Dobsonian Legacy: Pros & Cons and What You Can See with the Telescope that Changed the Face of Amateur Astronomy

 "The importance of a telescope is not how big it is, it's not how well made it is - it's how many people, less fortunate than you, got to look through it." 

John Dobson, 1915–2014

Whether you're a stargazing rookie or a seasoned pro, you’ve probably heard the name "Dobsonian" echo through the internet. Before the days of astronomy forums and online chat rooms, there was a time when only big-shot astronomers with huge amounts of gear and giant observatories could peek into the stars. Until one man made it his mission to bring the wonders of the universe right to the public’s sidewalk.

John Dobson wanted to know everything he could about the universe. And he believed he needed to see it with his own eyes to do it. His first sight of the Moon through a simple self-made telescope blew him away so much that he thought: If you own a telescope, you must share it with people who don't.

So, it’s no wonder that the telescope he popularized is known for being accessible and easy to use. If you’re wondering if the legendary Dobsonian telescope is right for your stargazing, we’re here to explore all the pros and cons, the best uses, and what you can see with each Dobsonian telescope size. 

 Quick Links

1. What are Dobsonian telescopes best for?
2. Is a Dobsonian telescope good for beginners?
3. What is the best size Dobsonian telescope?
4. What are the disadvantages of a Dobsonian telescope?
5. Can you do astrophotography with a Dobsonian?
6. Are Dobsonian telescopes worth it?

What are Dobsonian telescopes best for?

Dobsonian telescopes are perfect for those who crave an uncomplicated stargazing adventure. They're best for dark sky observations. Offering crystal-clear views of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.

They've earned the nickname "light buckets" due to their large light-gathering mirrors and bright cosmic views. Dobsonians are a stellar choice for anyone eager to explore the dark depths of the universe as easy as "point-and-enjoy".

Dobson's mission to show everyone the stars is the reason they're so easy to use. Dobsonian telescopes are made with a few simple parts. Some models don't even need tools to put them together or take them apart. 

Almost all experienced astronomers own at least one Dobson. Even if they have a huge collection of advanced telescopes. And they're usually quick to bring them out for others to try because once you use them, you're hooked! 

Is a Dobsonian telescope good for beginners?

Absolutely. A Dobsonian is a popular first telescope. They are a great way to guarantee a night of stargazing success. Their Alt-Azimuth mounts work kind of like a "Lazy-Susan". So you can spin them around and manually point them at whatever you want to see. No balancing or polar alignment needed. This simple design makes it easy for beginners to dip their toes into the thrills of space exploration. 

Of course, to get the most out of your Dobsonian, there are a few things that will come in handy to learn. Like how to collimate the mirrors. This might sound scary, but don't count yourself out just yet! Collimation is just a fancy word for aligning the mirrors. It's like tuning the strings of a guitar. Only instead of tuning the strings for sound, you're tuning the mirrors for sight.

Collimation might mean the Dobsonian is not as easy as modern "smart telescopes", but they're a classic and hands-on stargazing experience that's hard to beat once you get the hang of it.

Pros

• Very easy to set up and take down.
• The "Lazy-Susan" style Alt-Azimuth mount is intuitive to move as you search for planets and deep space objects. 
• Their big mirrors gather tons of light to bring you impressive views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky wonders.

Cons

• The big mirrors might let in too much ambient light in urban or well-lit areas that would affect your observations.
• They can be very large and difficult to transport. The "10-inch" is almost the height of a 6ft tall person!
• Must be collimated regularly.

What is the best size Dobsonian telescope?

The best size is the one that matches your cosmic curiosity and fits your stargazing goals like a well-tailored spacesuit. If you're an absolute beginner, an 8-inch Dobsonian performs well and is an easy size to manage. Want one you won't soon need to upgrade? A 10 or 12-inch Dobsonian brings stunning deep space details to life and still fits in most cars. Looking for a stunner that's sure to impress? A 16 or 20-inch Dobsonian transforms your backyard into a celestial theater guaranteed to leave your friends and family speechless. 

Whether you're looking to buy your first telescope or upgrade the one you already have, here's what you can expect from each Dobsonian size.

**If you're looking to upgrade from the one you have, go up at least 4" in size in order to see a noticeable difference.**

Can you see galaxies with an 8 inch Dobsonian?

With an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope, you can glimpse brighter galaxies like Andromeda and the outlines and faint details of planets.

If you plan to use your Dobsonian in an area that has some ambient light and light pollution, the 8 inch might be a better move over a bigger size because the bigger sizes would let in too much light and it could affect your observations.

What can you expect from a 10 inch Dobsonian?

What can you see with a 12 inch Dobsonian?

A 12-inch Dobsonian lets in 44% more light than the 10 inch. This gives you a very noticeable increase in the brightness of deep sky objects. Globular clusters and nebulae will be brighter, have a better resolution, and be easier to detect as you scan the night sky. You'll be able to see our intricate lunar surface in crisp detail and enjoy heightened contrast for planetary observations.

What can you see with a 16 inch Dobsonian?

A 16-inch Dobsonian is perfect if you love to hunt galaxies and deep sky objects. You'll see galaxies that are impossible to view with a smaller aperture. Galaxies that aren't even on some star charts! Stars will be 78% brighter in a 16 inch Dobsonian compared to a 12-inch. That's a worthwhile difference. You'll also see brighter details on globulars like M4 and more vibrant colors on nebulae like the ring nebula.

What can you see with a 20 inch Dobsonian?

Nothing is off limits with a 20-inch Dobsonian. You'll see planets, nebulae, galaxies, and deep sky objects in such stunning clarity that they will almost look 3D. Globular clusters that are ordinarily little silver sprinkles become so detailed you can see the resolve of every individual star. You will even be able to hunt down globular clusters in other galaxies! 

With this telescope, the night sky you are so familiar with transforms into something completely unknown. It becomes full of new details, depth, and color. First time 20-inch Dobsonian observers always say the same things: "Whoa!" "What is that?!" and "I've never seen the sky like that before."

Compare the observational power for each Dobsonian size and what you can see in the table below:

What are the disadvantages of a Dobsonian telescope?

Like all telescopes, Dobsonians are not without their disadvantages. They can be on the bulkier side, which makes transporting them a challenge if you're not prepared. And because they let in so much light, you need a really dark sky to get good observations. Awesome for the lake house. Not so awesome for your city balcony.

Their sizes are also a bit deceiving. An 12-inch Dobsonian is not some small table top scope. In fact, it's almost as tall as someone who is 6ft! Before you take the plunge on a large aperture Dobson, make sure it will fit in your car if you plan on transporting it to dark sky areas.

Luckily, a lot of Dobsonians come in a "Truss Tube" style these days. This means they're built with collapsible aluminum or carbon fibre poles instead of one long solid tube. This keeps Truss-Tube Dobsonians ultra light compared to their solid tube counterparts. So they're easier to travel with and more convenient to store. 

Can you do astrophotography with a Dobsonian?

While Dobsonians are great for observing the night sky, they're not the best for astrophotography because they weren't designed to capture photos. That doesn't mean you can't use a Dobson for your deep sky images. It just takes a little extra work and additional setups.

If you're an absolute beginner astrophotographer, a good alternative might be something like the Unistellar eVscope 2. Which has some pretty amazing smart features (like a built-in camera, light pollution filters, and a motorized mount for tracking) that make taking mind-blowing planetary and galactic images a snap.

Are Dobsonian telescopes worth it?

If you want a telescope titan that guarantees stellar performance in dark skies, Dobsonians are absolutely worth it. These telescopes bring the cosmos to your backyard with the biggest aperture per dollar you can get. They're simple, impressive, and powerful – a stargazer's dream come true.

This is thanks to John Dobson dedicating his life to making stargazing dreams come true for as many people as possible. His philosophy was this: "If they don’t see the universe, they won’t wonder about it, and what’s the use of somebody who doesn’t wonder? If they don’t wonder, they’re dead." 

His words seem harsh at first, but when you call your kids to gaze through the eyepiece of your Dobsonian pointed at a star cluster in a galaxy entirely different from our own, and you hear them gasp with wonder, it's impossible not to feel alive. 

Ready to transform your yard into a cosmic theater?

This Truss Tube Dobsonian is the perfect place to start. 

Available in 10", 12", 16", and 20" sizes. 

From our own Milky Way galaxy, to the Magellanic Clouds 158,200 light years away, a 20 inch Dobson will bring you a million moments of wonder.

Get Your Truss Tube Dobsonian Here.

Still have questions about Dobsonian Telescopes?

We'd be glad to answer any of your questions or help you decide which telescope is perfect for your needs.

Just drop us a line at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com or call us at 854-777-0909 Mon-Fri 9a-5p CST with all your telescope questions. Happy galaxy hunting!