Orion UK VX12L 300 mm f/5.3 Dobsonian Telescope - 1/8 Lambda

Orion UK VX12L 300 mm f/5.3 Dobsonian Telescope with Aluminum Rocker Box - 1/8 Lambda

A powerful all-rounder but not an optical compromise

A secondary of only 63 mm minor axis and the resulting little obstruction result in planetary observations of very high quality. Stars are shown as fine points up to the edge of the field of view, even when using reasonable priced eyepieces.

The advantages of a Dobsonian
Since decades, Dobsonians gain increasing popularity, as they are easy to use, simple to set-up and very stable.

The additional advantages of Dobsonians from Orion

The tube is mounted in rings, so you can shift it for balancing and turn the focuser in a pleasant position.

Put a dovetail plate to the rings and set the telescope on an equatorial mount within minutes. Now you have a powerful instrument for photography.

The telescopes are extremely lightweight, so even a 16" can be moved by one person. But they keep the optical alignment.

The mirror
1/8 Lambda p/v wave, 0.95 Strehl (Zygo test protocol), 97% reflectivity - an unusually bright, sharp image is the result.

Every ORION Dobsonian is supplied with an adjustment-stable 9-point skin mirror cell
The main mirror is mounted in a relaxed position, so you can enjoy the high optical quality that is guaranteed in practice. Of course, the main and secondary mirror cells are fully adjustable.

The 2" ACU Crayford focuser
All Orion Deluxe Dobsonians have a precise 2" Crayford focuser with adaption to 1.25". Made of metal, it allows exact focusing without shaking. The fosuser is a low-profile type, necessary for using a smaller secondary mirror.
Optionally, you can get a 1:10 micro transmission for more comfortable focusing.

The rocker box of aluminium
It is stiffer than a rocker box of wood, but weighs less.

lightweight, so better to transport

can be detached within minutes

due to the Teflon bearings and the extra large altitude wheels, a good and even adjustment is possible.

The surfaces of mirrors - Information from Orion UK

Manufacturing precision optical surfaces, (in this category we include both mirrors and corrector lenses), involves many specialised procedures to achieve the high degree of optical precision, some of which occasionally leave surface blemishes on the optic (mirror and/or lens).

If there are a few sleeks or scratches on the optics’ surface they in no way effect the performance of the lens or mirror either visually or photographically and cannot be considered as an acceptable reason for any complaint. Small pits are occasionally visible due to processing in the polishing and figuring process, these again cannot be accepted as reason for complaint. We endeavour to have blemish free surfaces but cannot guarantee such. Accordingly, we have set our cosmetic surface finish at a high standard production tolerance as is practical. We apply an optics industry standard to our surfaces of 80/50 scratch dig which is a measure of an acceptable level of surface blemishes per optic is acceptable.