With about 900X the light gathering power of the unaided eye, the XT10 telescope provides an increase of about 1.5X over the light gathering power of the better 8" Dobsonian models. You do not need to loosen and tighten clamps when targeting objects, as you must with other mounts. The Mirror is made in China; by 2002 we became aware of how the rapid pace of modernization of industry in China was providing suppliers who could quite consistently churn out good optics at modest prices. Features accurate, motorized GoTo pointing and tracking of over 42,000 celestial objects within its … The IntelliScope™ system provides the user of the telescope the ability to quickly locate any of more than 14,000 fascinating celestial objects that come up in the Northern and Southern hemispheres with pushbutton ease! Keep in mind that at such a low magnification the Exit Pupil (the diameter of the cone of light coming out of the eyepiece) is 11.2mm and so this may not be as practical a choice for those hunting the most faint objects as another eyepiece that provides 43X showing 1.5 degrees with a 7mm Exit Pupil. Also compatible with 12-volt field battery rechargeable power packs. Whereas in many economical telescopes the image seems to bounce around forever after the scope has been touched, this is not the case with well made Dobsonians. This arrangement has become known as the "Dobsonian" or "Dob". The Base rotates horizontally (azimuth) around a center pivot. DeepMap 600 shows the positions of more than six hundred of the finest celestial objects visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Click on image to see enlarged view (84,638 bytes). This new system is a mechanism to adjust the tension or drag on the altitude bearings to compensate for varying loads of eyepieces, cameras, finders, etc. Some companies do sell Dobs complete with tracking systems however, even these factory made tracking Dobsonians are not completely satisfactory for deep-sky astrophotography. Click on image to see enlarged view (56,680 bytes). The XX12 Primary Mirror is marked in the center with an indicator, and the 2" Focuser Base is adjustable to facilitate collimation by even the most inexperienced persons! Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. introducing many amateurs to their first glimpses of the deep sky wonders! But since virtually everybody who buys these telescopes wanted the IntelliScope™ control and encoder system, the IntelliScope™ Computer Control is included as standard equipment with each new IntelliScope™ telescope. Aids ventilation for faster cool-down time Optics hand finished and tested on a 125 line Ronchi Silky smooth cast and machined aluminum Focuser with Drawtube Lock, with collimation adjustments His goal was to get the most telescope possible into the hands of the amateur observer for the lowest relative cost. Fully color illustrated, it is the first-ever star chart that folds up like a road map! Bearings molded from ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene and Teflon provide a continuously smooth motion of the telescope in both axes. John Dobson’s eponymous revolution inspired vast numbers of amateur telescope makers to construct hitherto unrealistically … Noteworthy features of the SkyQuest™ XX12 include: Receive a FREE Starry Night Special Edition software suite. Right: Orion SkyQuest™ XX12 IntelliScope™ Telescope with standard 9x 50mm Finder, 2" Focuser, Navigation Knob, 2" and 1.25" Eyepiece Holder. Orion GoTo technology. 15187) for safer, and more convenient transport the telescope optical tube assembly. Orion 25mm Plossl Eyepiece (50X providing 0.90 Degree Field of View) Orion 10mm Plossl Eyepiece (126X providing 0.39 Degree Field of View) Orion 9x 50mm Finderscope While it is possible to add motors and computer control (to automatically find and track stars) it is generally not necessary or cost effective on smaller Dobsonians. However, if you plan to observe from sites that are prone to gusting winds then you will notice how there is more of a tendency to lateral flexure (across the longitudinal axis of the optical tube, or left to right) of the XX12 than with its smaller cousins. Larger Dobs, though bulkier to transport and often requiring a step stool or ladder to reach the eyepiece, remain highly popular among experienced observers. Company Seven chose Orion's SkyQuest™ telescopes in part because of their consistently good quality mechanical components and assembly at the factory that facilitate collimating these telescopes precisely upon delivery, if needed. We know how to make it last longer: we change out some components with superior alternatives. We work so that our telescopes will perform as well as experience shows they can, and as we process the telescope we perform some tests that will reveal to our experienced eye whether or not the optics were made and collimated as they could be. Easily slides on or off of two screws for transport. Furthermore, this tray is held in place by two keyhole shaped screw holes so that customers may easily slide the tray up and out to remove the tray for transport or if desired. Equatorial Mount: being constructed with a metal tube, at some time in the future you could buy a good quality equatorial mount and improve the usability of this telescope to attain its high magnification potential. Smart scope. The Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian comes with Orion GoTo technology, which makes it easier to find items in the night sky. Dobsonians are not equatorially mounted and so they are generally moved only by hand. Noteworthy features of the SkyQuest™ XX12 include: A set of accessories provided to get you up and running on the first night out! Pyrex® is a sophisticated borosilicate glass composition made of Silicon, Boron, Sodium and Aluminum. When the IntelliScope™ series telescopes were introduced in 2003 the IntelliScope™ Computer Control system was an option, so the telescope could have been ordered with or without this system. Keep in mind that these are very convenient and lightweight bags, but are not suitable for shipping a telescope. And this keeps the tube lighter weight and more compact than heavier Sonotube tubes. But the XX12 demand better rigidity and durability and so the tube assembly is rolled and welded lengthwise. The XX12 can be a logical step up for those who already own smaller telescopes, or it may be a more handy second telescope - a "portable light bucket" for those with even larger telescopes. Please refer to the brochure and the test report/data from Company Seven enclosed with our telescopes for detailed characterizations of suggested eyepieces: Orion offers an optional Cooling Accelerator Fan. Click on image to see enlarged view (68,383 bytes). Experienced amateurs often claim that the best combination of portable telescopes for most persons pursuing astronomy would be an 18" to 20" Dobson, with a 6" Apochromatic Refractor! We have been quite pleased with how Orion has used its influence to engineer trendsetting products, and then have them made to a very good and practical specification. As we have worked on so many of these instruments we have developed a good sense of how a properly made and adjusted telescope should work. Click on image to see enlarged view (268,752 bytes). This characteristic, and sound design results in almost complete elimination of unwanted vibration and oscillation; the inevitable downfall of many poor telescope mounts. The XX12 Base includes a convenient Eyepiece Accessory Tray. A telescope of this length and torque requires a good quality, rigid platform to support it and there are a number of choices; we recommend you call us to discuss this at your convenience. The truss tube can be split into a small front tube component that includes the secondary mirror … Click on image to see enlarged view (187,513 bytes) Smart buy: the SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope™ today! We are happy to provide you with the optional tools to collimate a telescope when it becomes necessary (some years from now you will probably pull the mirror for cleaning) and more importantly we will teach you how best to proceed. Oh, so that's the Cat's Paw Nebula! Added new images. This glass telescope filter provides better durablillty, contrast and … More about the Orion SkyQuest XX12i Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope . Incidentally, since the Center Spot is located at the center of the Primary in an area obstructed by the Secondary Mirror, and so this mark has no adverse impact on the optical performance. The Focuser Base Plate incorporates user adjustable set screws to facilitate collimation (aligning the optical path) of the telescope. The XX12 Base includes a convenient Eyepiece Accessory Tray. With a comparatively small central obstruction of about 5 per cent (by area), and fewer optical surfaces, the contrast and brightness can actually surpass more expensive designs such as the 8" and 10" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. And so the same factory may manufacture a telescope that appears similar for one buyer while making it to a better specification for another. Quick release three point spring loaded adjustment Finder Mounting Bracket To activate the full benefits of these "digital setting circles" all one needs to do is buy the optional IntelliScope™ Computer Controller, install the provided Elevation (up-down) Encoder onto the Base, plug in the IntelliScopeª Computer Controller, and go! (17,089 bytes). And so the same factory may manufacture a telescope that appears similar for one buyer while making it to a better specification for another. You point it by simply nudging the tube up or down, and left or right by hand. Furthermore, the accessories included are common sense items to insure a good first night out; these are items that would normally be optional for competing telescopes. This accessory speeds up the cooling of your big reflector's optics to ambient temperature with its small, quiet fan. Among the considerations of a reflecting telescope is that the mirrors be precisely positioned within the OTA in terms of centering, tilt, and spacing. Experienced amateurs often claim that the best combination of portable telescopes for most persons pursuing astronomy would be an 18" to 20" Dobson, with a 6" Apochromatic Refractor! In the case of the better made larger Dobson telescopes (12-1/2 inch and larger) a Truss arrangement is employed in order to facilitate disassembly into a more manageable and compact package. All images: Steve Ringwood. Dobsonians are not equatorially mounted and so they are generally moved only by hand. The overall alignment ("collimation") of the one optical element to the other, and their placing the focal plane (the point where the image comes to focus) at the correct position beyond the focuser are critical. This provides a reasonable balance between light weight and rigidity and this is suitable for observing at the more common observing environments with calm nights. We have been quite pleased with how Orion has used its influence to engineer trendsetting products, and then have them made to a very good and practical specification. The backlit LCD display facilitates reading the information, and preserving night vision. Orion's engineers not only streamlined the stable Dobsonian base, but they also provided a lighter weight contemporary structure to the Base Side Arms. TeleVue's advanced designs include the "Nagler", "Radian", or "Panoptic" series eyepieces. The other Orion XT telescopes employ a rolled steel tube with a pressed seam. The Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope was designed for portability above all else. This warranty is for the … The 14.21" ID Orion Off Axis Solar Filter fits the Orion SkyQuest XT12 Dobsonian telescope and XX12 IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian. A well made reflecting telescope can offer the best view per the dollar of the faint, deep sky objects where light gathering power is essential. The Focuser Base Plate incorporates user adjustable set screws to facilitate collimation (aligning the optical path) of the telescope. The Dobson design remains the first choice among serious deep sky observers, and it is not uncommon to find custom or home made 8" to 36" aperture "Dobs" in use at dark sky observing sites around the world. Adjustable 2" Focuser Another nice feature of the XX12 is the smooth 2" focuser. Left: Pyrex® Parabolic Primary Mirror of an Orion Dobson telescope in it's Cell (16,559 bytes). The XX12 Base includes a convenient Eyepiece Accessory Tray. If the telescope is assembled by Company Seven for pickup in our showroom (an optional service which is not mandated by us) then we do provide some hardware changes and adjustments which improve the motion and longevity even further. Right: optional Holster for the IntelliScope™ Control (32,298 bytes). If the telescope is assembled by Company Seven for pickup in our showroom (an optional service which is not mandated by us) then we do provide some hardware changes and adjustments which improve the motion and longevity even further. This aluminum focuser accepts low magnification, wide field of view 2" eyepieces as well as the common 1.25" diameter eyepieces. Since most of our customers are taller than that, they will find it uncomfortable to stand bent over to observe for extended periods. While our larger Dobson telescopes include the Truss tube telescopes made by Astro-Systems. The Dobsonian telescope consists of an optical tube assembly riding on a wooden alt-azimuth platform. Our Orion Orion SkyQuest™ XT-6, XT-8, and XT-10 Intelliscope series Dobsonian telescopes always provided you with more bang for the buck, backed by Orion and Company Seven - two of the most credible and competent sources of telescopes in the marketplace. Oh, so that's the Cat's Paw Nebula! Slip Fit 2 inch to 1.25" Reducer Convenient Grip/Carrying Handle on the Base. You point it by simply nudging the tube up or down, and left or right by hand. The IntelliScope™ Control shown is optional. or workmanship for a period of one year from the date. In addition to getting some help from Newton's Law, Orion engineers developed and now refined the original CorrecTension Friction Optimization system. You do not need to loosen and tighten clamps when targeting objects, as you must with other mounts. These tubes are typically made of Sonotube/cardboard, or plastic, or rolled metal. Furthermore, this tray is held in place by two keyhole shaped screw holes so that customers may easily slide the tray up and out to remove the tray for transport or if desired. Maybe the idea of a big-aperture telescope appeals to you, but the portability issue has kept you on the fence. Orion fitted Carrying Bag (Model No. Continuing its tradition of innovation and product improvement, Orion chose to make the change from Borosilicate crown glass to Pyrex® in October 2002. The XT Intelliscope telescopes models optical tube is finished with a contemporary deep bronze metallic enameled, this is finished internally in a black anti reflection paint. Trunnions on the tube rotate on 5 inch diameter low-friction plastic bearings, allowing the telescope optical tube assembly to move up and down (altitude). Our most advanced 12" Dobsonian reflector telescope is geared up for extensive exploration of the night sky. Or for those who want a very accurate, and easy to use collimator then we recommend you consider our holographic. The Dobson design remains the first choice among serious deep sky observers, and it is not uncommon to find custom or home made 8" to 36" aperture "Dobs" in use at dark sky observing sites around the world. The XT Intelliscope telescopes models optical tube is finished with a contemporary deep bronze metallic enameled, this is finished internally in a black anti reflection paint. Trunnions on the tube rotate on 5 inch diameter low-friction plastic bearings, allowing the telescope optical tube assembly to move up and down (altitude). Each of these objects are plotted on a giant 33 x 21 inch full-color star chart by world-renowned celestial cartographer Wil Tirion. This thin wall tube permits the designer to select a smaller secondary mirror/obstruction. The Dobsonian telescope: The characteristic simple to use Alt-Azimuth mounting, use of a lightweight primary mirror and modestly priced components evolved in the 1970's with San Francisco sidewalk astronomer John Dobson. Right: Orion XT-10 (black OTA) close up showing current model 2" Focuser, with 2" to 1.25" reducer as provided with the XX12 (23,649 bytes). Smart scope. It attaches to pretapped and threaded holes in the mirror cells of Orion SkyQuest XT-8, XT-10 and XX12 Dobsonians, Orion Atlas 8 and Atlas 10 reflectors, and the Orion SkyView Pro 8 reflector. While it is possible to add motors and computer control (to automatically find and track stars) it is generally not necessary or cost effective on smaller Dobsonians. Battery life is about 13-14 hours of continuous operation. The bearings are adequate for the load and permit quite smooth movements while following celestial objects. Middle Magnification eyepiece - usually between 80 to 120X, for views of the full Moon, Star Clusters, etc. The Orion SkyQuest™ Dobsonian telescopes sold by Company Seven provide excellent affordability and simplicity of operation, this makes these Dobsonians a great first telescope for entry into the hobby of amateur astronomy. Not only does the Oron SkyQuest XX14g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian feature exceptionally large 14" (356mm) diameter optics, but its Orion-designed collapsible GoTo Dobsonian base and truss tube … The included Light Shroud and 14.21" ID Orion Off Axis Solar Filter fits both the XX12i IntelliScope and XX12g GoTo Dobsonian … Slip Fit 2 inch to 1.25" Reducer Convenient Grip/Carrying Handle on the Base. XX12 = OUTRAGEOUSLY CONVENIENT APERTURE, SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY - Introduced 2008. The light from the Primary Mirror is reflected by the Secondary out to the side of the telescope and through the Focuser to form a virtual image at a point beyond the focuser. There are a few techniques we have devised along the way to improve reliability when we install the optional IntelliScope™ Controller and Encoders. In the case of the better made larger Dobson telescopes (12-1/2 inch and larger) a Truss arrangement is employed in order to facilitate disassembly into a more manageable and compact package. Left: CD-ROM "Starry Night Special Edition" with bonus "SkyTheatre" DVD suite (43,322 bytes). 3 Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion® SkyQuest™ XX12 IntelliScope® Truss Tube Dobsonian (XX12). Working with Gravity: The center of gravity lies directly over the center of rotation in both directions, so no matter to where the telescope is pointed, the weight is evenly distributed through the mount to the ground. Note the IntelliScope™ Control and Holster shown on the Base Fork Tine are optional (45,302 Bytes). Right: XT-10 IntelliScope™ showing Secondary Mirror holder, four vane Spider, Collimatable Aluminum 2" Focuser with Eyepiece, 50mm finder, and Navigation Knob. But the XX12 demand better rigidity and durability and so the tube assembly is rolled and welded lengthwise. Furthermore, this tray is held in place by two keyhole shaped screw holes so that customers may easily slide the tray up and out to remove the tray for transport or if desired. Our best-made Dobson telescopes up to 10 inch aperture are those offered by Orion. Quick release three point spring loaded adjustment Finder Mounting Bracket Orion SkyQuest XT12 Classic Dobsonian Telescope305mm aperture & 1500mm focal length for jaw-dropping views of galaxies, nebulas, and star clustersParabolic primary mirror is made of BK-7 glass … Orion SkyQuest XX12 Intelliscope Truss Tube Dobsonian 9793 Pdf User Manuals. Center marked Primary Mirror (to ease collimation) Easy On-Off OTA Cover Innovative Design! Light Shroud is warranted against defects in materials. Pyrex® is a sophisticated borosilicate glass composition made of Silicon, Boron, Sodium and Aluminum. This clever push-to Dobsonian reflector telescope can lead you to more than 14,000 celestial objects with its included IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator. Before you buy a telescope such as this, consider carefully its overall size and weight before you buy; at first glance it does not seem all that much bigger than the XT10 however, you will need a Sport Utility vehicle, minivan or station wagon to transport it with other passengers. (127,639 bytes). Right: optional Holster for the IntelliScope™ Control (32,298 bytes). The IntelliScope™ system is an advanced form of digital setting circle providing a digital readout of position, with information about celestial objects in the database. Sky Light Pollution Rejection Filter to reduce the greenish or golden background glow from city lights and darken the sky background - aid seeing faint Nebulae. The Orion SkyQuest™ Dobsonian style telescopes are designed for the beginning to intermediate amateur who seek the best possible view of the faint Deep Sky objects while on a constrained budget. Optical Tube Assembly Outer Diameter: Height from Eyepiece to Ground: It runs on the 12 volts DC power supplied by the included battery pack, which uses eight D-cell batteries (not included). The Orion SkyQuest™ Dobsonian telescopes sold by Company Seven provide excellent affordability and simplicity of operation, this makes these Dobsonians a great first telescope for entry into the hobby of amateur astronomy. The Dobson design remains the first choice among serious deep sky observers, and it is not uncommon to find custom or home made 8" to 36" aperture "Dobs" in use at dark sky observing sites around the world. Now the new SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope™ continues the trend with its dominance over all other economical 12" Dobsonians worldwide by virtue of its dazzling optics and superior engineering incorporating a new contemporary lightweight base design, with a new nine point Floatation Cell Primary Mirror Cell, and most exciting of all - the ability to locate any of more than 14,000 fascinating celestial objects with a nudge and some pushbutton ease! Experienced amateurs often claim that the best combination of portable telescopes for most persons pursuing astronomy would be an 18" to 20" Dobson, with a 6" Apochromatic Refractor! "Starry Night Special Edition" is a basic version of the more capable "Starry Night" version 5.0 astronomy software series; this software will help you learn the night sky, see what is up day or night, now or in past millennia, plan your observing sessions, and print out charts and information about the celestial wonders. Easily slides on or off of two screws for transport. With fully motorized GoTo and tracking drives providing automated pointing to any of the over 42,000 celestial objects in the hand controller's database, the Orion SkyQuest … The factors of aperture and the 2" diameter focuser are particularly important attributes for those people who seek better views of the extended, faint deep sky objects (nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, comets, etc.). Both the highly acclaimed planetarium software by Imaginova "Starry Night Special Edition" with a bonus "SkyTheatre" DVD are included FREE with purchase of any Orion-brand astronomical telescope from Company Seven. Height of the Base / Carriage: Maximum Diameter of the Base / Carriage: Weight of Optical Tube Assembly: Weight of Carriage: Effective Light Gathering Power: Magnitude Limit Visual: 58.3 inches / 148 cm (with lens cover) 13.45 inches / 34.2 cm, 56.7 inches / 144cm (pointing overhead) 30 inches / 76 cm It’s a deep sky observer’s dream telescope, offering jumbo 12" Pyrex ® optics: a stylish base … Thanks! A Hands-On Telescope: The Dobsonian is a telescope you can push around - literally. Orion SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss-Tube Dobsonian . The IntelliScope™ product line developed by Orion that came to dominate this area of the market, The factors of aperture and the 2" diameter focuser are particularly important attributes for those people who seek better views of the extended, faint deep sky objects (nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, comets, etc.). Well you can hop off it now because we've got the perfect solution - the "space-saving" Orion SkyQuest … The optical axis of the telescope should be closely parallel to the mechanical axis of the tube assembly too. You can run the fan prior to observing, then turn it off, or you can even keep it running while observing; there is no noticeable vibration. Just select an object to view from the controller's database. : The optical arrangement of this Orion optical tube assembly (OTA) is known as a "Newtonian". Aids ventilation for faster cool-down time Optics hand finished and tested on a 125 line Ronchi Silky smooth cast and machined aluminum Focuser with Drawtube Lock, with collimation adjustments As you assemble the Base you may install the Azimuth Encoder, or if you pick up the telescope at Company Seven then you may have the instrument assembled with the Encoder(s) already installed for you. A Hands-On Telescope: The Dobsonian is a telescope you can push around - literally. Of course, if you wish to pay a little less then the factory can spend less time in polishing or figuring the optics or trim some cost of elsewhere. Right: Orion XT-10 (black OTA) close up showing current model 2" Focuser, with 2" to 1.25" reducer as provided with the XX12 (23,649 bytes). The Orion SkyQuest™ Dobsonian telescopes sold by Company Seven provide excellent affordability and simplicity of operation, this makes these Dobsonians a great first telescope for entry into the hobby of amateur astronomy. Orion 25mm Plossl Eyepiece (50X providing 0.90 Degree Field of View) Orion 10mm Plossl Eyepiece (126X providing 0.39 Degree Field of View) Orion 9x 50mm Finderscope Light Gathering Power! Made of opaque black, stretch nylon that fits the 12" Truss Tube reflector like … The XT12's 59 inch (1,500mm) focal length (f4.9 focal ratio) helps to keep the telescope within the dimensional limits that most adults will find to be manageable and portable, and yet it will still provide good high as well as low magnification observing. Our best-made Dobson telescopes up to 10 inch aperture are those offered by Orion. IntelliScope™ Larger amateur Dobsonian telescopes often incorporate setting circles as an option which are helpful for locating objects by their cataloged coordinates. Typically astronomers will wish to initially set up the telescope with at least two or three 1.25" or 2" eyepieces to address: Low magnification: for views of the faint deep sky objects a 32mm to 35mm focal length eyepiece. Summary of Contents for Orion SkyQuest XX12 Intelliscope Truss Tube Dobsonian 9793 Page 1 Manual orion skyQuest XX12 intelliscope ® ™ ® truss tube Dobsonian #9793 customer support (800) 676 … The Mirror is made in China; by 2002 we became aware of how the rapid pace of modernization of industry in China was providing suppliers who could quite consistently churn out good optics at modest prices. Incidentally, since the Center Spot is located at the center of the Primary in an area obstructed by the Secondary Mirror, and so this mark has no adverse impact on the optical performance. In fact more and more we hear accounts of people at such events who bought their "Orion XT clone" elsewhere being convinced it was a great value until they felt the motion of our telescopes and gazed through the eyepieces we recommended. You point it by simply nudging the tube up or down, and left or right by hand. Many people find the beauty of a Dob is in their no-frills simplicity - they just work however, the modularity of the IntelliScope™ give you the choice. To activate the full benefits of these "digital setting circles" all one needs to do is buy the optional IntelliScope™ Computer Controller, install the provided Elevation (up-down) Encoder onto the Base, plug in the IntelliScopeª Computer Controller, and go! It is possible for anyone with simple carpentry skills to install some stiffening ribs to the side boards of the carriage but we doubt many people will find this to be a practical concern. Right: XT8 IntelliScope™ pointing to M5 Star Cluster by Bob Fuller, M8 Nebula by Coombs, and M33 Galaxy by Lorenzi. This standard eyepiece holder is provided with slots for up to three 1.25 inch accessories, and one of 2" diameter. We invite you to attend a Star Watch activity of any regional astronomy club and compare a telescope that bears the Company Seven acceptance label with those from elsewhere. Larger Dobs, though bulkier to transport and often requiring a step stool or ladder to reach the eyepiece, remain highly popular among experienced observers. The XX12 provides a step up from the XT10 with about 1500X the light gathering power of the unaided human eye transmitted through the system, and a proportionate increase in resolving power to see finer detail. In a departure from most imported economical reflecting telescopes, the Primary Mirror of the XX12 is made of Pyrex®. Whereas in many economical telescopes the image seems to bounce around forever after the scope has been touched, this is not the case with well made Dobsonians. Maybe the idea of a big-aperture telescope appeals to you, but the portability issue has kept you on the fence.