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Explore Scientific
Explore Scientific 8" Dobsonian
The Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian is a well-regarded alternative to the Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P in the US market — similar aperture and performance, with build quality that CN owners consistently rate highly. The 2-inch Crayford focuser is a genuine upgrade over the rack-and-pinion designs on cheaper Dobs. At 203mm and f/5.9, it is capable across planets, globular clusters, open clusters, bright nebulae, and the brighter galaxies. Often compared to the Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P for UK/EU buyers and to the Orion XT8 for US buyers.
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How it compares
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Full Specifications
Optics
| Aperture | 203mm |
| Focal Length | 1200mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/5.9 |
| Optical Design | Dobsonian |
| Coatings | Enhanced aluminium mirror coatings |
Mount & Tracking
| Mount Type | Dobsonian |
| GoTo (Computerised) | No |
| Tracking | No |
Focuser
| Focuser Size | 2" |
| Focuser Type | Crayford |
Physical
| OTA Weight | 14kg |
| Total Weight (with mount) | 20kg |
| Tube Length | 1168mm |
| Tube Material | Steel |
Included Accessories
| Eyepieces | 25mm and 10mm eyepieces |
| Finder Scope | 8x50 right-angle finderscope |
| Diagonal | No |