SkyWatcher Dobson Skyliner 150/1200 Classic

SkyWatcher Skyliner 150/1200 Classic – Closed-Tube Dobson Telescope with 150 mm Parabolic Pyrex Mirror

The SkyWatcher Skyliner 150/1200 Classic is a closed-tube Dobson telescope with Newtonian optics, a 150 mm parabolic Pyrex primary mirror and 1200 mm focal length (f/8). The closed metal tube protects the optics from dust and internal air currents, keeping collimation stable over time and reducing thermal acclimatisation time. Mounted on a solid wooden altazimuth Dobson base, it is the ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance telescope for visual observation of planets, the Moon and deep-sky objects.

150 mm Parabolic Pyrex Mirror: Uncompromising Optical Quality

The 150 mm parabolic Pyrex primary mirror is the heart of the Skyliner 150/1200 Classic. Pyrex glass has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient, ensuring superior dimensional stability compared to standard float glass, minimising deformation of the reflective surface as night temperatures drop. The result is an optic that reaches its ideal figure more quickly and holds it consistently throughout the observing session.

At f/8, the Skyliner 150/1200 is particularly suited to high-magnification planetary observation: long focal ratio tubes offer easier focusing, less coma at the field edge and more generous collimation tolerances than fast f/5 or f/6 systems. With 150 mm of aperture it is possible to observe:

• Planets: cloud belts and Great Red Spot on Jupiter, Saturn’s rings with the Cassini Division, polar caps on Mars, phases of Venus
• Moon: craters, mountain ranges, rilles and valleys with sub-kilometre detail
• Deep sky: planetary nebulae, globular clusters resolved into individual stars, spiral galaxies on nights of good transparency

The aluminium reflective coating on the primary ensures high reflectivity and image brightness, with the secondary optimised to minimise central obstruction.

Closed Tube: Protection and Mechanical Stability

Unlike FlexTube or open-truss models, the Skyliner Classic’s closed metal tube completely isolates the optical path from the external environment. This design eliminates internal tube currents, often responsible for trembling images at high magnification, and protects the mirrors and eyepiece from dew and dust accumulation. The closed tube is the preferred solution for observers who primarily observe planets and double stars at high magnification, where image stability takes priority over compactness.

Wooden Dobson Base and Included Accessories

The altazimuth Dobson mount in multi-layer wood is robust, smooth and immediately intuitive: simply push the tube in the desired direction to follow celestial objects. No counterweights, motors, polar alignment or coordinate calculations are required. It is the most intuitive mount available for visual astronomy.

Included in the box:

• Super 25 mm eyepiece – 48x magnification, wide field of view, ideal for orientation and extended objects
• Super 10 mm eyepiece – 120x magnification, for detailed observation of planets and the Moon
• Red Dot Finder – for fast, intuitive pointing at celestial objects

Both eyepieces use the 31.8 mm (1¼”) barrel, the most widespread format, fully compatible with any aftermarket eyepiece for future upgrades.

Technical Specifications