National Geographic Dobson N 114/500 Compact

Large mirror, small size: the complete table-top Dobsonian

The National Geographic Dobson 114/500 Compact is made for those who want to start stargazing immediately. The 114 mm parabolic mirror captures more than 260 times more light than the naked eye, and the short focal length of 500 mm (f/4.4) provides a wide, bright field of view. Perfect for viewing the Moon, the Orion Nebula, and star clusters like the Pleiades. Due to its low weight and compact size, it fits on any table or sturdy surface: in the garden, at the campsite, or at your holiday destination.

Simple table setup

The compact Dobsonian base functions as a stable alt-azimuth mount: you point by gently moving the tube, without vibrations. The panning knob on the optical tube aids in precise aiming, and the low center of gravity keeps the telescope steady, even at higher magnifications. Set it up and start observing within a minute.

Parabolic mirror for edge-to-edge sharpness

Whereas many entry-level telescopes use a spherical mirror, this model has a parabolic primary mirror. This reduces image distortions and delivers sharpness across the entire field of view. With the included 20mm and 4mm eyepieces plus the 2x Barlow lens, you have four magnifications available, from a wide overview to moon detail. A realistic useful magnification is up to about 225x, twice the aperture in millimeters.

In the box

• Optical tube 114/500 with parabolic mirror
• Compact Dobson table base with panning knob
• 20 mm and 4 mm eyepieces (1.25 inch)
• 2x Barlow lens
• Red-dot viewfinder
• Moon Filter
• Color filters red, blue, and yellow
• Manual

Featured accessories

With the Bresser Deluxe Smartphone Holder (15.90 euros) you take your first moon photos through the eyepiece. For many children, that first personal moon photo is the moment the hobby truly begins.

For whom yes, for whom no

Suitable for: Children from about 8 years old, families, and beginners who want to see a lot on a budget without the stress of setup. Not suitable for: Those who want to observe on a tripod or want to progress to astrophotography; in those cases, consider larger Dobsonians or a model on a mount.

Specifications

Still in doubt? Our Buyer's guide for beginners and the telescope selection aid help you choose. Also check out all telescopes for children and the full range of National Geographic.