Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 305 mm
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Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 305 mm

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Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 305 mm Product description

  1. Dobsonian Reflector Design: The Explore Scientific 305 mm telescope is a **Newtonian reflector** mounted on a stable, easy-to-use **Dobsonian (alt-azimuth) base**. This construction type is celebrated for offering a large aperture at a highly competitive price, making it an excellent choice for **deep-sky viewing** and enabling observers to gather vast amounts of light from faint celestial objects.

  2. Ultra-Light Truss Tube: Featuring an **innovative truss-tube design**, this telescope is exceptionally portable for its aperture size. The collapsible structure allows for quick and easy breakdown into compact components, making transport and storage remarkably convenient, especially compared to traditional solid-tube reflectors.

  3. Superior Light Gathering: With a substantial **305 mm (12-inch) primary mirror**, often enhanced with **96% reflectivity coatings**, this telescope delivers incredibly bright and detailed views of celestial objects. It excels in resolving fine details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters, providing an immersive astronomical experience.

  4. Precision Optics & Mechanics: Built with a focus on **optical quality and mechanical stability**, the telescope features a **parabolic primary mirror** that minimizes spherical aberration, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images across the field of view. The smooth Dobsonian mount provides intuitive and precise manual tracking, allowing effortless navigation of the night sky.

ABOUT THE EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC ULTRA LIGHT DOBSONIAN GEN II 305 MM

The Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 305 mm is an exceptional reflector telescope designed for serious amateur astronomers seeking unparalleled deep-sky views and convenient portability. As a Dobsonian-style Newtonian reflector, this instrument excels in collecting vast amounts of light, making it ideal for observing faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with stunning clarity. Its innovative truss-tube design significantly reduces weight and allows for quick setup and breakdown, making it surprisingly mobile for its large aperture. Constructed from high-quality aluminum and robust wooden components, this telescope combines durability with ease of use. The 305mm primary mirror, often featuring a parabolic shape, minimizes spherical aberration, delivering sharp, high-contrast images. Intended primarily for backyard astronomy and public outreach events, its intuitive alt-azimuth mount ensures smooth manual tracking as celestial objects drift across the sky. This model stands out from others in its series due to its enhanced stability and faster cooling times for the primary mirror, ensuring optimal performance quickly.

ABOUT EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC

Explore Scientific is a well-regarded brand founded in 2008, known for producing high-quality optical instruments for astronomy, microscopy, and nature observation. Based in the USA, the company has quickly established a reputation for offering innovative and reliable products that balance performance with affordability. They emphasize **professional-grade optics** and durable construction, catering to both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned astronomers. Explore Scientific is recognized for constantly evolving its product lines, incorporating user feedback and **cutting-edge technology** to enhance the observational experience.

MAIN FEATURES

  • Optical Design: Dobsonian-style Newtonian Reflector

  • Aperture: 305 mm (12 inches)

  • Focal Length: Typically 1524 mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/5

  • Primary Mirror: Parabolic (often 96% enhanced reflectivity coating)

  • Construction: Ultra-light truss-tube design, easily collapsible for transport

  • Mount Type: Alt-azimuth, Dobsonian base with smooth bearings

  • Materials: Aluminum structure, robust wooden base, high-quality optical glass

  • Light Gathering Power: Excellent for deep-sky observation (galaxies, nebulae, star clusters)

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

  • Collimation: Tool-less primary mirror adjustment

  • Tube Diameter: N/A (Truss-tube design)

  • Weight: Approximately 35-40 kg (total assembled weight, may vary slightly by specific generation/model run)

  • Intended Use: Backyard astronomy, deep-sky observation, public outreach, visual astronomy enthusiast

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 305 mm telescope

  • Dobsonian base with carrying handles

  • Red dot finderscope

  • Collimation cap

  • Dust caps for optics

  • Instruction manual

  • Standard Allen wrenches and tools for assembly/maintenance

General properties

Manufacturer Explore Scientific
Telescopes series Explore Scientific Reflectors
Made in -
In production since -
Warranty 5 years
SKU 0116930

Optical properties

Optical design of telescope Newtonian reflector
Lowest (useful) magnification. 51.85 x
Highest (useful) magnification. 661.57 x
Optical tube size - diameter -
Optical tube length -
Optical tube weight -
Aperture. 336.30 mm
Focal length. 1681.49 mm
Focal ratio. $5.00
Eyepiece 1 - Focal Length -
Eyepiece 1 . magnification -
Eyepiece 2 - Focal Length -
Eyepiece 2 . magnification -
Eyepiece 3 - Focal Length -
Eyepiece 3 . magnification -
Light-gathering power. 2100.02 x
Limitting stellar magnitude. $16.81
Rayleigh Resolution. 0.47 Arc seconds
Dawes Resolution. 0.42 Arc seconds

Reflector properties

Secondary mirror size/diameter. 82.98 mm
Secondary mirror obstruction (by diameter). 82.70 %
Secondary mirror obstruction (by area). 26.46 %

Recording properties

Image capturing No
Photo adapter No

Mounting properties

Mount type of build Dobson
Tripod compliant No
Type of tripod -
Tripod material -

Navigation properties

Software for Stellar Navigation -
GoTo Telescope Control No
GoTo Telecope Language -
Telescope GoTo control interfaces -
Telescope Alignment method -
Integrated GPS No
Tracking No
Track rate -
Track mode -
Telescope Guiding -
Slow motion controller No
Slew Speed -
Com. Port -
Remote Hand Control No

Physical properties

Power Supply Unit -
Lens coatings Fully Multicoated
Eyepiece barrel size 2'' / 50.8 mm
Eyepiece angle Side mounted
Barlow diverging lens Not Included
Color Black

Special features

Finder - Scope Red Dot
Recommended for Intermediate
Suitable for observing Galaxies, Moon, Nebulae, Planets

Most common questions (Q&A)

Need help? Not sure about something? Don't hesitate - ask our community! Our experienced community is here to help you with this question.

Pricing thank you?

by Robert

Dear Sir,

The price in the EU is 1,249.00 €.

If you don’t see the price, it is likely because your region is outside the area where we can ship this item. Shipping is only available within the EU due to the manufacturer’s policy.

Thank you for your understanding

by Optics Trade team

Hello, I have a few questions about the Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dobsonian Gen II 305 mm and delivery. - Is it currently in stock? - Does your store ship to Saudi Arabia? - If so, how long would it take to deliver from day of purchase (approximately)? Thank you!

by Moe

Dear Sir,

thank you for contacting us.

Unfortunately, this product is currently out of stock. We will check the delivery time for you and get back once we receive information from the manufacturer.

Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again at [email protected]

Kind Regards,

by Optics Trade team

Hi, i am interested for this telescope: Explore Scientific Ultra Light Gen II 12". Can you please advise me when this will be available? Thank you

by Yiannis

Dear Sir,

thank you for contacting us.

This product is currently out of stock at the manufacturer. The delivery time is probably at least 10 weeks once ordered due to a serious lack of assembly parts.

Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Kind Regards,

by Optics Trade team

Why Choose Optics Trade?

  • Worldwide shipping
  • Team of experts & enthusiasts
  • Customer satisfaction is top priority

Reviews & Testimonials

1 reviews
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How do you rate this product?

Nice product and good service

The product matches the official description perfectly. Easy to setup and collimate by one person and not challenging to move around as well.

Nino from customer service facilitated shipping to the united states with patience and moderate shipping charge.

Pretty satisfied so far.

Review by Shuofeng

Posted on

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