5 Best 12 Inch Dobsonian Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Dobsonian telescopes are a popular choice for amateur astronomers due to their simple design and powerful viewing capabilities. These telescopes use a large mirror to gather light and provide clear, bright images of distant celestial objects. A 12 inch Dobsonian telescope is particularly favored for its balance of size and performance, offering impressive views without being overly cumbersome.

When looking for the best 12 inch Dobsonian telescope, you should pay attention to a few key factors. The quality of the primary mirror is crucial, as it directly affects the clarity and brightness of the images you see. Additionally, consider the base stability and ease of movement, which can impact your viewing experience.

Let’s explore the top 12 inch Dobsonian telescopes to help you find the best one for your stargazing needs.

Best 12 Inch Dobsonian Telescopes

Here is our curated list of the best 12 inch Dobsonian telescopes. Each product offers excellent optical performance and ease of use for stargazing enthusiasts.

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Here are our 12 inch Dobsonian telescope reviews.

1. Celestron Starsense Explorer 12″

An excellent choice for both beginners and advanced astronomers due to its intuitive technology and large aperture.

Pros

• User-friendly StarSense app
• Large 12-inch primary mirror
• Detailed celestial views

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Requires a smartphone for full functionality
• Expensive for some budgets

The Celestron Starsense Explorer 12″ offers an innovative blend of technology and astronomy. Its 12-inch primary mirror captures detailed images of celestial objects. The StarSense app makes it easy for you to find and track objects in the night sky.

Using the included smartphone dock and app, you avoid the need for complicated star charts or manual navigation. The app’s guided features provide clear instructions and audio descriptions, enhancing your stargazing experience.

Despite its numerous benefits, the telescope is quite heavy and can be difficult to move. It may also be pricey for those on a budget, but its quality and technology make it a solid investment for dedicated astronomers.

2. Sky-Watcher 12-inch Collapsible Dobsonian

This telescope blends a large aperture with computerized convenience, making it a top choice for serious stargazers.

Pros

• Big aperture for bright, clear views
• Portable design with collapsible tube
• Comes with a built-in computerized GoTo system

Cons

• Some reports of missing parts upon delivery
• Issues with base alignment
• Heavyweight may make it difficult to transport alone

This Sky-Watcher 12-inch Dobsonian telescope stands out with its large aperture, which gives you clear and vibrant views of the night sky. The collapsible design makes it easier to transport without any hassle of disassembly.

The computerized GoTo system is a big plus. You can easily find celestial objects using the SynScan hand controller. This feature is especially useful for beginners who may struggle with manual finding.

While it’s praised for its viewing capabilities, some users have reported missing parts and alignment issues. The telescope’s weight could also be a concern if you plan on moving it frequently by yourself. Still, the exceptional optics and smart features make it a strong contender for any astronomy enthusiast.

3. Sky Watcher 12-inch Collapsible Dobsonian

This telescope is perfect for those wanting a large aperture without losing portability.

Pros

• Large aperture for bright views
• Collapsible design for easy transport
• Smooth movement with needle bearings

Cons

• Bulky when set up
• Possible assembly issues
• Weight may be a concern

The Sky Watcher 12-inch Collapsible Dobsonian excels with its large aperture, offering clear and bright views of faint deep-sky objects. The unique collapsible design stands out, making it much easier to store and transport compared to other Dobsonians.

This model features a smooth azimuth movement thanks to its steel needle bearings, which is a great help for tracking celestial objects. The telescope also includes useful accessories, such as two wide-angle eyepieces and a finderscope, making it a complete package for beginners.

Keep in mind that some users have reported assembly issues, so you might need to double-check all parts upon arrival. Despite its weight, the collapsible design offers convenience, making it a worthy choice for those needing portability combined with high performance.

4. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope

Great choice for beginners wanting to explore the night sky with ease.

Pros

• Easy assembly
• High-quality optics
• Strong customer support

Cons

• Mount can be tricky to use
• Heavier than some models
• No included Barlow lens

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is perfect for those new to stargazing. Its fully-coated glass optics make it easy to spot details on the Moon and planets. The large 130mm aperture lets you see deep into space with clear images.

Setting up this telescope is a breeze, making it suitable for both kids and adults. The manual German equatorial mount provides smooth and precise pointing. Plus, there’s no need for any tools during setup.

Although using the mount might be challenging for some, the high-quality optics and included accessories more than make up for it. The support from Celestron is excellent, which ensures you have the guidance you need. Consider the AstroMaster 130EQ if you want a reliable and powerful telescope for beginners.

5. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ

This is a great beginner telescope that offers impressive features for novice stargazers.

Pros

• Powerful magnification for clear views
• User-friendly controls for tracking
• Compact and portable design

Cons

• Mount can feel flimsy
• Requires regular collimation
• Limited stability in windy conditions

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an ideal telescope for those new to astronomy. It offers powerful magnification that allows you to see the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and more. Tracking celestial objects is made easy with its smooth slow-motion control knobs.

This telescope is compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for using in your backyard or taking on trips. With multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens, you have a range of magnification options for different celestial views.

While the mount isn’t the sturdiest, it gets the job done for most beginner needs. Regular collimation is necessary, but this is common with many telescopes in this price range. Despite these minor issues, it’s a solid choice for amateur astronomers.

12-Inch Dobsonian Telescope Buying Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a 12-inch Dobsonian Telescope

Aperture Size

The aperture size is vital. A 12-inch aperture allows more light, giving better views of distant objects. It also improves clarity.

Focal Length

Consider the focal length. Longer focal lengths enhance magnification. Shorter ones offer wider fields of view.

Mount Type

Look at the mount type. Dobsonian telescopes are known for their simple, alt-azimuth mounts. They’re easy to use.

Material

The material affects durability. Optical tubes made from metal are sturdy. Composite materials make telescopes lighter.

Eyepieces

Ensure you get quality eyepieces. They impact the clarity and detail of your observations. A variety of eyepieces is also helpful.

Portability

Think about portability. A 12-inch Dobsonian can be bulky. Check for models that are easier to transport.

Price

Look at the price range. Higher prices often offer better materials and features. Balance your budget with your needs.

Add-ons

Consider any additional features or accessories. Some telescopes come with finderscopes or smartphone mounts, which can enhance your stargazing.

User Reviews

Check user reviews to understand real-world performance. Reviews can provide useful insights into any pros or cons.

Choosing the right 12-inch Dobsonian telescope involves weighing all these factors to find what suits your needs best.