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Sky-Watcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch (White)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sky Watcher |
Model Name | Sky-Watcher Flextube SynScan 200P GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8" (203 mm) |
Optical Tube Length | 70 Millimeters |
Eye Piece Lens Description | Plossl |
Objective Lens Diameter | 203 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount Description | Altazimuth Mount |
Power Source | Battery Powered |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 55 Pounds |
Compatible Devices | Tablet, Smartphone |
About this item
- LARGE APERTURE: Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
- INNOVATIVE COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN: Unique strut design allows for optical tube to collapse for ease of portability while keeping collimation.
- BUILT-IN WIFI: Control your telescope using a smartphone or tablet with Sky-Watcher’s proprietary built-in wifi signal.
- ALL METAL GEARING: Using all-metal gearing on a pair of DC servo motors, the SynScan Dobsonian combines the precise automated tracking of a computerized GoTo telescope with the bright large-aperture viewing of a Dobsonian.
- 94% REFLECTIVE MIRRORS: Fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors deliver exceptional views.
- 42,000 OBJECT DATABASE: SynScan hand controller with 42,000+ object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights.
- COMES COMPLETE: All accessories such as, 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and 9x50 straight-through finder scope are included with purchase.
- STURDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: When fully assembled, the Dobsonian weighs only 57 pounds fully assembled (24 pound tube, 33 pound base)
- Max focal length: 1200
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From the manufacturer
Sky-Watcher's Flextube SynScan Dobsonian
Often referred to as a "light bucket", Sky-Watcher Flextube SynScan Dobsonians add innovative computerized GoTo technology and a collapsible optical tube, giving users the benefits of a large aperture in a portable design. Using Sky-Watcher's signature SynScan technology, users now have access to over 42,000+ objects in the sky, easily accessible with the press of button. If you're new to astronomy and want to experience bright and vivid planetary viewing, this is the scope for you.
Flextube Synscan 200P | Flextube Synscan 250P | Flextube Synscan 300P | |
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Customer Reviews |
3.5 out of 5 stars
39
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3.5 out of 5 stars
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3.5 out of 5 stars
39
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Aperture (mm) | 203 | 254 | 305 |
F/ratio | 5.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 |
Focal Length (mm) | 1200 | 1200 | 1500 |
Secondary Diameter (mm) | 48 | 64 | 70 |
Dawes Limit | 0.57 | 0.46 | 0.38 |
Limiting Magnitude | 14 | 14.5 | 14.9 |
Maximum Magnification | 400 | 500 | 600 |
OTA Weight (lbs) | 24.2 | 33 | 46.2 |
Base Weight (lbs) | 33 | 39 | 53 |
Included Eyepieces | 10mm & 25mm | 10mm & 25mm | 10mm & 25mm |
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42,000+ Object DatabaseUsing Sky-Watcher's innovative SynScan hand controller, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians are capable of finding and tracking over 42,000 celestial objects to keep you entertained for countless hours of observing. |
Collapsible Optical TubeAll Flextube SynScan Dobsonians feature a unique strut design, allowing the optical tube to collapse for easier transportation and storage. When you're ready to use, simply lift the struts and lock in place. |
94% ReflectivityUsing a top of the line parabolic borosilicate mirror with a quartz overcoat, Flextube SynScan Dobsonians produce an incredible 94% reflectivity rating! |
Comes Complete with AccessoriesAll Flextube SynScan Dobsonians come complete with a finderscope, two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), and a 2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter. |
Compare with similar items
This Item Sky-Watcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch (White) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | -17% $1,199.00$1,199.00 List: $1,450.00 | $799.00$799.00 | $639.99$639.99 | -34% $144.99$144.99 List: $219.95 | $1,599.00$1,599.00 | -13% $199.95$199.95 List: $229.95 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
For beginners | — | 4.7 | — | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.5 |
Easy to use | 3.8 | 5.0 | — | — | — | 4.7 |
Portability | — | 4.2 | — | 2.9 | 3.8 | — |
Sold By | Adorama | Adorama | Focus Camera LLC | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
focus type | — | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | — |
eye piece lens | Plossl | Galilean | — | Barlow | Plossl | Plossl |
objective lens diameter | 203 millimeters | 8 inches | 150 millimeters | 127 millimeters | 203 millimeters | 0 millimeters |
telescope mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Equatorial Mount | Altazimuth Mount | — |
lens coating | Fully multi-coated pyrex mirrors | — | — | Fully Coated | — | Fully Multi-Coated |
weight | 55 pounds | 1 pounds | 0.01 pounds | 21.4 pounds | 10.88 kilograms | 0.5 pounds |
finderscope | Reflex | Reflex | Reflex | Finderscope | Reflex | — |
optical tube length | 70 millimeters | — | — | 39.37 inches | 432 millimeters | — |
Looking for specific info?
What's in the box
Product information
Product Dimensions | 49 x 27 x 14 inches |
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Item Weight | 55 pounds |
ASIN | B00Z4G3BHE |
Item model number | S11800 |
Customer Reviews |
3.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #1,296 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #40 in Telescope Reflectors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 21, 2015 |
Manufacturer | Sky-Watcher |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Sky-Watcher’s GoTo Dobsonian epitomizes Sky-Watcher’s dedication to innovative ideas, combining our exclusive collapsible optical tube design with the convenience of a computerized GoTo mount. The SynScan hand controller allows users to point the telescope at specific objects, or tour the night sky with the touch of a button! Most astronomers crave the large aperture of a Dobsonian telescope, yet the lack of computerized GoTo features can be discouraging for some users. Sky-Watcher tackles this by adding motors to a traditional Dobsonian base, giving astronomers the benefits of a computerized GoTo system. Sky-Watcher’s signature SynScan hand controller uses two easy alignment methods, ‘Bright Star Alignment’ or ‘Two-Star Alignment’ for quick and easy setup. Once aligned, the SynScan hand controller can point to over 42,000 objects, including a full catalog of Messier, NGC and IC objects, providing you with a lifetime of celestial observing! While Dobsonian telescopes have a reputation for large apertures at a low cost, they often come at the expense of portability. The GoTo Dobsonian fixes this problem using our exclusive collapsible optical tube, featuring a strut system with three 1” steel poles and chrome locking screws. The strut system uses preset indentations which place the optics in the same position time after time, maintaining collimation. Unlike other Dobsonians using truss-tube systems, Sky-Watcher’s GoTo Dobsonian optical tube does not need to be disassembled before transporting from one location to another. With the ability to collapse up to 36%, these optical tubes can be easily transported in the backseat of most vehicles. At the heart of every Sky-Watcher telescope are professional-grade optics. The GoTo Dobsonian is no exception, using borosilicate mirrors coated in quartz, titanium and silicon dioxide. This yields an amazing 94% reflectivity, vivid contrast and minimal vignetting to deliver an exceptional viewing experience. Unlike other manufacturers, Sky-Watcher has a policy of providing you with all necessary accessories to get started. 8”, 10” and 12” GoTo Dobsonians include a 2” Crayford-style focuser, with a 1.25” adapter and two 1.25” eyepieces (10mm and 25mm). Whether this is your first telescope or not, there’s enough accessories for every kind of astronomer.
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, portability, and ease of use of the telescope. They mention that it's a great scope, with outstanding views. Some appreciate the collapsible tube, making it easy to move. That said, some complain about the mobility. They say that the base makes it difficult to move up and down the stairs, and the Flextube does not return to the exact same position after you collapse it and extend it again.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the telescope. They mention that it is a high-quality instrument, and the views it provides are outstanding. They also appreciate the resolution and the deep space options it provides. Customers say that they can see moons of Jupiter, Saturn's rings, and other objects in the sky with this telescope.
"Yes, it is big, yes it is awesome. Now for all you fans, something I did not know...." Read more
"The scope is amazing. For nearby planets you can see the bands of Jupiter pretty well and make the main ring features of Saturn out pretty well...." Read more
"...When manually pointing, the views I was getting were outstanding. If the thing simply worked properly, I would have loved it." Read more
"Great telescope, easy to use. Really delivers that wow factor you're looking for. Wifi included on motorized version...." Read more
Customers find the telescope portable. They mention it's smaller and easier to move. Some appreciate the collapsible tube and the fact that it can fit in their Prius when collapsed.
"Yes, it is big, yes it is awesome. Now for all you fans, something I did not know...." Read more
"...It works great. I would highly recommend the 250p Goto for its cost, portability and light gathering capability...." Read more
"...The collapsible tube; the scope can fit in my Prius when collapsed; a cloth light shroud keeps it as dark as if it was non-collapsible..." Read more
"...Also, while this is portable, the bulkiness of the base makes it quite difficult to move up and down the stairs (its about 30 - 35 lbs)...." Read more
Customers find the telescope easy to use and setup is amazingly quick and easy.
"...The goto synscan system: setup is amazingly quick and easy (2-4 minutes!)...." Read more
"Great telescope, easy to use. Really delivers that wow factor you're looking for. Wifi included on motorized version...." Read more
"...I'm still learning its easy to use" Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the mobility of the telescope. They mention that it is difficult to move up and down the stairs, and the base of the product is heavy. They also say that the Flextube does not return to the exact same position after it is collapsed and extended.
"...Nothing would get them moving against except a hard reboot. The other big issue I had was with wi-fi connectivity just dropping constantly...." Read more
"...The Flextube does not return to the exact same position after you collapse it and extend it again...." Read more
"...portable, the bulkiness of the base makes it quite difficult to move up and down the stairs (its about 30 - 35 lbs)...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Edit. Many folks ask about tracking for astrophotography. Added last pic of Orion with my Pixel with 1:20 minutes exposure. So yes you can do some exposure, but probably not more than 30 sec.
Re-edit. Has issues with the drive. Skywatcher support was quick and helpful and sent new base. Very hard to find that type of customer support. Good job!
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020
Edit. Many folks ask about tracking for astrophotography. Added last pic of Orion with my Pixel with 1:20 minutes exposure. So yes you can do some exposure, but probably not more than 30 sec.
Re-edit. Has issues with the drive. Skywatcher support was quick and helpful and sent new base. Very hard to find that type of customer support. Good job!
The telescope is an amazing light bucket, and comes with 2 Plossl eyepieces that are a good start for stargazing. The new goto base works amazingly well after a short two star alignment. All selected objects are nearly centered in the eyepieces after alignment.
I have the Skywatcher wifi dongle and use Sky Safari 6 Pro as my goto software. It works great. I would highly recommend the 250p Goto for its cost, portability and light gathering capability. But the customer service is what will bring me back again for more Skywatcher equipment.
Now the downside. The motors had issues. This of course is a big deal since you need them to move the scope around. They worked great for a first couple of days and then would die after moving for about 3 seconds. Nothing would get them moving against except a hard reboot. The other big issue I had was with wi-fi connectivity just dropping constantly. This was even with having one of my access points with in 20 feet and no obstructions. Needless to say tracking goes crazy or just stops working.
Alignment with the scope is okay - as long as the App works or you can see and properly identify some of the brighter stars. Unfortunately planets cannot be used with the on board alignment - that only happens with the App.
End of the day the technical issues with the scope and unable to resolve them caused me to return it.
And a word of warning - you need to be good at collimating because you will be re-collimating every time you use it. The Flextube does not return to the exact same position after you collapse it and extend it again.
When manually pointing, the views I was getting were outstanding. If the thing simply worked properly, I would have loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2019