Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 406 mm
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Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 406 mm

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Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 406 mm Product description

  1. Powerful Light Gathering: Featuring a massive 406mm (16-inch) aperture, this Dobsonian telescope excels in collecting vast amounts of light, revealing faint deep-sky objects like distant galaxies and nebulae with stunning clarity and detail. Its large light-gathering capability is crucial for observing the faintest celestial wonders.

  2. Ultra Light Collapsible Design: This telescope boasts a revolutionary Ultra Light truss-tube design, allowing the entire optical tube assembly to be quickly disassembled into compact, transportable sections. This innovative engineering makes it surprisingly easy to transport this large-aperture instrument to remote, dark-sky locations, a significant advantage for serious astronomers.

  3. High-Precision Optics: At its core, the Gen II 406 mm is a Newtonian reflector telescope on a Dobsonian mount, equipped with a high-quality parabolic primary mirror that minimizes spherical aberration. The Hexafoc focuser with 10:1 reduction ensures incredibly smooth and precise focusing, essential for achieving crisp, sharp images of both planetary surfaces and diffuse deep-sky targets.

  4. Robust and Stable Performance: Despite its lightweight construction, the telescope's base and truss system are engineered for exceptional stability, providing a steady platform for observing. Crafted from a combination of durable aluminum and engineered wood, it withstands the rigors of frequent transport and setup, ensuring reliable performance night after night.

ABOUT THE EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC ULTRA LIGHT DOBSONIAN GEN II 406 MM

The Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 406 mm stands out as a highly portable yet incredibly powerful instrument designed for avid deep-sky observers and advanced amateur astronomers. This telescope represents a significant evolution in Dobsonian design, offering a unique blend of a massive 406mm (16-inch) aperture for unparalleled light-gathering capabilities and a remarkably lightweight, collapsible structure. Unlike traditional unwieldy large-aperture reflectors, the Gen II provides extreme portability, allowing for easy transport to dark-sky locations — a crucial factor for observing faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Its Newtonian reflector design, mounted on a simple alt-azimuth base, ensures bright, sharp views of distant celestial objects by efficiently collecting and focusing light with its primary mirror. Constructed from durable yet lightweight materials, this Dobsonian emphasizes ease of setup and breakdown, making it an ideal choice for observers seeking serious deep-sky performance without the logistical challenges typically associated with large telescopes.

ABOUT EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC

Explore Scientific, a brand known for its commitment to high-quality optical instruments, was founded in the United States. They have established a strong reputation for producing innovative and reliable astronomical equipment, from telescopes and eyepieces to accessories. The company's philosophy centers on making the wonders of the cosmos accessible to enthusiasts of all levels, emphasizing a balance of optical performance, user-friendliness, and durability. Explore Scientific is particularly recognized for its deep-sky observing instruments and robust designs, offering astronomers across the globe powerful tools for exploring the universe.

MAIN FEATURES

  • Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector (Dobsonian)

  • Aperture: 406 mm (16 inches)

  • Focal Length: 1827 mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/4.5

  • Mount Type: Ultra Light collapsible Dobsonian alt-azimuth base

  • Primary Mirror: High-quality parabolic primary mirror

  • Compatibility: Accommodates 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces via included adapter

  • Weight: Approximately 38 kg (total assembled weight), optimizing portability for its aperture size

  • Material: High-strength, lightweight aluminum and engineered wood components for the truss and base structure, optical glass for mirrors

  • Turret Type: Smooth 2-inch Hexafoc focuser with 10:1 reduction for precise focusing

  • Intended Use: Ideal for deep-sky observation of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, as well as planetary and lunar viewing

WARRANTY

This product is covered by a 5-year global warranty that includes defects in materials and manufacturing under normal use.

IN THE BOX

  • Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 406 mm Telescope (OTA and Base)

  • Red-dot finderscope

  • 2-inch to 1.25-inch eyepiece adapter

  • User Manual

General properties

Manufacturer Explore Scientific
Telescope series Explore Scientific Reflectors
Made in -
In production since -
Warranty 5 years
SKU 0116940

Optical properties

Optical design Newtonian reflector
Lowest useful magnification. 62.00 x
Highest useful magnification. 800.00 x
Optical tube diameter -
Optical tube length -
Optical tube weight -
Aperture. 406.00 mm
Focal length. 1826.00 mm
Focal ratio. NOK 54.11
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 -
Magnification of Eyepiece 1 -
Focal Length of Eyepiece 2 -
Magnification of Eyepiece 2 -
Focal Length of Eyepiece 3 -
Magnification of Eyepiece 3 -
Light gathering power. 3364.00 x
Limitting stellar magnitude. NOK 171.10
Resolution Rayleigh. 0.34 Arc seconds
Resolution Dawes. 0.29 Arc seconds

Reflector properties

Secondary mirror diameter. 88.00 mm
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter. 21.00 %
Secondary mirror obstruction by area. 22.00 %

Recording properties

Image Capture No
Photo adapter No

Mounting properties

Mount type of build Dobson, Manual
Tripod adaptable No
Tripod type -
Tripod material -

Navigation properties

Stellar navigation software -
GoTo Control No
GoTo Language -
GoTo control interfaces -
Alignment method -
GPS No
Tracking No
Tracking rates -
Tracking Modes -
Guiding performance -
Slow motion controls No
Slew Speed -
Communication Ports -
Computer hand control No

Physical properties

Power Supply 12 V
Lens coating Fully Multicoated
Focuser Type 2" Rack-and-Pinion Focuser
Eyepiece barrel diameter 1.25'' / 31.75 mm
Eyepiece angle Side mounted
Barlow lens Not Included
Bubble level No
Color Black

Special features

Finderscope Red Dot
Recommended for Advanced, Intermediate
Suitable for observing Galaxies, Moon, Nebulae, Planets

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