Sky-Watcher Dobson 8" Pyrex Flex Tube 200/1200 Telescope (SW-1310)

Sky-Watcher is a global leader in telescope manufacturing, especially known for Newtonian telescopes on Dobsonian mounts. For years, the company has placed a strong emphasis on the highest optical quality, which is reflected in stunning views of the universe and positive reviews worldwide. With experience dating back to 1990, Sky-Watcher produces Dobsonian telescopes in an elegant, mature, and classic design that is both economical and affordable. While there are many imitators on the market, no other brand matches Sky-Watcher’s ability to create Dobsonian telescopes that are both optically excellent and accessible.

This is a large Newtonian telescope with a 20 cm (8-inch) parabolic mirror mounted on a stable Dobsonian mount. Thanks to its strong optical performance and relatively low price, this telescope is an excellent choice for both beginners and demanding astronomy enthusiasts. The 20 cm aperture and moderate focal ratio make it suitable for detailed planetary observation, as well as for finding hundreds of deep sky objects like clusters and galaxies under dark skies. The telescope does not require a power source, is simple to operate, and always ready for use.

Optical System
This model is based on the classic Newtonian design. The main mirror is parabolic, 200 mm in diameter, with a focal length of 1200 mm. The f/6 focal ratio is optimal, minimizing coma at the edge of the field. This design has fewer of the typical drawbacks of Newtonian telescopes, such as coma and secondary obstruction, so the 8-inch Dobsonian delivers sharp, high-contrast views of both nebulae and planetary details.

Collapsible Design
Sky-Watcher’s unique collapsible design allows large Dobsonian telescopes to be compacted for storage, taking up much less space. The telescope can be collapsed or set up in seconds without tools or disassembly of the tube, thanks to sliding tube elements. The precise mechanism means no need for realignment after each setup.

Pyrex Mirror
All Sky-Watcher Dobsonian telescopes 8 inches and larger are equipped with primary mirrors made from PYREX glass, which has low thermal expansion and ensures higher image quality compared to standard glass mirrors.

Mount
The telescope uses a Dobsonian alt-azimuth mount, known for its simplicity and stability. It rotates easily in both azimuth and altitude axes. With a fork-style support and low center of gravity, the telescope remains much more stable than with equatorial mounts.

Focuser
A 2-inch Crayford focuser with a 1.25-inch adapter is included. The Crayford focuser operates smoothly and is free from play. It comes with both 2-inch and 1.25-inch extension/adapters (to be used one at a time, not together). The focuser is compatible with Sky-Watcher’s autofocuser motors.

Astronomical Observations

Solar System:

• Surface features on the Moon larger than 1 km

• Sunspots and their structure, visible solar granulation

• All planets of the Solar System

• Phases of Mercury and Venus

• Mars’ disk, polar caps at opposition, and first surface details

• Jupiter’s bands and Galilean moons

• Saturn’s rings with Cassini Division, atmospheric bands, and smaller moons

• Uranus and Neptune visible as blue-hued stars

• Tracking the movement of many asteroids

• Observing faint comets and their structures

Stars:

• About 2.7 million stars visible across the sky, down to magnitude 15

• Double and multiple stars separated by more than 0.7–0.8 arcseconds

• Distinct colors of many stars

Deep-Sky Objects:

• All Messier catalog objects

• Dozens or even hundreds of globular clusters, many resolved to the core

• Hundreds of open clusters with clear differences in structure

• Several dozen nebulae, with rich and subtle details

• Dozens of galaxies with visible structures, shapes, and disk orientation

• Structure and build of many planetary nebulae, enhanced contrast with filters

• Visible supernova remnants

With a 20 cm aperture, objects are much clearer and more detailed compared to smaller 130 mm or 150 mm telescopes. However, a larger telescope is more sensitive to light pollution, air pollution, atmospheric stability, and optical collimation accuracy. For optimal sky images with telescopes 20 cm and larger, these factors should be considered.

Terrestrial Observations
This type of optical system is not ideal for land-based observations. An erecting lens is required to produce a natural (upright) image. With such a lens and the Dobsonian mount, the telescope can be used for simple terrestrial viewing. The stable, smooth movement of the Dobsonian mount also allows for easy tracking of airplanes at high altitudes.

Warning: When using solar filters with Sky-Watcher Dobson Flex Tube telescopes, always use a light shield to prevent sunlight from entering the side of the tube. Failure to do so can damage the filter, telescope, or—most importantly—your eyesight. Safety is critical during solar observation.

Included Accessories

• 1.25" Super Plössl eyepieces: 25 mm and 10 mm

• 9x50 finderscope

Specifications

Catalog Number: SW-1310
Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
Mount Type: Dobsonian
Aperture: 203 mm
Focal Length: 1200 mm
Focal Ratio: f/5.9
Limiting Magnitude: 14.1
Maximum Useful Magnification: 406x
Maximum Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.70"
Maximum Resolution (Dawes): 0.57"
Light Gathering Power: 841x
Tube Weight: 11 kg
Mount Weight: 12 kg
Total Weight: 23 kg
Tube Length: 1120 mm
Tube Diameter: 240 mm
Tripod Type: Dobsonian
Tripod Height: 740 mm
Mount Control: Manual
Focuser Type: Crayford
Focuser Diameter: 2"
Focuser Micro-motion: No
Secondary Mirror Diameter: 51 mm
Warranty: 60 months