{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-on20859rr","title":"Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescope (Red)","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e208mm (8-inch) Primary Mirror\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1219mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/5.9 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-inch Crayford-style Focuser with 1.25-inch Adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDobsonian-style Mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes Two Eyepieces, 2x Barlow, and Smartphone Adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExplore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescope (Red)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe limited-edition ruby-red Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescope combines a large 208mm primary mirror with a 1219mm focal length for high-resolution views of celestial objects. Its f\/5.9 focal ratio provides a versatile balance between wide deep-sky fields and the magnification needed for planetary detail, all supported by a sturdy Dobsonian base weighing 18 lbs 11 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e208mm f\/5.9 Optics: Gathering Light for Planets and Nebulae\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 208mm (8-inch) primary mirror is the engine of this telescope, gathering enough light to resolve individual stars in the Hercules Cluster (M13) and reveal the faint spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). The 1219mm focal length and f\/5.9 focal ratio create a highly versatile instrument, capable of providing wide, immersive views of the Orion Nebula (M42) at low power and sharp, detailed images of Jupiter's cloud bands at high magnification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDobsonian Mount: Balancing a 19 lb 15.5 oz Tube\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dobsonian mount is celebrated for its simplicity and stability, allowing you to point the telescope anywhere in the sky with intuitive push-to motions. The 18 lbs 11 oz base is engineered with a spring tension system to smoothly balance the 19 lbs 15.5 oz optical tube, ensuring it stays put once you've found your target. This two-piece design makes the system manageable to transport from your backyard to a dark-sky site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReady for the Sky: A Complete 2-inch Accessory Package\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis telescope arrives with everything you need for your first night out. The 2-inch Crayford focuser provides smooth, precise focusing and includes a 1.25-inch adapter, making it compatible with a vast range of eyepieces. The package includes a wide-field 25mm eyepiece for 49x magnification and a 10mm Plossl for 122x, while the 2x Barlow lens doubles these magnifications to 98x and 244x, respectively, covering a full range of observing targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmartphone Adapter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lets you capture and share images of the Moon and bright planets using your phone's camera.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed-Dot Finder:\u003c\/strong\u003e A zero-magnification finder that makes aiming the telescope at celestial objects straightforward and intuitive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-inch Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e A significant upgrade over standard 1.25-inch focusers, allowing the use of premium wide-field 2-inch eyepieces for breathtaking views.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eES 8\" Dobsonian vs. Orion XT8: Focuser and Eyepiece Differences\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen compared to a popular competitor like the Orion SkyQuest XT8, the Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian offers key advantages in its included accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrion's Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The SkyQuest line is one of the most recognized names in beginner telescopes, with a long-standing reputation for solid construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExplore Scientific's Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ES Dobsonian includes a 2-inch Crayford focuser as standard, while the base XT8 model typically features a 1.25-inch focuser. This makes the Explore Scientific model immediately ready for premium 2-inch eyepieces. Furthermore, this package includes two eyepieces, a 2x Barlow, and a smartphone adapter, offering a more complete out-of-the-box observing and imaging toolkit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat can I see with the Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its 208mm aperture, this telescope can reveal stunning detail. You can expect to see the rings of Saturn, the cloud bands and Great Red Spot on Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and countless craters on the Moon. For deep-sky objects, it will show you bright globular clusters like M13, nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42), and dozens of galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the 8-inch Dobsonian perform on Jupiter and Saturn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis telescope is an excellent planetary instrument. Using the included 10mm eyepiece and 2x Barlow for a combined 244x magnification, you can clearly resolve the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings on a night of good seeing. On Jupiter, you will be able to track the Galilean moons and observe intricate detail within its atmospheric belts and zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian portable enough for dark sky sites?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it's designed for portability. The system breaks down into two main components: the 19 lbs 15.5 oz optical tube and the 18 lbs 11 oz base. Each part can be carried separately and fits across the back seat of most cars, making it a practical choice for traveling to locations with less light pollution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the highest useful magnification for this 8-inch Dobsonian?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA general rule for maximum useful magnification is 50x per inch of aperture, which would be around 400x for this telescope. However, this is highly dependent on atmospheric conditions (\"seeing\"). The included 10mm eyepiece with the 2x Barlow provides 244x, which is an excellent high-power view for most nights and will provide sharp, detailed views of planets without over-magnifying the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use 2-inch eyepieces with this Explore Scientific telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The telescope comes standard with a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser. This is a major feature that allows you to use high-end, wide-field 2-inch eyepieces for expansive views of the Milky Way or large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). A 1.25-inch adapter is included for use with more common eyepiece sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow would this 8-inch Dobsonian handle a large target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would perform beautifully. Using the included 25mm eyepiece for 49x magnification, you can frame the bright core and a significant portion of the galaxy's faint outer disk. From a dark sky site, the 208mm mirror will gather enough light to reveal dust lanes within M31 and even spot its two companion galaxies, M32 and M110, in the same field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Mirror Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e208mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1219mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/5.9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDobsonian\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Tube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19 lbs 15.5 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 lbs 11 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Explore_Scientific_ES-ON20859RR_8in_Dobsonian_Reflector_Telescope_Red_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e70-degree Series 25mm eyepiece (49x)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e10mm Plossl eyepiece (122x)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e2x Barlow lens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e2-inch Crayford focuser with 1.25-inch adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eRed-dot finder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSmartphone adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDust cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Explore_Scientific_ES-ON20859RR_8in_Dobsonian_Reflector_Telescope_Red_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909213679901,"sku":"ES-ON20859RR","price":699.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-8-inch-Dobsonian-Reflector-Telescope-Red-1_de679ed7-1aec-4f24-b60c-5070264aecc3.jpg?v=1789060747","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/explore-scientific-es-on20859rr","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}