8″ Dobs
For a beginner, the 8′′ Dobsonian offers the best balance of aperture, portability, affordability, and simplicity. An 8′′ Dobsonian is almost exactly the same physical size as a 6” f/8 freestanding Dob, apart from the wider tube, but offers significantly more resolution and nearly double the light collecting capability. 8-inch Dobsonians are usually the most recommended size for beginners and hobbyists and are made to last a lifetime. You may still want to consider a 10”, however, which offers a similar form factor to a 6” or 8” with even more capability. All three of these aperture sizes typically have 1200mm (48”) focal lengths and similarly long tubes, allowing them to fit across the back of the majority of vehicles and making them most comfortable to use when seated for adult observers.
8″ Classic Dobsonians
Best Value
Rank 1
4.9/5
GSO-made ‘best bang for your buck’ offering from HighPointScientific, the most popular US telescope retailer. It’s optically and functionally the same as the Zhumell Z8/Orion Skyline 8, but often priced lower. The Z8 and AD8 have the exact same set of eyepieces, focuser, altitude bearing, and finderscope. As of 2023, Apertura AD8 is the least expensive of the three options, and HighPointScientific’s assistance makes it superior in every way.
Rank 2
4.9/5
Produced by the same company, GSO, the Zhumell Z8 is an exact replica of the Apertura AD8 and is optically similar to the Orion Skyline 8″. If you can’t get hold of Apertura AD8 for some reason, Zhumell Z8 is the clear 8″ Dobsonian of choice.
List Price: $699.99
Rank 3
4.7/5
The FirstLight 8” Dobsonian offers a high-quality mount with smooth motions, adjustable rings, and huge altitude bearings for minimizing balance issues, a high-quality 2” Crayford focuser, and a recently added, well-made reflex sight finder. However, the sole included eyepiece leaves much to be desired, and the scope is a little heavier and bulkier than the competition.
Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian
Rank 4
4.6/5
Other than the branding, altitude bearings, and accessories, the Skyline 8″ is the same scope as the AD8/Z8 and is made by GSO as well. Orion’s price markup because of its brand name makes it difficult to recommend it when AD8/Z8 are being sold cheaper.
Rank 5
4.5/5
The Orion XT8 is one of the cheaper 8″ Dobsonians on the market. It’s pretty bare with regards to accessories, but its price and high-quality 2″ Crayford focuser make it a good buy—although it certainly needs some additional accessories. Since the Apertura AD8 is just $50 more, at the moment, AD8 is the clear winner.
Rank 6
4.4/5
The Sky-Watcher 8″ Classic comes with everything you need to get started at a low price, with a 9×50 finderscope and two eyepieces. However, its focuser and Dobsonian mount are not the most well-designed and can frustrate newcomers.
Orion Limited Edition SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian
Rank 7
4.1/5
The “limited edition” XT8 bundle (which has been available for years) isn’t bad, but the included bonus accessories would cost less than $75 USD to purchase on your own despite the scope being quite a bit more than that over the regular XT8; you’re basically paying a premium for a red paint job.
8″ Truss Tube Dobsonians
A collapsible or truss tubed 8” Dobsonian is overkill, adding complexity and cost to an otherwise simple and affordable setup. However, they can save a bit of space if you must have one.
New Moon 8” Hardwood
4.7/5
A premium telescope, the 8” New Moon Dobsonian is hardly the most economical choice, and we would recommend their 10” or 12” models if you are already in the market for such an expensive scope. The 8” is almost too small for the fancy fittings of these instruments.
4.1/5
The 8” Flextube’s collapsible tube is nice for those needing the most compact 8″ dobsonian possible, but it comes at the cost of a higher weight, more frequent collimation, and stray light issues. It also lacks the dual-speed focuser of some of its competitors (the Z8, the AD8, the Skyline 8, and the XT8 Plus), which by itself is a $100 accessory.
8″ Computerized Dobsonians
A few 8” Dobsonians are offered with full GoTo or computer-assisted PushTo capabilities, which can bump them up into the price range of a larger scope but may be worth considering. Any of them can still be used manually as well.
Rank 1
4.7/5
While not as well-accessorized as the AD8 or the Z8, the StarSense Explorer 8″ is lightweight, provides great views, and the StarSense Explorer technology makes the scope extremely easy to use, even for newcomers. The only downsides are its price and lack of accessories.
List Price: $799
Rank 2
4.6/5
The XT8i offers almost identical features, form factor, and performance to the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8” Dobsonian at essentially the same price. Aside from an extra 10mm Plossl eyepiece and 9×50 finder, the only real difference is that you use a hand controller keypad with physical position encoders instead of the StarSense Explorer’s smartphone-aided design, which can be a little more prone to issues and may confuse beginners. However, it’s still a great choice.
Orion SkyQuest XT8G GoTo Dobsonian
Rank 3
4.1/5
The Orion SkyQuest XT8G is identical in optics, features, performance, and more or less price with the 8” FlexTube GoTo Dobsonian offered by Sky-Watcher, though Orion provides both a WiFi adapter and the SynScan V5 controller as standard. You get a dual-speed focuser, and a nice 2” eyepiece is included for low power. The XT8G automatically points at objects and tracks them with its GoTo system while its dual encoders ensure position accuracy is maintained even if you bump it or elect to aim the telescope manually. The XT8G is heavier than a standard 8” Dobsonian but not any bulkier, while the dual-speed focuser it is furnished with is a bit nicer than the unit provided with the GSO Dobsonians. However, we would recommend a bigger 10” or 12” model if possible, regardless of whether the computerized capabilities matter to you.
Rank 4
4/5
The Skywatcher 8″ Collapsible GoTo features full GoTo but can be pushed around manually with or without aligning the GoTo system-and without disrupting the alignment of said GoTo system. It can even be controlled via your phone or tablet with the SynScan Pro app or SkySafari. The GoTo 8” Collapsible is more or less a regular 8” Collapsible with the SynScan system
10″ Dobs
While a little less compact than smaller models, a 10′′ Dobsonian is easily transported in most vehicles and provides even more brilliant views. Most of the 10” Dobsonians available in this price range are marginally heavier than an 8” and have the same length tubes, which means that portability-wise, a 10” is still plenty easy to manage. With most units possessing a 1200mm focal length, it’s no trouble to fit one across the back of a vehicle. 10′′ Dobsonians gather 56% more light compared to 8′′ Dobsonians, and it is totally worth the upgrade if you don’t mind the extra bulk or cost. 8” is still the gold standard to many, but there’s little disadvantage to starting with a 10” telescope besides cost. You can also consider a truss tube option in lieu of a solid-tubed 10” Dobsonian, which can be portable and often affordable, with the drawback of increased setup time.
Best Value
Rank 1
4.9/5
The Apertura AD10 builds on the AD8 by adding just a bit more aperture. The accessories and focal length are the same, and the scope is only a tiny bit more bulky, but the views are over 56% brighter than an 8” scope! If you can afford the additional expense, Apertura AD10 is well worth it compared to an 8-inch Dobsonian.
Runner-up
Rank 2
4.9/5
The Z10 is made by GSO, the same manufacturer as the Apertura AD scopes, but sold by a different company. It is absolutely identical to the AD10 in every way.
List Price: $979.99
Rank 3
4.7/5
The 10” FirstLight Dobsonian’s high-quality fittings, such as its smooth bearings, adjustable tube cradle, and deluxe 2” Crayford focuser, along with the high-quality included reflex sight and easily collapsed base, make it an excellent choice. However, you’ll need to spend some money equipping it with more eyepieces.
Orion Skyline 10″ Dobsonian
Rank 4
4.6/5
The Skyline 10 is identical to the Z10 and AD10 but at a significant price markup and occasionally with a cheap star chart tossed in.
Rank 5
4.5/5
The Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic has the same great performance as any 10″ Dobsonian, with a sturdy base and high-quality 2″ single-speed Crayford focuser. The mount is better designed than those of the Sky-Watcher Dobsonians, too. However, you don’t get a lot of accessories for the money. The AD10/Z10/SkyLine 10 are only a little more expensive and offer a lot more bang for your buck.
Rank 6
4.4/5
Another more “bare-bones” entry, the Sky-Watcher 10” Classic comes with two eyepieces, a 9×50 finderscope, and a single-speed focuser.
10″ Truss Tube Dobsonians
A truss tube or collapsible 10” Dobsonian can save some weight and/or space compared to a solid-tubed unit. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to invest in a shroud, and assembly can be a little more time-consuming.
New Moon 10” Hardwood
Rank 1
4.7/5
The New Moon premium Dobsonians are expensive, but if you must have the best, then look no further. With a variety of high-quality fittings, super-smooth bearings, a compact design, and buyer-customized features coupled with premium optics, the only argument against the New Moon 10” Hardwood Dobsonian is simply its huge price.
Rank 2
4.6/5
The 10” Explore Scientific Hybrid Dobsonian offers excellent value for the money, at a price comparable to a typical solid-tubed 8”. The build quality is for the most part superb, with smooth motions and a super-compact form factor when dismantled. However, you will need to do some modifications to put the focuser (a mere single-speed) at a comfortable angle, add a shroud, and purchase some decent eyepieces and a finder scope as the stock ones are garbage. This may bump you up into the price range of a more well-equipped 10” solid tubed scope.
Rank 3
4.3/5
The 10” Explore Scientific Truss Tube Dobsonian offers the same features as the 10” Hybrid but adds a dual-speed focuser and cooling fans. The upper tube assembly is more minimalist in design but will require the addition of a plastic liner to keep stray light out. The same accessory upgrades as with the Hybrid are also a must. Whether the features added compared to the Hybrid are worth the huge jump in price is up to you.
Rank 4
4/5
The 10” FlexTube is marginally heavier than its solid-tubed counterpart, while the collapsible tube is not hugely advantageous compared to an actual truss and still requires a shroud. Compared to the solid-tubed 10” Dobs, you get fewer accessories and no weight savings, while a truss is far more compact.
10″ Computerized Dobsonians
10” computerized Dobsonian telescopes are available with full motorized GoTo and tracking, or PushTo. The GoTo adds weight but will still allow you to seamlessly aim the scope manually, while PushTo helps you find objects but won’t track or move the scope for you. Either is a great option if you can afford it and don’t mind the compromises.
Rank 1
4.7/5
The 10” StarSense Explorer uses Celestron StarSense Explorer technology to help you navigate the night sky with your smartphone, and it is considerably lighter and more portable than most other solid-tubed 10” Dobsonians thanks to its optimized design and numerous well-placed carry handles. However, you don’t get a lot of accessories provided with this scope, despite its fairly high price.
List Price: $1099
Rank 2
4.2/5
Featuring full GoTo and a collapsible tube, the 10” Collapsible is a great option for beginners and experienced users alike. Like most GoTo Dobsonians, the 10” Collapsible can be operated completely manually should you not want to use the GoTo system, and it can be adjusted manually without upsetting the GoTo alignment.
Orion SkyQuest XT10G Dobsonian GoTo
Rank 3
4.2/5
The Orion SkyQuest XT10G is virtually identical in features and performance to the 10” Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian offered by Sky-Watcher, but uses a solid tube and features an upgraded focuser. Upgrading the focuser on the Sky-Watcher 10” would cost only a bit more than the price difference between the two scopes, however, so the choice between one or the other is really up to personal preference.
12″ Dobs
A 12′′ Dobsonian often takes serious consideration before purchasing. The sheer size and bulk of cheap and simple solid-tubed offerings necessitate either a strong user and a large vehicle or an easy setup, such as rolling out of a garage. Some may consider even starting out with a monster instrument, but you should consider your options and living situation carefully. A 12” truss tube Dobsonian is fairly compact and easy to handle – possibly moreso than a solid-tubed 8” or 10” – but can be expensive and take some time to assemble. If you’re willing to put up with the hassle, scopes this size will deliver images that are nothing short of spectacular.
12″ Classic Dobsonians
At about 5 feet (1.5m) long), a solid-tubed 12” will not fit across the back of a standard car. This means that unless you have a truck or van, you will likely be folding down seats, which impinges on available storage space or the ability to bring passengers. The massive base can also be a pain to fit. Additionally, the weight and bulk of the tube require lifting straps to carry it yourself, while the base may need additional handles installed. Transporting the scope is best with a dolly or hand truck, which is ideal if you already have good skies at home and don’t want to bring your telescope to events/etc. If you do not think you are able to handle one of these scopes, a truss tube or downsizing to a 10” is a good idea.
Best Value
Rank 1
4.8/5
The AD12’s massive tube requires a strong owner and a large vehicle (or a convenient at-home setup such as a dolly or cart to simply roll it outside) to be set up and transported easily, but if you can fulfill these requirements, you’ll be rewarded with a massive aperture and stunning views at a price that can’t be beat with the help of the best accessories in the class.
Runner-up
Rank 2
4.8/5
The Z12 is basically the same as the AD12, though it is offered at slightly higher or lower prices depending on circumstances and available stock.
Orion Skyline 12″ Dobsonian
Rank 3
4.5/5
The Skyline 12 is essentially identical to the Z12 and AD12 but at a much higher price. For even more money, you can also buy the Skyline 12 as a “kit” with a 2” UHC filter and some charts included.
12″ Truss Tube Dobsonians
When dismantled, a 12” truss tube Dobsonian is often more compact than a solid-tubed 8” or 10” scope and quite easy to haul around yourself. Many of these telescopes also feature lightweight or collapsible bases to aid in transportation/storage further.
New Moon 12.5” Hybrid
Rank 1
4.7/5
One of the highest-quality brands available, New Moon’s premium Dobsonians offer excellent mechanical and optical quality with a variety of features that can be customized by the user, along with a rugged and ultra-portable form factor.
Rank 2
4.5/5
The Sky-Watcher 12” FlexTube Dobsonian isn’t particularly lighter than a solid-tubed 12” Dobsonian, but if all you really care about is fitting the tube in a car and being able to carry it around yourself, the FlexTube design does the trick. However, other scopes offer better mechanical designs and/or better accessories.
Rank 3
4.3/5
Offering even more portability than the Skywatcher 12″ FlexTube Dobsonian, the ES 12” Truss Dobsonian can even fit in a passenger seat! However, assembly is a bit more complicated, and the scope needs quite a few DIY modifications and upgrades—as well as some better accessories—to work at its best.
Hubble Optics 12” UltraPortable Dobsonian
Rank 4
3.9/5
The Hubble Optics UP12 is a little bit inconsistent in its overall quality control; the mechanical design is a little unusual; and the telescope cannot be aimed near the horizon due to the limitations of its altitude bearings. However, it is extremely lightweight and portable if you are willing to accept its design concessions.
12” Computerized Dobsonians
It’s important to note that the addition of full GoTo and motors to a larger Dobsonian can result in a far heavier base due to the increased stiffness required as well as the weight of the electronics themselves. While most of these scopes do have collapsible bases, the ground disk on its own can still be a pain to haul around. Computer-assisted Push-To Dobsonians do not weigh any more than a manual instrument, thankfully.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 12″ Dobsonian
Rank 1
4.5/5
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian, as with the smaller 8” and 10” versions, isn’t as well-equipped as its GSO 12” counterpart sold by Apertura/Zhumell/Orion but features a considerably lighter base and built-in handles, which considerably aid portability, alongside the Celestron StarSense Explorer technology to help you navigate around the night sky. This is a beast of a scope, for sure, but the views through the eyepiece are more than worth it.
Rank 2
4.4/5
The Orion SkyQuest XX12i uses simple encoders to aid in its PushTo system to help navigate the sky, though it of course won’t swing around or track objects for you. This telescope is fairly lightweight and compact when disassembled thanks to its truss tube design, and the base is hardly an effort to carry around despite the fact that it doesn’t really come apart thanks to the lack of beefy motors or thick boards.
Orion SkyQuest XX12G Dobsonian GoTo
Rank 3
4.3/5
The Orion SkyQuest XX12G features a collapsible base and fully motorized GoTo/tracking capabilities with dual encoders to allow manual aiming even when the GoTo system is activated and aligned. The true truss system allows the scope to collapse down to a manageable size along with the flat-pack base, and the scope features a high-quality dual-speed 2” Crayford focuser as is to be expected with any high-and Dobsonian.
Sky-Watcher 12″ Flextube Dobsonian GoTo
Rank 4
4.3/5
The Sky-Watcher 12” FlexTube GoTo Dobsonian offers basically the same features as its Orion SkyQuest counterpart, but with the simpler FlexTube design in lieu of a truss. While less compact, the FlexTube design is fine if storage space is not the utmost concern, and the optical tube is still lighter than the massive ground base assembly anyway.
Orion SkyQuest XT12G Dobsonian GoTo
Rank 5
4.2/5
A regular solid-tubed 12” Dobsonian is a monster scope, and the weight of the Orion SkyQuest XT12G’s electronics doesn’t help much with that, bringing the assembled weight to over 100 lbs. You would probably be better served by a collapsible or truss 12” scope at this size with a more compact or collapsible base as well. However, for those who don’t mind the weight and bulk, the XT12G is an excellent scope with the same fabulous GoTo, dual encoders, and dual-speed 2” Crayford focuser bundled with a huge 12” aperture as many more expensive options.
14″ Dobs
A 14” Dobsonian is a monster telescope. All of these instruments are truss or collapsible tubes, and most 14” and larger scopes feature computerized pointing abilities in some fashion. We would probably recommend starting out with a smaller instrument as your first scope, however, and numerous aftermarket accessories will also be required to enjoy one of these instruments.
- Orion SkyQuest XX14G
- Sky-Watcher 14” Flextube SynScan GoTo Dobsonian
- Hubble Optics 14″ f/4.6 Premium Ultra Light Dobsonian Telescope
- Orion SkyQuest XX14i
16″ Dobs
The largest sized instruments you’re likely to see regularly mass-manufactured, a 16” Dobsonian is a serious telescope with massive light-gathering and resolving capabilities, though you may need a ladder or step stool to reach the eyepiece when these telescopes are aimed high in the sky.
- Explore Scientific 16″ Truss Tube Dobsonian
- Orion SkyQuest XX16G Dobsonian GoTo
- Sky-Watcher 16″ Flextube SynScan GoTo Dobsonian
- Hubble Optics 16″ Premium Ultra Light Dobsonian Telescope