All about the Sky-Watcher 130/650 FlexTube Heritage Dobsonian telescope

To invite as many people as possible to discover the pleasures of observing the sky, in 2009, on the occasion of the anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei, Sky-Watcher decided to launch a model "small format" of Dobson FlexTube. This Flextube range from 130 to 305mm in diameter offers a unique practical aspect, thanks to the fact that each instrument can be "folded up" on itself. This patented innovation saves space, ease of use and time. Indeed, there is no need to disassemble the instrument each time it is used, as on the "classic" Dobsonians, and to reassemble it. The same applies to collimation, after having established it on first use, there is no need to re-establish it for each observation. Indeed, the structure which supports the secondary mirror slides using two rigid rods towards the cage of the primary mirror, without misadjustment of the secondary mirror with respect to the primary.

Good size mirror

With a 130mm primary mirror, Sky-Watcher's 130mm FlexTube Heritage Dobsonian allows you to start seriously thanks to its ability to harvest 30% more light than a 114mm telescope. Under a very dark sky, it is then possible to see with more details than with a smaller instrument. It promises beginners wishing to invest in a telescope that is both bright, without being expensive, many evenings of observations rich in discoveries. In planetary observation after collimation it will reveal many details on Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon using a Barlow or a short focal eyepiece.

compact telescope

Its Newton-type design offers several advantages compared to other families of instruments (receivers and Cassegrain telescopes). First of all, the manufacture of mirrors is more economical for the same diameter and its focal ratio is generally lower (therefore shorter focal length and larger field with the same eyepiece). You then benefit for an attractive budget from a bright telescope. The central obstruction is also weaker than the Cassegrain type telescopes, if the collimation (adjustment of the mirrors) is well respected, the image quality is good in planetary.


Unlike very cheap manufactures, the Newton (Dobson) SkyWatcher have a parabolic primary mirror. First, the mirrors are spherically polished and then recut to achieve a paraboloidal shape (more expensive and difficult to obtain). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments above 114mm and with a short f/D. At the same time beautiful, efficient and practical, there is no doubt that the Sky-Watcher FlexTube Heritage 130mm will please you and will make you appreciate Astronomy!

Features:

•     Optical Formula: Newton
•     Useful diameter: 130mm
•     Focal length: 650mm
•     F/D ratio: 5
•     Primary Mirror: Parabolic
•     Separating power: 0.9 arc second
•     Visual limiting magnitude: 13.3
•     Focuser: Sliding capstan 31.75mm
•     Optical tube: Metal
•     Frame: Rocker (fork mount) wood
•     Base dimensions (diameter, height): 520mm, 440mm
•     Dimensions: 460 to 695mm unfolded
•     Total weight: 6.2kg

Items delivered:

•         1 Newton Sky-Watcher FlexTube Heritage 130mm optical tube
•         1 wooden Dobsonian mount
•         2 flowing eyepieces 31.75mm: Super 10mm and Super 25mm
•         1 red dot sight
•         User manual in French