Sky-Watcher Dobson 14" Flex Tube Go-To telescope (SW-1323)

Sky-Watcher is a global leader in telescope manufacturing, especially known for Newtonian reflectors on Dobsonian mounts. The company has always emphasized the highest optical quality, which is reflected in the remarkable images their telescopes produce and in numerous positive reviews worldwide. With experience going back to 1990, Sky-Watcher Dobsonians are built in an elegant, mature, and classic style, offering outstanding value and affordability. While many competitors have tried to match them, none rival Sky-Watcher’s blend of optical excellence and user-friendly design.

The Dobson 14 is a powerful reflecting telescope designed for demanding astronomy enthusiasts. With a 35 cm aperture, this telescope provides spectacular views of all types of celestial objects. Its performance is typically limited only by atmospheric conditions, not by optical capability. The tremendous light-gathering power makes distant nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters stand out under dark skies.

Go-To System
The telescope features a Go-To system for automatic object finding and tracking. Precision stepper motors significantly enhance observing comfort. Objects can be selected from a menu, and the telescope is positioned using electronic micro-movements. Dual-axis encoders and removable locks allow you to move the telescope manually without losing tracking. After pointing to a new object, the telescope automatically resumes tracking.

This GoTo system is precise enough for planetary imaging with a basic camera or CCD camera. It also allows short-exposure astrophotography of deep sky objects and live HD image transmission to a monitor for educational or public demonstrations with a suitable CCD camera.

Please note: The kit does not include an AC power supply. Purchase a compatible power supply or battery separately.

Optical System
This Newtonian telescope features a parabolic primary mirror made of Pyrex, measuring 355 mm in diameter with a 1650 mm focal length. The mirror is aluminum-coated and quartz-overcoated for resistance to oxidation and scratches. The large secondary mirror is similarly protected. With a fast f/4.5 focal ratio, this telescope produces very bright images at low magnifications and wide fields of view, making it ideal for observing nebulae and galaxies.

Flex-Tube Collapsible Design
Sky-Watcher’s unique collapsible design allows large Dobsonians to be compacted for storage, taking up much less space. Assembly is quick and tool-free, thanks to sliding tube elements, and collimation is maintained between sessions.

Pyrex Mirror
All Sky-Watcher Dobsonians 8" and larger are equipped with a PYREX primary mirror, which has low thermal expansion and provides better image quality than standard glass. The innovative ribbed cone mirror design results in lower weight, faster cooling, and no need for a complex floating cell. The large secondary mirror ensures full illumination of wide fields, such as those seen through a 31mm Nagler eyepiece.

Mount
The telescope sits on an azimuthal Dobsonian mount with azimuth bearings. The simple, stable construction allows smooth rotation in both azimuth and altitude. The fork mount and low center of gravity provide much greater stability than equatorial mounts.

Focuser
The 2" Crayford focuser with microfocusing and 1.25" adapter ensures smooth, backlash-free focusing. Both 2" and 1.25" extensions are included (to be used one at a time). The focuser is compatible with Sky-Watcher autofocuser drives.

Astronomical Observations

Deep Sky:
The Sky-Watcher Dobson 14" is a powerful tool, not just because of its size. Bright deep sky objects—like the Orion Nebula (M42), Double Cluster in Perseus, and Hercules Cluster (M13)—appear truly spectacular. Under exceptionally dark skies, subtle pink and blue-green hues in objects like M42 or planetary nebulae become visible, usually only seen in photos. Even under average conditions, many objects look impressive, and the combination of a large aperture and dark skies guarantees unforgettable views. Messier globular clusters are resolved into thousands of stars, emission nebulae show delicate structure, and galaxies reveal not just their bright cores but extensive spiral arms. An experienced observer can spot hundreds of galaxies, clusters, and nebulae—including objects in the Andromeda Galaxy and many beyond the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs.

Solar System:
The 35 cm aperture brings high resolution, making planetary and lunar observations spectacular. Jupiter and Saturn are shown with clear detail and color—atmospheric bands, ring structure (including the Cassini Division, and, in good conditions, even the elusive Encke Division). Uranus, Neptune, and Mercury’s disks, as well as vast surface features on the Moon, are easily visible. The Sky-Watcher Dobson 14" excels not just as a deep-sky telescope but also for planetary viewing, rivaling much more expensive SCTs in performance.

Because of the fast f/4.5 focal ratio, high-quality eyepieces capable of handling a steep light cone are recommended. Ideal choices include Tele Vue Nagler, Delos, Ethos, Vixen LVW, Pentax XW, and Baader Morpheus. For both astrophotography and visual use, a coma corrector is also recommended.

Note: The primary mirror is shipped separately for safety and size reasons. The mirror is pre-mounted in its cell and ready for installation.

Warning: When using solar filters with Sky-Watcher Dobson Flex Tube telescopes, always use a light shield to prevent stray sunlight from entering the tube. Not using a shield can result in damage to the filter, telescope, or your eyesight. Safety must always come first during solar observing.

Power supply is not included in the kit; only a car adapter is provided. The recommended AC adapter is ESPE 12V/3A.

Included Accessories

• Collapsible Dobsonian mount

• Super Plössl 10 mm eyepiece

• Super Plössl 25 mm eyepiece

• AZ SynScan controller

• 9x50 finderscope

• 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter

Specifications

Catalog Number: SW-1323
Optical Design: Newtonian
Mount Type: Dobsonian
Aperture: 355 mm
Focal Length: 1650 mm
Focal Ratio: f/4.6
Limiting Magnitude: 15.4
Maximum Useful Magnification: 710x
Maximum Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.40"
Maximum Resolution (Dawes): 0.33"
Light Gathering Power: 2572x
Tube Weight: 24 kg
Mount Weight: 38 kg
Total Weight: 62 kg
Tube Length: 1510 mm
Tripod Type: Dobsonian
Tripod Height: 830 mm
Mount Control: SynScan Go-To
Focuser Type: Crayford
Focuser Diameter: 2"
Focuser Micro-motion: No
Secondary Mirror Diameter: 93 mm
Electronics Warranty: 24 months
General Warranty: 60 months