Features:

• Type of mount: Dobsonian (Rockerbox)

• GoTo control included? No

Mount Details:

• Material: Wood

• Weight of mount only: 9.5 kg

Included Accessories:

• SP eyepiece included (25 mm, 1.25")

• Finder scope included (6x30)

• Eyepiece adapter for both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces

• Solar filters included

General Information and Applications:
The Messier Dobsonian series is part of Bresser’s Messier line and is ideal for observing the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies, and even the Sun (with appropriate solar filters). It is not suitable for astrophotography or nature observation but is perfect for beginners seeking simplicity and performance.

Additional Details:
The total system weight is approximately 21 kg, with a shipping weight of around 28 kg. This telescope is recommended for beginners but not advanced users or observatories.