Sky-Watcher Skyliner-300P FlexTube: 12 inch, collapsible to 92 cm
The Sky-Watcher Skyliner-300P FlexTube is a floor-mounted Dobsonian telescope with a 305 mm (12-inch) parabolic mirror and a focal length of 1500 mm (f/4.9). It gathers 44% more light than a 10-inch telescope. The FlexTube system extends the tube from 140 to 92 cm without loss of collimation. This is the size at which the “Champions League” of visual deep-sky observing begins, and within our Dobson assortment the most popular large mirror.
What can you see through the Skyliner 300P?
Spiral arms in bright galaxies, wispy gas clouds in nebulae, and globular clusters dissolving into their cores: at 12 inches, objects that smaller telescopes only hint at suddenly become real structures. Planets benefit too, with sharp, high-contrast details on Jupiter and Saturn. Under a dark sky, the difference compared to an 8 or 10 inch is worth every car trip.
FlexTube with complete equipment
Three steel guides lock the tube into working position in seconds, keeping the optics aligned. The 2-inch Crayford focuser provides backlash-free focusing, and the set is complete with two 70-degree Wide Angle eyepieces (75x and 120x), a 9x50 finder scope, and a universal smartphone adapter.
This is how to get the most out of this telescope
- To them, in part: The tube weighs 21 kg, and the rocker box is separate; never lift everything together. Plan your route to your observation spot accordingly.
- Close the open section: A light shroud around the extended truss keeps stray light and dew out. The standard upgrade for FlexTube models.
- Allow 60 minutes for cooling. For the large mirror, especially in winter.
- Collimation at f/4.9 is a fixed ritual on transport; our guide to collimation It takes two minutes.
- For planets: a 6 mm planetary eyepiece provides 250x, for the better nights; this mirror size can handle that perfectly on good nights.
For whom yes and for whom no
Hello the dedicated visual observer who regularly seeks out dark skies and wants to get the most out of each session.
Not For those who are unsure about the size or if this is their first telescope, they are at the Skyliner-200P Classic almost always better off: it is outside more often. If you want to automatically search and track on this size, there is the 300P FlexTube SynScan GoTo version. Long exposures are a part of the smart telescopes; quick moon photos with the included smartphone adapter are 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 this telescope provides 250x magnification for the better nights. If you want to go a step higher, there is also the 5 mm version (300x).
- Cheshire eyepiece the Sky-Watcher Cheshire Eyepiece Aligning the mirrors is more accurate than the included tools. With these fast opening ratios, it's not a luxury but a essential piece.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Telescope type | Newtonian reflector (Parabolic primary and secondary mirror) |
| Main mirror diameter | 305 mm (12 inches) |
| Tube design | Patented FlexTube™ (Retractable Truss Tube System) |
| Mirror material | Low-Expansion Borosilicate Glass |
| Focal length | 1500 mm |
| Opening ratio | f/4.9 |
| Mirror coatings | Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™): up to 94% light reflectance |
| Light output | 44% has greater light-gathering power than the 250 mm model |
| Brake caliper bracket | 0.5 mm ultra-thin spider supports |
| Included eyepieces | 12.5 mm & 20 mm (1.25″): 70° Super Wide Angle |
| Included magnifications | 75x and 120x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 600x (Potential) |
| Focuser | 2″ Precision Crayford focuser (smooth and backlash-free) |
| Included adapters | Zeiss 2″ to 1.25″ adapter with non-marring brass clamping ring |
| Seeker | Large 9×50 optical finder scope with crosshairs |
| 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: 1400 mm / Retracted: 920 mm |
| Mounting type | Wooden Dobson with Tension Control & Accessory Plate |
| Diameter of the base | 520 mm |
| Weight optical tube assembly | 21 kilograms |
| Rocker box weight (base) | 39.2 lbs |
| Total weight | 38.8 kg |
Included in the box
- Sky-Watcher Skyliner-300P FlexTube Optical Tube with Rockerbox and Tension Control Handles
- Eyepieces: 12.5 mm & 20 mm (1.25″): 70° Super Wide Angle
- Finder: Large 9×50 Optical finder with crosshair
- Focuser: 2″ Precision Crayford focuser (smooth and backlash-free)
- Adapters: Zouth 2″ to 1.25″ adapter with non-marring brass compression ring
- Smartphone Adapter: Universal (fits phones between 2.1 inches and 3.5 inches 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. If ordered before 11:59 PM, it will be delivered quickly, in the Netherlands and Belgium. Not sure about the size or version? Call or email us: these are purchases we're happy to help you think through.
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