Explore Scientific Dobson telescope N 500/1800 Ultra Light Generation II Hexafoc DOB (56795)

Dobsonian telescopes are renowned for their practicality and simplicity in astronomy. Their design consists of two main components: the optics (typically a solid tube or truss tube design) and the mount (a wooden "rocker box" that sits on the ground). This straightforward setup allows for immediate observation without complex alignment procedures. The Dobsonian concept originated from the desire to create large, affordable telescopes—a goal that has been brilliantly achieved. These instruments have developed a dedicated following due to their fascinating simplicity and high performance at a low price.

Explore Scientific has enhanced this classic design with a lightweight tubular aluminum frame optimized for transport and quick deployment.

Key Features

• Tool-free, secure adjustment of the secondary mirror mount

• Adjustable primary mirror with a modern cell featuring radial roller bearings and a 9-point flotation system

• Large altitude bearings for smooth, stable movements at high magnifications

• Compact transportation design with cap and altitude bearings fitting inside the rocker box

• High structural rigidity and dew-resistant aluminum construction

• Two radial primary mirror fans for rapid temperature adjustment

Transport Dimensions for Mobile Operation

• Rocker box: 678 x 678 x 347mm

• Mirror box: 590 x 590 x 361mm

• Pole length: approx. 1084mm

Weights

• Mirror housing with altitude bearings: 35.8kg

• Upper section with secondary mirror: 3.8kg

• Rocker box lower section: 10.6kg

• 4 pairs of struts: 2.8kg

• Primary mirror weight: 20kg

Made in Germany and Hungary

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Reflector (Newtonian)

• Aperture: 500 mm

• Focal Length: 1800 mm

• Focal Ratio: f/3.6

• Resolving Capacity: 0.23 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 15.3

• Light Gathering Capacity: 5100x (compared to human eye)

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 1000x

Tube Construction

• Design: Truss Tube

• Material: Aluminum

Reflector Details

• Primary Mirror Diameter: 500 mm

• Secondary Mirror Diameter: 120 mm

• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 24%

• Primary Mirror Material: Quartz

• Secondary Mirror Material: Quartz

• Primary Mirror Construction: Parabolic

• Secondary Mirror Design: Flat

• Secondary Mirror Heating: No

Focuser

• Type: Hexafoc with 1:10 fine focusing

• Eyepiece Connection: 2"

• Free Aperture: 64 mm

Mount

• Type: Dobsonian (Rocker Box)

• Material: Aluminum

• GoTo Control: No

Included Accessories

• Finder Scope: 8x50

• Eyepiece Adapter: 2" / 1.25"

• Antiglare Protector: Yes

• Extension Tubes: Yes

• Counterweights: 4 x 1.0kg

General Information

• Series: Ultra Light

• Total Weight: 53kg

• Heaviest Component: 36kg

• Eyepiece Height at Zenith: 1630 mm

Areas of Application

• Moon & Planets: Yes

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: No

• Astrophotography: No

• Solar Observation: No

Recommended For

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: No

The Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian telescope combines portability, stability, and ease of use with exceptional optical performance, making it an excellent choice for advanced amateur astronomers seeking a powerful yet transportable instrument for visual astronomy.