Tabletop Dobsonian telescopes have been growing steadily in popularity for years and with good reason. They are extremely versatile, can be used to observe the night sky from any location, and offer a cost-effective way of entering into the world of astronomy. While choosing a Dobsonian telescope can seem a bit daunting, particularly for those new to astronomy, it doesn’t need to be. With enough research, you’ll find the perfect one for your needs. So let’s take a closer look at what makes up the best tabletop Dobsonian telescopes available today.
List of 7 Best Tabletop Dobsonian Telescopes
Dobsonian telescopes are popular among amateur astronomers for their large aperture and ease of use. Tabletop Dobsonian telescopes are smaller and more portable versions of these telescopes, perfect for beginners or those who want a more compact telescope. Here is a list of the 7 best tabletop Dobsonian telescopes.
Celestron 76mm Compact and Portable Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
Looking for a tabletop telescope that is both portable and powerful? The Celestron 76mm Compact and Portable Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is perfect for anyone looking to get started observing the night sky. This telescope is easy to set up- there is no need for tools- and provides a wide field of view, making it great for comet-watching or observing objects in deep space. Plus, the included finderscope and 2 Kellner eyepieces make it easy to find objects in the night sky and see them in detail.
Specs:
- Brand: Celestron
- Eye Piece Lens: Kellner
- Objective lens diameter: 76 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 13″D x 10″W x 10″H
- Wide field of view for comets, star clusters, galaxies, and more.
- Lightweight and portable for easy transport.
- Simple design makes it easy to use for beginners.
- No tools necessary for setup.
- Includes finderscope and 2 Kellner eyepieces.
- Telescope may not be suitable for those looking for high magnification capabilities.
Sky-Watcher Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope is one of the most innovative telescopes on the market. Its collapsible design allows for easy transport, while its tension control handles ensure accurate movement without the need for perfect balance. With its large aperture, you’ll get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
The telescope also comes with all accessories included, such as a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with a 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and an 8×50 right-angle finder scope. So don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the universe like never before order your Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope today.
Specs:
- Brand: Sky-Watcher
- Model: S11740
- Objective lens diameter: 305 Millimeters
- Optical Tube Length: 12 Inches
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 41″D x 29″W x 21″H
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
- Unique strut design allows for the optical tube to collapse for ease of portability while keeping collimation.
- These patented handles allow for accurate movement without the need for perfect balance.
- Proprietary steel needle bearings ensure smooth azimuth movement.
- Expensive.
- Large and Heavy.
Galileo G-80DB 500mm x 80mm Dobsonian Table Top Telescope
Looking for an easy-to-use Dobsonian telescope? Look no further than the Galileo G-80DB! This telescope is perfect for beginners and experienced astronomers alike, with a matte black finish and simple Dobsonian mount. The 500mm x 80mm aperture allows you to view a variety of objects in space, from planets and stars to galaxies and nebula.
The included 1.25″ 20mm and 6mm eyepieces provide different magnifications so you can get the most out of your telescope. And at just over 1ft. tall and with a 1ft. diameter base, it’s perfect for almost any table or stands. Get ready to explore the universe with the Galileo G-80DB.
Specs:
- Brand: Galileo
- Model: G-80DB
- Objective lens diameter: 80 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Weight: 6.33 Pounds
- Focal Length: 500 millimeters
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Easily movable to different locations.
- Feel like a true astronomer with this powerful telescope.
- Its 500mm x 80mm aperture is suitable for beginners and intermediate users, it may not be sufficient for more advanced astronomers.
Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P Collapsible Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
Looking for a Dobsonian telescope that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Look no further than the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. With its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length, this telescope is ideal for viewing the Moon, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. But what really sets the Virtuoso GTI apart is its built-in Wi-Fi and full GoTo performance via the SynScan Pro app. This allows you to control the telescope from your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to find objects even if you’re not familiar with the night sky.
Plus, with patented Freedom Find technology, you can still manually control the telescope even if it’s out of alignment. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian Telescope is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.
Specs:
- Brand: Sky-Watcher
- Model: S21210
- Objective lens diameter: 130 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Weight: 24 Pounds
- View planets, galaxies, and nebulae in detail.
- Capture photos and videos of your stargazing experiences.
- Feel the excitement of seeing objects in space that you’ve only ever seen in pictures or on TV.
- Bulky and heavy.
Orion SkyScanner BL135mm Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Looking for an easy-to-use, intermediate-sized Dobsonian telescope that will let you explore the night sky? Look no further than the Orion SkyScanner BL135mm Dobsonian Reflector Telescope. This compact telescope is perfect for anyone starting out in astronomy, as it’s extremely easy to set up and use. The big 135mm (5.3″) primary mirror delivers bright, detailed views of the lunar surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, bright star clusters, and gaseous nebulas.
The included 25mm Kellner and 10mm Plossl eyepieces provide 44x and 110x magnifying powehttps://www.besttelescopesguide.com/dobsonian-telescope-vs-reflector/r, respectively, while the 3x Barlow lens triples the magnification of any eyepiece you use with it. The Orion SkyScanner BL135mm Dobsonian Reflector Telescope also comes with a red dot LED finder scope and Orion’s MoonMap 260 to help you identify craters, mountains, and more on the lunar surface.
Specs:
- Brand: Orion
- Eye Piece Lens: Barlow
- Lens Coating: Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
- Objective lens diameter: 135 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Focus Type: Manual
- Easily scan the night sky for interesting objects.
- Bright, detailed views of planets, stars, and more.
- Experience the satisfaction of learning about astronomy on your own.
- Not much durable.
Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is a perfect starter telescope for amateur astronomers of all ages. With its 130mm aperture, this telescope can provide stunning views of the night sky, even when viewing objects near the horizon.
The Dobsonian design allows for easy maneuvering of the telescope, so you can quickly find your target object and enjoy the view. With its simple construction, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is perfect for those who want to learn about astronomy and explore the night sky.
Specs:
- Brand: Sky-Watcher
- Model: S11705
- Objective lens diameter: 130 Millimeters
- Eye Piece Lens: Plossl
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Weight: 19.15 Pounds
- Dimensions: 20.5″D x 15.5″ W x 15.5″H
- 130mm aperture allows for stunning views of the night sky.
- Dobsonian design makes maneuvering the telescope easy.
- Perfect for amateur astronomers of all ages.
- It may be difficult to transport to different observing sites or events.
Celestron 76mm – Compact and Portable Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
The Celestron 76mm – Compact and Portable Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is a great choice for anyone looking to get into astronomy. Its high-quality Dobsonian style stand and 76 mm reflector optical tube provide clear, bright images of the night sky, making it easy to navigate and observe objects.
Plus, its stylish and decorative design makes it a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. And thanks to its portable and lightweight table-top design, it’s easy to store, transport, and set up. So don’t wait any longer order your Celestron 76mm – Compact and Portable Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope today.
Specs:
- Brand: Celestron
- Model: 21024
- Objective lens diameter: 76 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Weight: 4.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 9″D x 9″W x 16″H
- Entry-level astronomical telescope.
- Portable and lightweight table-top design.
- Easy to observe with Stylish and decorative design.
- Assembly Required.
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit
The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit provides a simple and engaging hands-on viewing experience without the complication of gears, clutches, polar alignment, or the need to balance the tube. With its easy point-and-view navigation and 6″ diameter parabolic mirror, this telescope is perfect for viewing the Moon and planets, as well as deep-sky objects like nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters.
The included 2″ Crayford focuser with a 1.25″ adapter also allows the use of 1.25″ eyepieces or optional 2″ eyepieces for a wider range of magnification options. The stable Dobsonian base provides vibration-free images even when viewing at high powers, and smooth motions make manual tracking of celestial objects a breeze.
This kit also includes some excellent value-added accessories to enhance your experience: Orion Shorty 2x Barlow (for double the magnification), Orion’s MoonMap 260, DeepMap 600, and Starry Night software download.
Specs:
- Brand: Orion
- Model: 150 Millimeters
- Eye Piece Lens: Barlow
- Optical Tube Length: 1143 Millimeters
- Objective lens diameter: 150 Millimeters
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Lens Coating: Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
- View celestial objects in stunning detail.
- Easy to use and set up.
- Fun for all ages.
- Suitable for viewing the Moon and planets.
- Smaller aperture size.
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Buying Guide for Best Tabletop Dobsonian Telescopes
Aperture and Focal Length:
The most important factor to consider when buying a tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is its aperture and focal length. These two factors determine the amount of light gathered by the telescope and how that light is focused to create images. A higher aperture and focal length will result in a clearer and more detailed image. It is generally recommended to opt for an aperture of at least 4 inches and a focal length of at least 400mm.
Mounting and Stability:
The tabletop Dobsonian Telescope comes with a sturdy mount that enables you to set it up on any tabletop or flat surface. It is important to ensure that the mount is stable and smooth to enable you to follow moving objects in the night sky with ease. Choosing a tabletop Dobsonian Telescope with a solid and stable mount ensures lesser vibrations and superior image quality.
Optical Quality:
Next, consider the optical quality of the telescope before making a purchase. Look for telescopes made with high-quality glass or mirrors and coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings. Uncoated telescope results in light loss and reflected glare. High-quality optics such as those made with Pyrex glass, or low-expansion glass, result in improved contrast, resolution, and color accuracy.
Additional Accessories:
Consider buying a tabletop Dobsonian Telescope that comes with additional accessories such as eyepieces, finderscopes, and filters. These accessories can enhance your viewing experience and make it easier for you to locate objects in the night sky.
Budget:
Tabletop Dobsonian Telescopes come in various price ranges, from budget-friendly options to high-end telescopes. Before making a purchase, it is important to define your budget and look for telescopes that fit your needs and budget range. Keep in mind that a high-quality telescope tends to come with a higher price tag.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our comprehensive buying guide highlights the key factors to consider when looking to buy the best tabletop Dobsonian telescope. Take into account the telescope’s aperture, focal length, mounting and stability, optical quality, additional accessories, and budget before making a final decision. By following these tips, you’re more likely to end up with a great telescope that brings the beauties of the night sky closer than ever before.
FAQs
What makes a tabletop Dobsonian telescope the best choice for beginners?
A tabletop Dobsonian telescope is an ideal choice for beginners because it is easy to operate, lightweight, and compact. Plus, it offers an exceptional view of the celestial bodies due to its large aperture and sturdy mount.
How does a tabletop Dobsonian telescope differ from other telescopes?
A tabletop Dobsonian telescope is a reflector telescope known for its simplicity and ease of use. It features a large primary mirror that collects light, which is then reflected onto a smaller secondary mirror that redirects it to the eyepiece. This type of telescope is designed to sit on a tabletop or any flat surface, making it an excellent option for people with limited space.
What should I look for when choosing a tabletop Dobsonian telescope?
When choosing a tabletop Dobsonian telescope, look for the aperture, the focal length, and the mount’s stability. The aperture will determine the telescope’s light-gathering power and the clarity of the images you see, while the focal length will affect the magnification. The mount should be stable and easy to adjust for precise targeting of celestial objects.
Can a tabletop Dobsonian telescope be used for astrophotography?
Yes, a tabletop Dobsonian telescope can be used for astrophotography, but it requires some additional equipment and expertise to achieve good results. You will need a camera or a smartphone adapter, a mount, and some basic knowledge of astrophotography techniques.
How much does a tabletop Dobsonian telescope cost?
The cost of tabletop Dobsonian telescopes varies depending on the aperture, the focal length, and the brand. Basic models start at around $100, while high-end models can cost several thousand dollars. It’s essential to choose a telescope that meets your needs and fits your budget.