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Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope

BH #SK12GTCD • MFR #S11820
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Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope
Key Features
  • Large 12" f/4.9 Aperture
  • 1500mm Focal Length
  • Highly Reflective Borosilicate Mirror
  • Space-Saving Collapsible Tube Design
Sporting the large light bucket users have come to expect from a Dob, the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope gives users great performance at a reasonable price. Its large parabolic Borosilicate primary mirror is treated with an aluminum coating that brings its reflectivity to over 94%, with a secondary mirror obstruction of just 5% by area. Unlike traditional Dobsonians that tend to be bulky and unwieldy, the Flextube's patented truss design allows it to retract to just 36" for easier transport and storage and extends to 55" with an impressive 1500mm focal length for observation.
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Sky-Watcher GoTo Overview

Sporting the large light bucket users have come to expect from a Dob, the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope gives users great performance at a reasonable price. Its large parabolic Borosilicate primary mirror is treated with an aluminum coating that brings its reflectivity to over 94%, with a secondary mirror obstruction of just 5% by area. Unlike traditional Dobsonians that tend to be bulky and unwieldy, the Flextube's patented truss design allows it to retract to just 36" for easier transport and storage and extends to 55" with an impressive 1500mm focal length for observation.

Optical Tube Assembly
  • 12" (305mm) aperture is able to resolve dim deep-space objects like wispy nebulae and galaxies
  • Fast f/4.9 focal ratio ensures a wide field of view & maximum light throughput
  • For astrophotography, the fast focal ratio will result in shorter exposure times than "slower" OTAs while achieving similar results
  • Long 1500mm focal length helps to produce the fast focal ratio and magnification range
  • Collapsible truss system eliminates the need to disassemble the telescope after use and saves space during transport and storage—measuring 36" when trusses are retracted and55" when set up
  • Borosilicate parabolic primary mirror with aluminum coatings that bring the reflectivity to 94%
  • Resolution: 0.38 arcsec (Dawes Limit), 0.46 arcsec (Rayleigh Limit)
  • 70mm diameter secondary mirror; Obstruction: 23% by diameter, 5% by area
  • 58.5" eyepiece height when aimed directly overhead at the zenith
SynScan Control
  • Built-in Wi-Fi module allows the use of the SynScan smartphone app to control the base—app is available for Apple and Android devices
  • Wired hand controller, powered by the mount, provides all the same functionalities as the app
  • User-friendly menu system
  • Up to 5 arcmin GoTo pointing accuracy
  • Brightest-Star and Two-Star assisted alignment procedures
  • Sidereal, lunar, solar tracking rates
  • 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 200x, 400x, 600x, 800x, 1000x slew speeds
Database Details:
  • 42,900 objects including planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies
  • Tour of the night sky based on location, date, and time
  • 25 user-defined objects
  • Includes the complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs; and partial SAO catalog
Focuser
  • Crayford-style is much more precise than the traditional rack-and-pinion
  • Tension control system eliminates gears, resulting in zero backlash for tack-sharp focus on objects that are dim or close together, like binary stars
  • 2" diameter holder allows the use of larger eyepieces and imaging systems that provide a wide field of view and long eye relief to make viewing dim and small deep-sky objects more comfortable
Base Details
  • Dual-axis DC servo motors with encoders
  • Dual encoder design keeps track of where the scope is being moved, allowing the telescope to be moved manually without the need for re-alignment-1,620,000 counts per revolution, main axis encoder: 11,748 counts per revolution
  • Tension Control Handle allows users to add or reduce tension, increasing or decreasing friction between the optical tube and sideboards
  • Included 10-15 VDC 1A power supply
  • Dimensions: 32.5 x 25"
Included Accessories
Eyepieces:
  • 1.25" diameter nosepiece accepts most standard filters
  • 25mm focal length eyepiece produces a low 60x magnification for wide-field observations, alignment, and viewing lunar surface details
  • 10mm focal length eyepiece yields a high 150x power to make detailed observations of specific portions of the sky or for planetary viewing
Reducer Adapter:
  • 2-to-1.25" reducer allows the use of the more common size eyepieces and accessories
Finder:
  • Low 9x power produces a wide field of view for accurate alignment
  • 50mm objective allows users to see dimmer stars for more options during 2-star alignment
  • Mounting bracket included
UPC: 050234182010

Sky-Watcher GoTo Specs

Key Specs
Optical Design
Dobsonian Reflector
Aperture
305 mm / 12"
Focal Length
1500 mm
Focal Ratio
f/4.9
Focuser
Single-Speed Crayford
Eyepiece Barrel Diameter
1.25", 2" on OTA
Type
Motorized: Alt-Azimuth
GoTo Capability
Yes: SynScan
Weight
46.2 lb / 21 kg (OTA)
53 lb / 24 kg (Mount)
Optical Tube Assembly
Optical Design
Dobsonian Reflector
Aperture
305 mm / 12"
Focal Length
1500 mm
Focal Ratio
f/4.9
Resolution
0.38 Arcsec (Dawes)
0.46 Arcsec (Rayleigh)
Focuser
Single-Speed Crayford
Eyepiece Barrel Diameter
1.25", 2" on OTA
Diagonal
No
Finderscope
Yes
Optical Tube Dimensions
36 x 14.3" / 91.4 x 36.3 cm (Retracted)
55 x 14.3" / 139.7 x 36.3 cm (Extended)
Mount
Type
Motorized: Alt-Azimuth
GoTo Capability
Yes: SynScan
General
Batteries
No
Adapter
12 VDC
GPS
No
Wi-Fi
Yes (Built In)
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: SynScan
Weight
46.2 lb / 21 kg (OTA)
53 lb / 24 kg (Mount)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
138.8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
41 x 35 x 29"

Sky-Watcher GoTo Reviews

Awesome telescope, not great packaging or instructions

By Stephen
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-05

So, first, this is an awesome scope. Buy it. The instructions mention things that aren't there and don't mention other things. For example, it comes with a dust cover for the bottom half of the optical tube assembly that has a small hole in it that's covered with a removable cap. After a lot of research, I learned this cap can be removed to let a little bit of light in if you're looking at the bright moon to cut down on the brightness. There is no mention that this thing is even included with the scope, and it looks exactly identical to some solar filters for sale elsewhere, so for a split second I was tempted to try it out as such -- that likely would have blinded me. The scope does come with lots of warnings not to look at the sun, but it would be cool if they'd explain the reason for the dust cover also being a device to greatly decrease the aperture for viewing the moon. There are also two different stops for the three poles that the secondary mirror slides forward on. The instructions do not mention this at all. The implication is that there is only one single stop. There is an extension that you can add to the focuser if you have the telescope in it's shorter position. You need to remove that extension if you have the scope in it's longer position. If you don't have the right combination, you'll never get anything into focus and this is not mentioned anywhere in the instructions. I figured that out due to a rudimentary understanding of optics, but other newbies would probably get frustrated by this. There are no instructions for how to collimate the scope. You can read online instructions on how to collimate a newtonian telescope and it mostly works OK, but the secondary mirror is too close to the primary mirror (slightly off-center when viewed through the focuser), which means not all the light is making it to my eyepiece. There are no instructions on how to adjust this, but other scopes are adjusted by loosening the central screw above the secondary mirror. Well, that screw WON'T budge and I actually stripped it trying to unscrew it with a screwdriver that seemed to be the correct size, so now my scope is kind of messed up. I've since read that you sometimes have to unscrew the three other screws a little before the central one will budge and I've also seen other people say that you're supposed to unscrew the central screw before the other three screws will move and I've also heard some people say that this manufacturer over-tightens that screw and they advise you to just leave it alone -- except my mirror isn't in the right place. I'm not brave enough to fully strip the screw by trying again, so I guess I'm just going to live with a little bit of light loss, which isn't ideal. Someone else mentioned that this particular scope is frequently shipped with the secondary mirror too close to the primary, like mine is, and the only way to fix that is to flip the spiders around so that they attach farther from the primary. I haven't tried that yet, but probably will in the near future. Supposedly all the screws are fairly standard, so replacing them isn't that hard if you strip them (assuming you can still get them out), but I'm not sure what kind of metal they're made out of and definitely don't want to have to deal with galvanic corrosion to the screws or the mount for the secondary, if I pick the wrong metal. There are weird instructions in the box for installing the primary mirror, which you don't actually have to do because it comes already installed. I realize some people remove the mirror and replace it, so instructions on how to change it out might help some, but the instructions definitely make it seem like the mirror comes un-installed and you have to install it. There are also instructions for inserting the doohickeys on the side that allow the OTA to be moved around by the GoTo system, but that's actually already installed when the thing comes, also. The scope comes with a cell phone mount, which wasn't mentioned in the listing, so I purchased a second one before this telescope arrived. It would have been nice to know that was included. So its a very weird combination of having instructions for doing things you don't actually have to do and missing instructions on how to do things you do need to do and there is stuff included that is not mentioned anywhere as being included and is not explained in the instructions. So, I'm docking one star for all of that. Then there was the packaging. The scope arrived on a thick plastic CocaCola pallet (a wooden one would have been great to break down for scrap wood, but a solid, heavy plastic one just requires a large vehicle to take to the dump). This thing is still sitting in my garage a week later and is something I have to deal with -- minor annoyance. The two boxes were wrapped together in plastic wrap like stuff on a pallet usually is. My wife signed for the delivery and sent me a picture of it all wrapped up on the pallet. it looked fine. I got home and took off the plastic wrap and saw a huge hole in the side of the box holding the OTA. There was also a 1 foot x 1 foot hole in the corner of the box where someone had cut a whole new piece of cardboard and tapped it over this hole to conceal it beneath the plastic wrap. It was only visible once the plastic wrap was removed. Turns out, everything seems like it's OK and the scope didn't seem to have been damaged, but it's kind of lame (I'm being censored by BH and can't use the word I want to) that someone taped new cardboard over a hole in the box. I won't remove any stars for this, because it turned out OK. My heart definitely skipped a few beats when I saw the condition of the box, though. Otherwise, when the OTA and stand are separated, the thing is just the right weight and size to fit through doorways and for me to lift and carry around. I was considering a larger version of the scope and I'm glad I didn't do it. This thing is right at the threshold where if it was heavier, I probably wouldn't ever use it. It also happens to perfectly fit between the two seats in the center row of my SUV and a larger OTA wouldn't have fit. So I'm very happy with the size. The GoTo system seems cool. You have to level the base perfectly and point it to true north when you plug it in and then align it with one or more stars/planets and then it seems to do a pretty good job of tracking stuff. I've used it with Stellarium and it's slightly finnicky getting it to send the coordinates, but 80% of the time, it works every time. The native SynScan app and the attached control work fine, but it's not as easy to find what you want to look at. The provided eyepieces are fine. I ordered a bunch of Televue eyepices as well. I've only tested it out in my suburban back yard and it's the largest telescope I've ever had, so to me it is amazing, but I don't have experience with similar scopes for comparison. As far as I'm concerned, I'm happy with my purchase, but wanted to give others a heads up about the things mentioned above.

One Foot Light Bucket!

By Stephen
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-25

This is my second Skywatcher Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian, the first being the 14 version of this scope. Long story short, I sold that scope since it was way too big and heavy for one person to handle easily. This one is perfect, and moving the base as one whole unit and then the OTA outdoors is easily manageable. GoTo function works great and enables you to track down DSOs and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune with ease. Can hardly wait to get this scope to some nice dark sky site for some serious viewing. Well worth the cost, much more manageable than the 14 or 16 and is quite the astronomy workhorse.

See any errors on this page?

how big is the foot print of this telescope? ...

how big is the foot print of this telescope? (what is the diameter of the floor stand?) Thank you.
Asked by: A in New York
The base is 32.5x25 inches and the height is 58.5 inches.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2020-10-15

question

Can I buy the base only with the GOTO ??
Asked by: Gunnar
A GoTo base upgrade is offered by Sky Watcher, but the price is pretty steep. Factoring in sales tax, shipping, and the work needed to assemble the base and convert the telescope, it's probably better to order the GoTo version of the scope and sell the old one.
Answered by: Guy
Date published: 2021-09-01

How is the mounting powered? Batteries? Car ...

How is the mounting powered? Batteries? Car Adapter? 120VAC?
Asked by: Dan
The mount requires 12Vdc. A fairly long cable terminated with a 12V automobile accessory (cigarette lighter) plug is supplied. The base does not have room for a large battery, and any more than one rotation of the scope would probably wrap the cable around the base. I have used a 6000mA "TalentCell" rechargeable lithium battery to power the telescope and the fan I mounted on the back of the mirror cell. It will keep the telescope going for several nights before needing a recharge. Note that battery voltage should not drop below 10.2 or so to assure proper operation of the telescope. The hand controller includes a setting to check this voltage.
Answered by: Guy
Date published: 2021-09-01

question

Does it follow objects?
Asked by: Anonymous
The 12" GoTo telescope will track an object. However, you do need to do a proper setup (point true north and leveling) before powering up the SynScan gear, and then do an alignment (several types available). Instruction are included. The SynScan controller will also guide you through the process. The instructions say something about tapping the up and right arrow buttons to engage tracking. The SynScan Pro apps for Android or Windows are actually a bit more detailed in guiding you through an alignment. I've left the telescope for 15-20 minutes and then returned to find the object still centered in the eyepiece. Note that this scope is capable out of the box for WiFi operation. You can use a smart phone or table as a wireless controller.
Answered by: Guy
Date published: 2023-03-11

Does this telescope work for deep sky ...

Does this telescope work for deep sky astrophotography?
Asked by: Steven
The GoTo AZ mount is more than adequate for planetary photography. As for deep sky objects, success depends on the camera, tracking accuracy (which depends on setup and tweaking of tracking rate), capabilities of the camera and imaging software, post processing , and sky conditions. I have trained the telescope with a decent mid-level astro cam on M31 (Andromeda) and noted the "fuzz ball" never moved in the computer screen after several minutes. It would have been enough time to do a few long exposures. Whether the camera or light pollution were conducive to a good image is unknown. I plan to try again when I have a good observing night.
Answered by: Guy
Date published: 2021-09-01

question

Does it work with Sky Safari's SkyFi?
Asked by: Margie
We do not sell that Item in our System. My apologies. I would recommend contacting Sky-Watcher with this inquiry.
Answered by: Alex S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

What is the diameter of the floor mount? Thank ...

What is the diameter of the floor mount? Thank you.
Asked by: A in New York
The base of the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope has a 25" diameter.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2022-05-11
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