The Sky-Watcher 305/1500 12" Pyrex Dobsonian is a large-aperture Newtonian telescope designed primarily for visual astronomy. Its 305 mm primary mirror gathers plenty of light for observing nebulae, galaxies and star clusters under dark skies, while also revealing detail on the Moon and planets when atmospheric conditions allow.
The parabolic primary mirror has a focal length of 1500 mm and a focal ratio of f/4.9. It is made from Pyrex, a low-expansion borosilicate glass that helps the mirror retain its shape as the temperature changes. Allowing the telescope to reach the outdoor temperature and checking its collimation help it deliver its best views.
The telescope has a solid optical tube and a manually operated Dobsonian mount. Simply move the tube up and down or turn the base left and right to point it at a target. The altitude tension adjustment helps control the movement of the tube. This version has no motorized tracking or GoTo system. The supplied 9×50 finder helps you locate objects, which are then followed by manually adjusting the telescope.
A 2" Crayford focuser provides smooth focusing and accepts 1.25" eyepieces through the supplied adapter. The included 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces provide magnifications of 60× and 150× respectively. The complete set includes the optical tube, Dobsonian base, finder and eyepieces, so you can begin observing after assembly, finder alignment and a collimation check.
• 305 mm (12") parabolic Pyrex primary mirror
• 1500 mm focal length and f/4.9 focal ratio
• solid-tube Newtonian design
• manual Dobsonian altazimuth mount with altitude tension adjustment
• 2" Crayford focuser with a 1.25" adapter
• 9×50 finder for locating celestial objects
• two included eyepieces for 60× and 150× magnification
The large aperture is particularly useful for observing faint deep-sky objects. Dark skies make a substantial difference when viewing galaxies and nebulae, while the Moon and bright planets can also be observed from urban locations. The amount of detail visible depends on sky transparency, atmospheric steadiness, the object's altitude and the telescope's thermal equilibrium and collimation. An optional neutral-density or variable-polarizing Moon filter can make bright lunar views more comfortable.
This is a substantial telescope: plan enough space for storage, transport and use. The optical tube and base can be carried separately. The eyepiece height changes as the telescope is pointed higher or lower in the sky; a suitable adjustable observing chair can improve comfort.
• manufacturer: Sky-Watcher
• catalogue number: SW-1304
• optical design: Newtonian reflector
• primary mirror diameter: 305 mm (12")
• primary mirror shape: parabolic
• primary mirror material: Pyrex glass
• focal length: 1500 mm
• focal ratio: f/4.9
• optical tube: solid tube
• mount: manual Dobsonian, altazimuth
• focuser: 2" Crayford with a 1.25" adapter
• finder: 9×50 with crosshairs
• included eyepieces: 25 mm and 10 mm
• magnification with included eyepieces: 60× and 150×
• Sky-Watcher 305/1500 optical tube with a Pyrex primary mirror
• manual Dobsonian base
• 2" Crayford focuser with a 1.25" adapter
• 25 mm eyepiece
• 10 mm eyepiece
• 9×50 finder with bracket
5-year manufacturer's warranty on mechanical components.
The photographer's comment:
"I'm sending you photos from our all-night observing session on the beautiful night of 6–7 September 2013. I only finished processing the last image yesterday.
By dawn, we were already observing winter targets.
Since our main focus was visual observing, I only took photos during the breaks, but I'm still amazed by what this telescope can do :)"
Teleskopy.pl would like to thank MSn for sharing these images.
The images below were taken after the telescope was fitted with an additional 12" SynScan Dobsonian upgrade kit. This motorized upgrade is not included with the standard manual telescope offered here.
Click a photograph to open the full-size image in a new window. Exposure details appear at the bottom of the full-size images.
Messier 27 — Dumbbell Nebula
Messier 31 — Andromeda Galaxy
Messier 31 — Andromeda Galaxy
Messier 33 — Triangulum Galaxy
Messier 42 — Orion Nebula
Messier 57 — Ring Nebula
Veil Nebula
Veil Nebula
Can a beginner assemble and use this telescope?
Yes. The Dobsonian mount is straightforward to operate, although the size of a 12" telescope requires care when handling it. Follow the supplied instructions to assemble the base and telescope, align the finder and check the optical collimation. A star chart or planetarium program can help you learn to locate objects in the night sky.
Does the telescope include a mount?
Yes. The set includes a Dobsonian base, which supports the optical tube and allows movement in altitude and azimuth. It stands directly on a firm, level surface and does not require a tripod. Tracking is manual.
Can I attach a DSLR, mirrorless camera or astronomy camera?
A suitable camera may be attached using the appropriate adapters, but compatibility and the ability to reach focus must be checked for the particular camera and adapter combination. A camera-specific T-ring alone does not guarantee that focus can be achieved. The standard manual mount is primarily intended for visual observing; lunar and planetary imaging is possible with suitable equipment, while long-exposure deep-sky imaging requires additional tracking equipment and an appropriate setup.
Can I take photographs through the eyepiece with a smartphone or compact camera?
Yes, with a compatible afocal adapter that holds the camera lens in line with the eyepiece. Check the adapter's size and weight limits, especially for larger compact or bridge cameras. The camera and eyepiece combination affects the field of view and may produce vignetting.
Do I need to buy additional accessories before observing?
The supplied mount, finder and eyepieces are sufficient to start visual observing after the telescope has been assembled and aligned. A collimation tool and a star atlas can be useful, while a Moon filter is an optional accessory for viewing comfort.
Is it suitable for daytime nature observation?
The Newtonian optical system produces an inverted image, so this telescope is less convenient for ordinary terrestrial viewing than a spotting scope. Image orientation does not prevent astronomical observing.
Can it be used in a city?
Yes. The Moon, bright planets and many star clusters can be observed from urban sites. Light pollution reduces the contrast of faint galaxies and nebulae, so darker locations make better use of the telescope's large aperture. Avoid observing over warm roofs and other sources of rising heat, which can blur the image.
