Sky-Watcher Synta N-203/1200 DOBSON 8" GOTO Synscan controller + WiFi

Sky-Watcher Skyliner FlexTube 203/1200 Dobson GoTo

Sky-Watcher Skyliner FlexTube 203/1200 Dobson GoTo is an 8-inch Dobsonian reflector with a parabolic primary mirror, collapsible FlexTube truss design, automatic tracking and SynScan GoTo control. It combines the high light-gathering power expected from a large-aperture Dobsonian with easier transport, stable handling and automatic object positioning from an extensive database.

Key advantages

• 203 mm aperture provides strong light-gathering capability for the Moon, planets, globular clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
• Parabolic Newtonian optics with 1200 mm focal length and f/5.9 focal ratio support a wide range of astronomical observations.
• Collapsible FlexTube construction with three sliding struts makes the telescope easier to transport and quick to set up.
• Automatic tracking keeps objects in the eyepiece field for more comfortable observing, including planetary work at higher magnifications.
• SynScan GoTo control automatically slews to selected targets from a database of 42,900 objects.
• 2-inch Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter and T2 camera connector allows precise focusing and accessory flexibility.

Product description

The classic idea behind a Dobsonian telescope is simple: a large aperture at an attractive price. With the BlackDiamond / Skyliner FlexTube design, Sky-Watcher adds a modern transport-friendly construction to this concept. The patented sliding strut system makes the telescope easier to move and also allows the focus position to be adjusted flexibly by extending or retracting the rods.

Manual tracking has always been one of the limitations of traditional Dobsonians: once an object is positioned, it gradually drifts out of the eyepiece field of view. The GoTo version with automatic tracking solves this issue with motorized movement. Constant manual guiding is no longer necessary, making the telescope capable of comfortable high-magnification planetary observing as well as deep-sky use.

The 8-inch parabolic mirror is a classic aperture for astronomical observing. Globular clusters can be well resolved, and some galaxies may show the first signs of spiral structure. The f/5.9 focal ratio and 2-inch focuser also make the telescope suitable for observing extended nebulae.

Planets show a wealth of detail through this instrument. Saturn”s rings are easy to see, and under suitable conditions the well-known Cassini division can also be observed. The telescope is intended for lunar and planetary observing as well as nebulae and galaxies.

The telescope is equipped with a smooth Crayford focuser for accurate focusing. A T2 camera connector is included with the focuser. For using a DSLR camera, a camera-specific T2 adapter is additionally required.

Truss-tube Dobsonians are especially popular with committed observers because of their portability. Sky-Watcher”s FlexTube system uses only three struts, so the tube can be collapsed quickly for transport and extended again at the observing site. Once extended, the telescope remains rigid, and the manufacturer states that collimation remains stable despite the simple design.

The built-in tracking capability allows photography of brighter objects. Unlike many standard Newtonians, Sky-Watcher truss-tube Dobsonians do not have the same focus-position difficulty, because the focus point can be adapted flexibly. The large light-gathering power opens interesting possibilities during lunar eclipses and for planetary astrophotography. At the same time, the specification lists astrophotography as not recommended as the main application.

Powerful servo motors on both axes are controlled through the hand box and can move the telescope at several different speeds. The GoTo version is supplied with SynScan control: the hand controller selects objects from the pre-programmed database, and the telescope slews to the chosen target automatically.

Technical specifications

Package contents

• Optics with collapsible tube
• Reinforced rocker box
• 10 mm and 25 mm eyepieces, 1.25"
• 2-inch Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter and T2 camera connector
• 9x50 quick-release finder for easy location of objects in the night sky
• Primary mirror with central marker for easier collimation
• User manual in German