Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Aperature Telescope – Solid-Tube – Simple, Traditional Design – Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White (S11600)
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Brand | Sky Watcher |
Model Name | Sky-Watcher Traditional Dobsonian 6" |
Optical Tube Length | 70 Millimeters |
Eye Piece Lens Description | 25/10 Super |
Objective Lens Diameter | 6 Inches |
Telescope Mount Description | Altazimuth Mount |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Power Source | Adapter |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 33 Pounds |
About this item
- LARGE APERTURE: Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
- PROPRIETARY TENSION CONTROL HANDLES: These patented handles allow for accurate movement without the need for perfect balance.
- 94% REFLECTIVE MIRRORS: Fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors deliver exceptional views.
- TEFLON BEARINGS: Proprietary Teflon bearings ensure smooth azimuth movement.
- COMES COMPLETE: All accessories such as, 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion focuser with 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and 6x30 straight-through finder scope are included with purchase.
- STURDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: When fully assembled, the Dobsonian weighs only 40 pounds fully assembled (15 pound tube, 25 pound base)
- Max focal length: 1200
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From the manufacturer
Sky Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Aperature Telescope
Description:
The Sky-Watcher Classic Dobsonian Telescope 153mm/1200mm (6") has a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary- mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick), to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss. In addition, this models include a 2" focuser with a 1.25" adapter, allowing the use of either eyepiece size. This models also include the new feature-tension control handle.
Compare with similar items
This Item Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Aperature Telescope – Solid-Tube – Simple, Traditional Design – Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White (S11600) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $349.99$349.99 | $249.99$249.99 | $282.75$282.75 | $19.99$19.99 | -50% $159.66$159.66 List: $319.95 |
Delivery | — | Get it Mar 26 - 28 | Get it Mar 27 - Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to assemble | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.8 | — | 4.4 |
For beginners | — | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.0 |
Value for money | 3.2 | — | 5.0 | — | 4.7 | 4.7 |
Easy to use | 3.3 | — | — | — | 5.0 | 3.3 |
Portability | — | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.8 | — | — |
Sold By | — | Orion Telescopes & Binoculars | Orion Telescopes & Binoculars | Amazon.com | Sameyee | HALF TIME |
focus type | Auto Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
eye piece lens | 25/10 Super | Barlow | Plossl | Plossl | Barlow | Plossl |
objective lens diameter | 6 inches | 135 millimeters | 134 millimeters | 130 millimeters | 1.25 inches | 90 millimeters |
aperture diameter | — | 135 millimeters millimeters | 134 millimeters millimeters | 130 millimeters millimeters | — | — |
telescope mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Equatorial Mount | Altazimuth Mount | — | Altazimuth Mount |
lens coating | Fully multi-coated pyrex mirrors | Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide | Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide | Fully Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Coated |
Looking for specific info?
What's in the box
Product Description
High-Quality Light Buckets with Old School Charm
Featuring large apertures and easy functionality, Sky-Watcher’s Traditional Dobsonian telescope makes the perfect beginner scope. Developed in the 1970s, the Dobsonian-style telescope is an inexpensive solution for bright, detailed visual observing using a simple design.
The name ‘Dobsonian’ comes from the telescope’s inventor, John Dobson, a Vedantan monk and sidewalk astronomer who dedicated his life to astronomy outreach. Dobson was notorious for constructing large aperture reflecting telescopes capable of deep sky viewing, using low cost materials. These were often made with found materials, heavy cardboard tubes, recycled porthole glass and plywood mounts. Dobson encouraged other astronomers to assemble their own telescopes and taught workshops on telescope making.
Sky-Watcher carries on the legacy Dobson left behind with our Traditional Dobsonian telescope. Often referred to as ‘light buckets’, Dobsonians provide users with the highest possible aperture for their money when compared to telescopes of a similar size, such as Schmidt-Cassegrains or refractors. Dobsonians use a simple, yet effective design, optimized for visual observation of faint objects, such as nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. At Sky-Watcher, we stay true to the traditional John Dobson design, using just two mirrors, a metal tube and a simple rocker box. Although we love computerized telescopes, using a star chart to find objects by hand can be far more fulfilling and will improve your knowledge of the night sky. Unplug your electronic devices, step outside and become immersed in the wonders of the universe.
Not your Father’s Dobsonian
Don’t let this simple design fool you! Dobsonian-style telescopes utilize their large aperture to give users bright, vivid detail. Both primary and secondary mirrors deliver 94% reflectivity, using borosilicate mirrors coated with quartz, titanium and silicon dioxide. With a finely-crafted parabolic primary mirror and coatings this bright, you’ll be viewing just as John Dobson intended.
Sky-Watcher Innovation
Unlike other models on the market, Sky-Watcher Dobsonians feature a patented Tension Control Handle which allow for easy tension adjustment, enabling the telescope to move freely around the sky. The Tension Control Handle also provides stability when using large eyepieces. Steel ball bearings provide smooth movement even when the handle is tightened.
The simple rocker box mount with azimuth Teflon™ bearings is easy and straightforward enough for any beginner. The use of Teflon™ ensures smooth movement, yet creates enough friction to prevent any unintentional movement of the telescope.
Accessories and Other Goodies
While most telescopes limit the astronomer to 1.25” eyepieces, Sky-Watcher provides users with a beefy 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion style focuser. Using the supplied 1.25 inch adapter you can take advantage of virtually any eyepiece on the market. Also included is a 6x30 finderscope and two eyepeieces (10mm & 25mm), perfect for the beginning astronomer! Highest Practical Power 306x
Product information
Product Dimensions | 49 x 27 x 14 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 33 pounds |
ASIN | B00Z4G3D22 |
Item model number | S11600 |
Customer Reviews |
3.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #903 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #144 in Telescopes (Camera & Photo Products) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 21, 2015 |
Manufacturer | Sky-Watcher |
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality of the telescope, saying it's very impressive and great for viewing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. They appreciate the sturdiness, value, and ease of assembly. However, some customers have reported issues with scratch resistance and the base of the product. Customers also differ on weight and smoothness.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the telescope. They mention that it is very impressive, great for viewing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, and easy to assemble. Some say that the finder scope provides a good crisp image, but at zenith is very difficult to use. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...The mountains on the moon's rim are impressive against the black background of space, and the bands of Jupiter are fantastic...." Read more
"...I think it's a good telescope. Do you feel lucky?" Read more
"...The Orion nebula popped right into view with exquisite detail. The Andromeda Galaxy was spectacular to see as well...." Read more
"...Finder scope: The finder scope provides a good crisp image but at zenith is very difficult to use...." Read more
Customers find the telescope easy to assemble. They say it's simple to use, has good instructions, and is usable right out of the box. Customers also mention that the telescope comes with tools to help assemble, and everything went together perfectly. Overall, customers say it is a great scope for beginners and advanced users.
"...It was easy to assemble, and everything went together perfectly. I was intending to adjust my finder scope today, but it is raining...." Read more
"...Breaking this down is easy, but transportation starts becoming a problem due to its large size and the bulky base...." Read more
"...Great for viewing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Assembly was fairly easy...." Read more
"...It was also very easy to collimate with my laser collimator. All in all, I am thrilled with the scope and I think it will be just the right size...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They say it is great for the money, and has a great price for the light gathering ability.
"...Still, I am not sorry I bought this scope. It is a great telescope for the money. June 28, 2017:..." Read more
"I'm gonna level with you:This thing gets an incredible bang for the buck.First off: This thing is massive. And I mean huge...." Read more
"...This scope has good optics for the price but you should be prepared to spend a bit on quality lenses, a quality barlow and some essential upgrades..." Read more
"Really great for the price, very good image quality after collamination. I can't imagine a better starter telescope for the price...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sturdiness of the telescope. They mention that it's pretty solid and heavy, which makes it more stable and durable. They also say that they have not had any quality issues with the scope at all, and the stability of the mirrors is a big benefit.
"...I gave this scope 5 stars because it is so well made...." Read more
"...Aligning the mirrors is a cake walk and the stability of the mirrors is a big benefit...." Read more
"...The way the factory packaged the OTA and the base was very well done...." Read more
"...The stand is wood but that is also sturdy. The scope doesn't come fully collimated but its still usable right out of the box...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the weight of the telescope. Some mention it's very easy to move around, while others say it'd be difficult to move.
"...The scope was actually smaller than I anticipated and moving it around is not that difficult...." Read more
"...starts becoming a problem due to its large size and the bulky base...." Read more
"...pictures (using the 25 mm eyepiece that came with it) but portable enough to move it without too much effort...." Read more
"...Mine is heavy on the eyepiece end and so it constantly ether drifts down or you have to tighten the tension adjust VERY tight, or come up with your..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the smoothness of the telescope. Some mention that the focuser is very smooth and precise, while others say that it makes precise focusing nearly impossible.
"...With this thing, I can smoothly guide the telescope into position and make minor adjustments without loosing focus or the object I'm viewing...." Read more
"...Focuser: The focuser is solid and smooth but as it is a single speed focusing at high magnification is a challenge...." Read more
"...could further the distance beyond 60 meters, but it was still not focusing properly...." Read more
"...has a sort of lazy susan ball bearing unit in the base and so it is very smooth and precise...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the base of the telescope. They mention that it was missing or wrong.
"Missing the base. Box Says "box 2 of 2 sold as set", but UPS label says 1 of 1. My base wasn't shipped...." Read more
"...a Christmas gift and extremely disappointed when unwrapped and there was no base...." Read more
"It was missing the base. Only "Box 2 of 2" was delivered. DO NOT BUY HERE!..." Read more
"Like so many others, I received the base but no telescope. The telescope was never sent according to customer service...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the scratch resistance of the telescope. They mention that the mirror was detached and heavily scratched, the stand came slightly damaged, and there was a little chip in the back plate of the particle board mount.
"...There was one little chip in the back plate of the particle board mount...." Read more
"...2 feature-tension control handles are not necessary for my use and scratch my leg when I walk past the scope...." Read more
"...images were blurry and unfocused, partially due to the telescope mirror arriving scratched...." Read more
"...My only problem was the stand came slightly damaged but I'm sure that was on ups.Well worth the money...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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So far I am pleased with my new telescope. It was easy to assemble, and everything went together perfectly. I was intending to adjust my finder scope today, but it is raining. Maybe tomorrow?
This scope is quite an upgrade from my 4" I bought over 15 years ago. It came with a 1.25 wide angle 25mm lens, and a 1.25 super 10mm lens. I can't wait to get my 2" wide angle.
I gave this scope 5 stars because it is so well made. After I actually use it, I will either leave it a 5 stars or downgrade it.
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Well, after a week of rain and/or cloudy skies, I finally used my scope. I collimated it with my laser collimator and tried to focus on Venus. The best view I could get was a big unfocused white ball. I tried recollimating the scope to no avail. In fact. the only thing I could focus on were the leaves on a tree 60 meters away.. Anything beyond that was hopeless.
I order a Solomark Chesire Collimating Eyepiece which will come in two days. I hope this solves the problem. I hate to think I paid $600.00 to look at leaves.
I'm leaving my rating at 5 stars because I'm thinking my problem is human error and/or the laser collimator. I'll try again in a few days to collimate my scope and hopefully see a wonderful view of the stars and planets.
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Well, I received my Solomark Chesire Collimating Eyepiece. However, again it is raining. I collimated my scope to see if I could further the distance beyond 60 meters, but it was still not focusing properly.
I would say when all else fails to go to the instructions, but the instructions in the manual are lacking. One thing caught my eye in the parts list; something I didn't notice the first time. And that is: the focuser has a 2" inch adapter, not a built-in 2" lens holder. Duh! All this time I thought the focuser was one piece. I have been stacking the 1.25 adapter on top of the 2" adapter.
I took out the 2" adapter, inserted the 1.25 adapter the 25mm wide angle lens, and the focus was perfect.
I notice that someone else was/is having the same problem as I, and he gave this scope a bad rating. I bet he was doing the same thing; double stacking adapters.
If anyone else is having a problem with focusing their Dobsonian reflector, try taking out the 2" adapter and insert the 1.25".
My rating for this scope stays at five stars.
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About two weeks after receiving my scope, I finally was able to use it last night. The craters on the moon were awesome. The stars jumped out at me. I plan to view the Orion nebula and Andromeda galaxy at the end of December, when Andromeda will be directly overhead one hour after sunset. There will be less atmosphere to see through.
This scope deserves 5 stars, and that is where I'm leaving it. There may be those who have larger scopes and are no longer impressed with a ten inch, but, until I can afford a bigger scope, I'm happy with this one.
The problems I had, at the beginning, are no reflection on the scope itself; the problems arose from poor instructions and description. When it says the scope has a 2" focuser and a 1.25" adapter, it is understandable that you would assume the focuser is one piece and cannot be separated, and that you would insert the 1.25" adapter into the 2" focuser to use a 1.25" lens. That was why I could not focus on anything more than 60 meters away. The laser collimator wasn't part of the problem, either. So, I have nothing bad to say about it.
For those who can afford this scope, it is a great buy.
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Well, here it is; December 31, and between the rain and cloudiness, I've only viewed the moon and Jupiter, and stars. The mountains on the moon's rim are impressive against the black background of space, and the bands of Jupiter are fantastic. At 167 million miles away, Mars only looks like a red star. I'll have to wait until July 2018, when Mars is 38 million miles away. Maybe then I'll be able to see it's polar caps. Saturn will be in the night sky this June. Soon as I catch a clear night, I'm going to try and locate the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
This scope is everything it claims to be. I built a 9 inch high portable wooden base to raise the scope at a more comfortable level. I also keep the scope in my 12X16 tool shed so it is ready for use without having to wait long for it to acclimate.
I have noticed the price went up on the scope. I'm glad I bought it when I did. Still, at the current price, it is a good buy.
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3-13-17 The price has gone down more. Buy this scope; i.e. unless you can afford a larger primary mirror.
Two weeks ago I finally bought a 2 inch SF 18mm eyepiece to use with my 2 inch SF Barlow. I viewed the Orion Nebula and Pleiades star cluster. They are fantastic.
Yesterday I received a set of four Gosky (red, green, yellow, blue) planetary filters, which can be stacked. I hope they bring out more detail when viewing.
I'm already yearning for a bigger scope with a tracking system so I can use a camera. Still, I am not sorry I bought this scope. It is a great telescope for the money.
June 28, 2017:
It is a good time to view Saturn and its rings. With my 10" (using a 2" 18mm eyepiece coupled with a 2" 2x focal extender) I can see one slight division in Saturn's ring making two large rings. Also, Titan can be seen.
Jupiter's bands are clearly noticeable, and it's four largest moons are like bright stars. I watched Io pass Europa in orbit (over a period of 1.5 hours).
I'm waiting for Mars to be its closest in 2018.
The more I use this scope, the more I feel it is money well spent.
July 31, 2018:
Well, I finally took a look at Mars tonight. It is as bright as Venus, though only two-thirds as big. I could make out light grey areas in the bright red color. You need a bigger scope if you want to see any details.
I'm still pleased with this scope. It is a great starter scope, but I'm ready for an upgrade.
EDIT 8/9/20: I called Amazon support a few days ago immediately after receiving my package and explained that I didn't receive the base. The girl on the phone confirmed that a base should have been shipped in a separate box, and also confirmed that there was only 1 tracking number, meaning only 1 package had shipped. She then told me that she would put in a replacement order for me and I would receive another telescope and a base. I explained I wanted to keep the optical tube I received and only wanted a base. She explained that since it's sold as a set, she can only ship the scope and base to me, but that I can "keep the extra telescope for the inconvenience." I thought this was too good to be true. But I also thought, "whatever, this just shows you how cheap these things are." So she puts in my replacement order, which she tells me would ship around August 17th. Imagine my surprise when I got home today on August 9th, and I have another package waiting on my doorstep. Here's the problem: the new package is AGAIN, just box 2 of 2. ANOTHER optical tube. I immediately called Amazon support again. This call took 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 14 seconds. I was flat out told these are my options: 1) send back both optical tubes for a refund; 2) keep both optical tubes with a partial refund of $86.00. BOTH OF THESE OPTIONS DO NOT ALLOW ME TO USE THE PRODUCT AS INTENDED! I can't express how disappointed I am that Amazon cannot do better than this. All I want is the base. Besides the disappointment of not getting the product I ordered, I'm also annoyed that the first rep promised me a free telescope for some reason. NOT that I really expected it to work out that way, but why the hell would she throw it out there like that?
This thing gets an incredible bang for the buck.
First off: This thing is massive. And I mean huge. But it's worth it. I got this specifically so I could look at nebula and other deep sky objects. And honestly the difference between this and pretty much every other telescope I've ever owned is impressive. The Orion nebula popped right into view with exquisite detail. The Andromeda Galaxy was spectacular to see as well.
As for the routine operations, once I bought a laser collimator for this, my overall performance increased as well. Aligning the mirrors is a cake walk and the stability of the mirrors is a big benefit.
The next thing that needs to be discussed is the mount.
While it is huge, this thing is smooth as silk. With other telescopes even me breathing wrong will make the image bounce and shake. With this thing, I can smoothly guide the telescope into position and make minor adjustments without loosing focus or the object I'm viewing.
I think the only thing this telescope really lacks is an altazimuth scale. It makes tracking in and finding objects at first a bit of a pain. Especially if aligning things for the first time. But it's a minor gripe.
The viewfinder allows for 2 different sizes. 1.25 and the larger set. Which is good if you're dealing with specialty lenses. And the focus itself can be locked into place so you don't accidentally bump the assembly and lose focus.
Breaking this down is easy, but transportation starts becoming a problem due to its large size and the bulky base. But it's a minor trade off that does not significantly affect its overall portability. Besides, what problems are introduced in slight portability issues are more than compensated for in sheer stability.
If you're new to astronomy and want something that will bring the wonders of our galaxy to you, this is it. Buy this alone and you'll not want for a new telescope for years. It's easy as sin to use and it's guaranteed to bring you some great viewing.
Top reviews from other countries
Just a few things to keep in mind if you’re getting your first telescope:
1. The dobsonian mount is not beginner-friendly at all for finding deep sky objects! If you have a little bit more money, invest in a telescope that comes with a goto mount to begin with and save yourself the frustration of trying to find Messier objects on your own for hours on end.
2. If you’re still set on getting an 8in dob (or even a 6in), be prepared to hear your significant other, parents or roommates complain once they see it. These things are huge and take some space. Moving the mount itself is a workout if you’re petite or just not used to lifting weights. They might not even fit in a small car. So again, if you have a little bit more money and less space, you might still be better off with a Schmidt-Cassegrain.
All that being said, I find dobsonians more aesthetically pleasing and the image quality of this one was quite impressive (didn't need collimation so far) + it was a good fit for my budget so I am happy with my purchase.
El telescopio incluye un soporte de tipo Dobson que lo sostiene muy bien. Es fácil de armar e incluye unas instrucciones muy claras (en inglés). Operarlo es fácil y cómodo, el único problema es que pesa mucho así que para reubicarlo hay que arrastrarlo o desarmarlo.
Por último, pese a que es un excelente telescopio, no viene sin defectos. El primero y más obvio es el tamaño. El tubo mide más de un metro de largo y tiene un diámetro superior a los 20 cms, sin incluir el espacio adicional que ocupa la mira para encontrar los astros. El tubo no pesa mucho pero es muy estorboso, y si no tienes espacio suficiente almacenarlo puede ser un problema. El soporte es sólido y con buena calidad de materiales, pero también ocupa bastante espacio y además es pesado (unos 15 kilos). Si para ti es importante que se pueda transportar el telescopio fácilmente, considéralo porque podría no ser la mejor opción. Otro problema es que los espejos se desalinean constantemente (problema común en los Newtonianos) por lo que es recomendable comprar un colimador para realinearlos, y uno decente puede costar entre 500-1,000 pesos adicionales (precios en Amazon).
En general, considero que para el precio es una excelente opción. Sobretodo en México que no es fácil conseguir estos aparatos a precios accesibles. Es un producto importado así que puede tardar el envío, pero vale la pena la espera.