StellaLyra 12" f/5 Dobsonian Telescope

StellaLyra 12" f/5 Dobsonian Telescope

Designed and manufactured to a very high standard by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) in Taiwan. 

With a 12" aperture, this Dobsonian telescope has 44% more light ability than 10" models. Telescopes of this size are often affectionately referred to as 'light buckets'—an excellent choice for visual astronomy. 

Viewing the lunar surface will feel like you can reach out and scratch plaster! Venus and its phases are also viewable. In good seeing conditions, you can observe Mars with surface shading and polar cap, Jupiter's weather bands and a number of its Moons and Saturn with its rings, including the Cassini division, are also clearly visible. So too, are many deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae. For many owners, this telescope will provide a lifetime of observing. 

All StellaLyra Dobsonian telescopes are fitted with a quality GSO aluminised parabolic primary mirror with a minimum 93% reflectivity and a silicon-dioxide protective overcoat to ensure the surface remains bright for years to come.  

Collimation knobs on the primary mirror cell provide easy collimation adjustment without tools, and an integrated fan provides fast cooling. 

This 12” model also features an impressive CNC-machined 2" Crayford focuser with 1:10 dual-speed focus adjustment for smooth, precise focusing. And no image-shift!

The focuser includes a 2" to 1.25" adapter, so you use both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories. Brass compression rings grip them securely without marring their nosepiece. A convenient 35mm focus extender is also supplied so you can achieve focus easily when using most long focal length 2" eyepieces. 

Three fully multicoated eyepieces (1.25" 9mm Plössl, 1.25" 15mm Plössl, and 2" 30mm SuperView) are included, so views will be clear and sharp from the outset.  

The Dobsonian base is delivered flat-packed and is easy to assemble. 

A robust roller-bearing assembly provides smooth, reliable azimuth adjustments. Metal plates above and below the bearings prevent them from sinking into the softer wood (no divots!), so the movement remains smooth, even after years of use. 

For altitude adjustment, a robust steel shaft and CNC-machined metal plates with large knurled tension adjustment knobs, one on each side, provide smooth, precise movements and adjustable tension. 

The mount also features a convenient balance adjustment mechanism with an engraved scale that enables the telescope to be moved forward or backward for precise balance. This is useful when changing from a small eyepiece to a large, heavy one or when adding a second finderscope or binoviewer. 

For comfort and convenience, a Right-Angled Correct Image 8x50 finder scope is included, so no cricked neck!  

NOTE: The assembly instructions are generic for 8", 10" & 12" models, so please don't be concerned if your telescope is supplied with fewer screws than shown in the instructions. You will have the correct number. 

Features

• 304mm (12") optical aperture
• 1520mm focal length
• f/5 focal ratio
• 25% secondary mirror obstruction
• Parabolic primary mirror with minimum 93% reflectivity
• Aluminium and silicon dioxide (SiO2) protective mirror coatings
• Sturdy primary mirror-cell with easy grip collimation knobs
• Cooling fan brings the primary mirror to ambient temperature quickly for best performance
• Rigid, steel telescope tube with 4-vane, all metal secondary Spider and adjustable primary cell
• CNC-machined 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser with non-marring brass compression rings 
• 2" to 1.25" adapter enables the use of both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
• 35mm focus extension enables focus when using long focal length 2" eyepieces
• Smooth, stable Dobsonian mount with tension adjustments, four slot eyepiece holder and front carry-handle
• Supplied with fully multicoated 1.25" 9mm Plössl, 1.25" 15mm Plössl, and 2" 30mm SuperView eyepieces
• 8x50 Right-Angled Correct Image finderscope for comfort and convenience

Focuser

• 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser
• 10:1 fine focus adjustment for precise focusing
• Crayford design provides smooth focusing with no image shift
• Includes a 2" to 1.25" adapter so you can use 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
• 35mm focus extension enables focus when using long focal length 2" eyepieces
• Brass compression rings grip items securely without marring the barrels
• A handy measurement scale makes it easy to remember focus positions when changing eyepieces

Dobsonian Mount

• Supplied flat-pack but quick and easy to assemble
• Altitude tension clutch on the sides provides smooth, accurate movement and easy adjustment to suit different payloads and personal preference
• The azimuth axis (on the bottom) features a 'Lazy Susan' style roller bearing assembly for smooth 360º movement and an adjustable tensioner
• A handle on the front makes the Dobsonian mount easy to move around the garden
• A handy 4-position eyepiece holder on the side provides convenient storage for eyepieces and accessories

8x50 Right-Angled Finderscope

• Straight-through finderscopes can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, so most StellaLyra Dobsonians are supplied with an 8x50 Right-Angle Correct Image finderscope. So no cricked neck! 
• A large 50mm aperture helps spot dimmer targets
• Cross-hair reticule for precise alignment
• Two adjustment screws and a sprung loaded tensioner make it quick and easy to align the finderscope to the main telescope (it can be aligned during daytime when aimed at a distant pylon, but be careful not to point it anywhere near the Sun)!

Primary Mirror Cell

• Robust primary mirror cell holds collimation well.
• Collimation is easily adjusted using oversize, easy-to-grip adjustment and locking knobs.
• The primary mirror cooling fan helps draw air over the mirror for faster cooling. The fan can be powered using the supplied AA battery holder (batteries not included) or a separate 12v DC power supply with a centre positive 2.1mm/5.5mm DC jack.

Other Accessories

• 9mm and 15mm 1.25" 52º Plössl eyepieces with 6mm and 13mm eye-relief
• 30mm 2" 68º Superview eyepiece with 22mm eye-relief
• 35mm 2" focus extension tube with brass compression ring for eyepieces and accessories that require additional back focus distance
• 8x AA battery holder with 2.1mm DC plug to fit the primary mirror cooling fan