Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P FlexTube: 10 inch that retracts to 80 cm
The Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P FlexTube is a Dobsonian floor model with a 254mm (10-inch) parabolic mirror and a 1200mm focal length (f/4.7). The patented FlexTube system retracts the tube from 112 to 80 cm without losing collimation: the light output of a 10-inch, the trunk size of a much smaller telescope. Within our Dobson assortment is this the most mobile route for serious deep-sky work.
What do you see through the Skyliner 250P?
With 56%—more light-gathering power than a 200 mm model—faint objects go from “observable” to “impressive.” Galaxies reveal their structure, planetary nebulae show color hues, and globular clusters fill the field of view with resolved stars. Planets benefit as well: Jupiter at 200x is a living cloud cover, and the Moon is a landscape. Under a dark sky, this aperture pays off twice over.
FlexTube and thoughtful mechanics
The three steel guides lock the tube into working position in seconds. The rocker box with Tension Control handles provides adjustable resistance: smooth panning, stable tracking. The 2-inch Crayford focuser focuses without play, and the deluxe set with two 70-degree Wide Angle eyepieces, 9x50 finderscope, and smartphone adapter makes it complete from the very first night.
This is how to get the most out of this telescope
- To stitch in two parts: 15 kg barrel, 12.2 kg rocker box. Separately, they're easy to do, together, they're not.
- Close the open section: A light shroud around the extended truss keeps stray light and dew out. The standard upgrade for FlexTube models.
- Allow 45 to 60 minutes for cooling. for the large mirror.
- Collimation at f/4.7 is a fixed ritual on transport; our guide to collimation It takes two minutes.
- For planets: a 6 mm planetary eyepiece gives 200x, the point at which this mirror starts to show what it can do on good nights.
For whom yes and for whom no
Hello The deep-sky enthusiast who regularly drives to dark sites and wants maximum aperture per euro, without compromising on portability.
Not If you plan to keep the telescope in the same spot almost always, you can get by cheaper with the classic tube version. If you are unsure about the size, then the Skyliner-200P Classic the safer choice. Long exposures belong to the smart telescopes; quick moon photos with the included smartphone adapter are actually a nice bonus.
Featured accessories
These accessories add the most after purchase:
- Moon Filter 13%: With this mirror size, the moon is blindingly bright. The Omegon Moon Filter 13% (1.25 inches) dims the light and increases the contrast. More explanation is in our Moon filter guide.
- A 6mm planetary eyepiece: the Sky-Watcher 6mm Planetary UWA Eyepiece does this telescope provide 200x magnification for more detail on Jupiter and Saturn? If you want to go one step further, there is also the 5 mm version (240x).
- Cheshire eyepiece the Sky-Watcher Cheshire Eyepiece Aligning the mirrors is more accurate than the included tools.
- Carrier bag protects the optics on the way to a dark spot. View the carrier bags and choose the size that fits this model.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Telescope type | Newtonian reflector (Parabolic primary and secondary mirror) |
| Main mirror diameter | 254 millimeters (10 inches) |
| Tube design | Patented FlexTube™ (Retractable Truss Tube System) |
| Mirror material | Low-Expansion Borosilicate Glass (fast cooling time) |
| Brake caliper diameter | 58 mm (short shaft) |
| Focal length | 1200 mm |
| Opening ratio | f/4,7 |
| Mirror coatings | Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™): up to 94% light reflectance |
| Light output | 56% has greater light-gathering power than the 200 mm model |
| Brake caliper bracket | 0.5 mm ultra-thin spider supports (minimal diffraction) |
| Included eyepieces | 12.5 mm & 20 mm (1.25″): 70° Super Wide Angle |
| Included magnifications | 60x and 96x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 500x (Potential) |
| Focuser | 2″ Precision Crayford focuser (smooth and backlash-free) |
| Included adapters | Both 2″ and 1.25″ adapter with non-marring brass compression ring |
| Seeker | Large 9×50 optical finder scope with crosshair in centering bracket |
| Camera connection | Direct SLR/DSLR connection possible |
| Smartphone adapter | Universal (suitable for phones between 54 mm and 90 mm wide) |
| Material optical tube | Rolled steel finished in Black Diamond metallic |
| Optical tube assembly (OTA) length | Extended: 1120 mm / Retracted: 800 mm |
| Mounting type | Wooden Alt-Azimuth (Dobsonian) with Tension Control & accessory plate |
| Diameter of the base | 520 mm |
| Weight optical tube assembly | 15 kg |
| Rocker box weight (base) | 12.2 kg |
| Total weight | 27.2 kg |
Included in the box
- Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P FlexTube Optical Tube with Rockerbox and Tension Control Handles
- Two 70-degree wide-angle eyepieces: 20mm (60x) and 12.5mm (96x)
- 2 inch Crayford focuser with 2 inch and 1.25 inch adapters (brass compression ring)
- 9×50 optical finder scope with crosshair
- Universal smartphone camera adapter (for phones 54 to 90 mm wide)
Honest advice from observers
We sell and use the Sky-Watcher line ourselves. In our Sky-Watcher merk Guide We'll explain which series are strong and which you'd rather skip. View the full range on our Sky-Watcher merk Page or compare all models in our Dobson assortment. Order before 11:59 PM for fast delivery, in the Netherlands and Belgium.
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