StellaLyra 12" f/5 Dobsonian

Worth knowing before you buy

Is the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian base stable enough for use, or does it wobble?

The rocker box base on the 12" model is widely reported as unstable and 'like jelly', with multiple users identifying two main causes: the undersized azimuth bearing (320mm bearing on a 630mm ground board) and the lack of vertical side braces on the rocker box. The vendor (FLO/Steve) acknowledges the wobble but considers it 'par for the course' for this size Dobsonian.

Is the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian primary mirror collimation system reliable?

Multiple owners report the stock primary mirror collimation springs are too weak, causing the mirror to either resist adjustment or clunk out of position. The near-universal fix reported across the thread is replacing the primary springs with stronger aftermarket ones and fitting Bob's Knobs to the secondary; several users say after doing this they never needed to recollimate again.

How good are the optics on the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian?

Optical quality is consistently praised across multiple users and is the most positively discussed aspect of the telescope. One owner describes having the sharpest, most detailed lunar views of his life and compares the optics favourably to premium scopes with ⅛ PV mirrors, while a professional review by Ade Ashford (BBC Sky at Night) also highlighted exceptional lunar and planetary detail.

Does the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian hold collimation during transport and use?

Out of the box with stock springs, collimation is reported as poor — the primary mirror shifts easily, particularly when moving the scope in and out of storage. However, multiple owners confirm that replacing the primary springs with stronger ones and installing Bob's Knobs on the secondary resolves the issue, with several users stating they have not needed to recollimate at all since making these modifications.

Is the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian focuser suitable for visual use and can it handle a DSLR?

The focuser is described by the original reviewer as 'nice quality' and 'really nice for the price', and FLO confirms it is a black anodised CNC-machined (not cast metal) dual-speed 2" Crayford with a 1:10 ratio. FLO states it will carry most DSLRs when properly tensioned but acknowledges it 'might struggle a bit' with DSLR weight, noting that Dobsonians are primarily designed for visual use and that comparable rack-and-pinion focusers have higher load capacity for imaging.

How do you balance the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian when it tips forward due to heavy finders or accessories?

Several owners report an altitude balance problem, particularly when pointing high up, with the finder and focuser side causing the scope to tip. Suggested solutions from multiple users include attaching welding magnets or taxi cab rubber magnets to the tube as sliding counterweights, wrapping an exercise weight around the tube when pointing high up, or using offset balance weights.