Explore Scientific Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope - Gen 2

"I've Never Seen the Sky Like That Before."

Simple enough for beginners, powerful enough for the pros. Dobsonian telescopes are legendary.

For a workshorse of deep-sky observations and the biggest aperture per dollar you can get, this Explore Scientific Truss Tube Dobsonian is every stargazer's dream come true.

Key Features

• Breakdown & Assemble Without Tools
  
• Two-Speed Helical Focuser
  
• Red-Dot LED Finderscope
  
• Floor-Based Manual Alt-Az Mount
  
• Dual Radial Main-Mirror Fans
• Altitude Tension Clutch
• Includes HEX focuser with helical gearing and 10:1 reduction
• Collimation assist tool & soft light baffle
• Fully compatible with Explore Scientific's optional coma corrector

See Planets, Galaxies, Nebulae, and More...

Dobsonians are powerful telescopes that bring the planets to you and make professional space observation easy, even from your backyard. They don't call them "Light Buckets" for nothing. Their large light-gathering mirrors bring bright cosmic views to life. Dobsonians are a stellar choice for anyone eager to explore the dark depths of the universe as easily as "point-and-enjoy".

Classic Astronomy in Your Hands

Nearly every amatuer astronomer owns at least one Dobsonian. You only have to use it once to understand why the 2nd generation Explore Scientific 20-inch f/3.6 Truss-Tube Dobsonian is a deep sky observation go-to. Enjoy it on your own during solo stargazing trips or watch the joy spread across your loved ones' faces when they peer through at the lake house.

Crystal Clear Views of Deep Space

Explore Scientific's Dobsonian telescopes are perfect for low-light space images. See high-resolution star clusters. Explore the details of the moon. All in mesmerizing clarity with its massive 500mm mirror that captures 5100x more light than the human eye.

Crafted with a fast 20" f/3.6 primary mirror and a substantial 120mm secondary mirror made of high-quality quartz, Explore Scientific's 20-inch f/3.6 Gen 2 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope has been redesigned for rapid cooling and quick set-up space exploration.

Best Optical Mirrors Guaranteed

Each primary mirror comes with an optical test certificate that guarantees top-tier performance, an engraved center mark to simplify alignment, an aluminum coating with 94% reflectivity, and a robust quartz protection layer that can handle dew formation and cleanings without compromising durability. This Dobsonian is built to last.

Everything You Need to Explore Space

Other enhancements include a second mounting plate for versatile viewfinder positioning, a six-foot rocker box for stability and smooth azimuth tracking, and strategically placed fans for rapid temperature adaptation and reduced tube seeing. 

A Million Moments of Wonder

From our own Milky Way galaxy to the Magellanic Clouds 158,200 light years away, a 20 inch Dobson reveals a night sky so remarkable, you won't even recognize it as our own.

Make your stargazing dreams come true with the Explore Scientific Dobsonian Telescope.

Order Your Explore Scientific Dobsonian Telescope Today.

Important note: Please check shipping times for specific models as these Dobsonian Telescopes are in high demand and shipping times may fluctuate.

Still have questions? Want to add on a light shroud or observation tent?
Call to speak with an expert. We're here and happy to help.
854-777-0909 (M-F 9a-5p CST) or
email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com

Product Specifications

*Mirror weight can vary because of the manufacturing process; these values are approximate

20" f/3.6 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

• Open aluminum truss framework balances weight reduction with structural integrity
• 20" / 500mm aperture captures ample light for deep space observations
• Fast f/3.6 focal ratio ensures optimal light transmission with minimal diffraction
• Long 1826mm focal length supports high magnification potential
• Silvered aluminum mirror coatings exceed 94% reflectivity for brighter images
• 120mm secondary mirror with 24% obstruction

Mirror Temperature Management

• Primary and rocker box fans maintain mirror temperature for reduced distortion
• Fans operated by eight user-supplied AA batteries
• Laser-engraved center mark on primary mirror facilitates collimation
• Includes collimation assist tool for field adjustments

Mount Features

• Manual alt-azimuth rocker mount design for easy adjustments
• Six base feet enhance stability and vibration suppression
• High altitude bearings ensure smooth movement and limited vibration
• Tension control handle reduces vibrations during rotation
• Tool-free assembly and disassembly

Focusing Mechanism

• Dual-speed 10:1 reducer for fast and precise focusing
• Large 2.5" helical design supports heavy eyepieces without rotation
• Accepts large 2" eyepieces for extended field of view
• Toothless helical focusers for smooth and precise adjustments without backlash

16" f/4.5 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

Optical Tube

• 16" aperture with f/4.5 focal ratio
• 1826mm focal length
• Highly reflective mirrors for enhanced image brightness
• 72mm secondary mirror with 25% obstruction
• Dual radial primary mirror fans regulate mirror temperature for reduced distortion
• Operates on eight user-supplied AA batteries
• Includes collimation assist tool for on-field adjustments

Mount Features

• Manual rocker mount design for straightforward use
• High-altitude bearings enable broad adjustment range and travel
• Tension control handle ensures smoother rotation and vibration reduction

Focusing Mechanism

• 10:1 dual-speed helical focuser
• Compatible with 2" eyepieces and accessories
• Toothless helical design offers precise and backlash-free focusing

12" f/5 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

Optical Specifications:

• 305mm mirror with an f/5 focal ratio and a focal length of 1,525mm
• Primary mirror diameter: 35cm
• Secondary obstruction: 24%
• Theoretical maximum magnification: 600x
• Theoretical limiting magnitude: 15.11 mag

Assembly and Structure:

• Disassembly without tools for easy transport in small cars
• Structure optimized for maximum stiffness with minimal weight
• High altitude bearings with optimized aluminum structures for fine adjustment at high magnifications
• Mirror cell support points: 9

Components and Accessories:

• Includes 2" focuser with helical gearing and 10:1 reduction
• LED Red Dot Finder and collimation assist tool included
• Soft light baffle for improved observation conditions
• Two radial main mirror fans for fast temperature equilibrium

10" f/5 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

Optical Specifications:

• 254mm aperture mirror
• Oversize altitude (16.5-inch) and azimuth (13-inch) bearings
• Details on planets and deep sky objects visible even for inexperienced observers
• Many star clusters resolved to the core, distant galaxy spiral structure visible, bright and dark nebulae observed

Assembly and Structure:

• Easy-to-adjust collimation mechanisms for primary and secondary mirrors
• No additional tools required for collimation adjustments
• Designed for operation by a single person

Components and Accessories:

• Two-Speed 2-inch Rack & Pinion Focuser with 1.25-inch Adapter
• LED Red Dot Finder with hybrid finderscope base
• Collimation Assist Tool included
• Flexible Lightweight Light Baffle provided
• Two Primary Mirror Fans with battery pack (AA batteries not included)

FAQ

What can you see with a 20 inch Dobsonian telescope?

A 20-inch Dobsonian telescope, with its large aperture and enhanced light-gathering capability, allows for detailed observations of various celestial objects. You'll be able to observe:

• Planets in our solar system, such as Jupiter's cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, Saturn's rings, Martian surface features (when it's closest to Earth), and details on Venus and Mercury when they are visible.
• Intricate details on the Moon's surface, including craters, mountain ranges, valleys, and the stark contrast between lunar highlands and maria (dark plains).
• Deep Sky Objects like: the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The beautiful Orion Nebula (M42), the Lagoon Nebula (M8), and the Trifid Nebula (M20). Open star clusters like the Pleiades (M45) or the Hercules Cluster (M13), and globular clusters such as Omega Centauri (NGC 5139).

Remember, the visibility and clarity of these celestial objects can vary depending on factors like light pollution, atmospheric conditions, and the object's current position in the sky.

What differences can you see with each size Dobsonian?

Check out our blog post (linked directly below) where we show you the answer!

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

Can I easily transport the Explore Scientific 20-inch Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope?
Yes, the design facilitates relatively easy transport compared to permanently mounted telescopes. While the telescope can be disassembled without tools enabling trouble-free transport, even in smaller vehicles, keep in mind it does have a substantial size and weight. 

What's new with the Gen 2 version of this telescope?

This telescope has undergone comprehensive updates. It's been fine-tuned for optimal strength with lightweight design. Its high-altitude bearings and advanced aluminum structures ensure smooth adjustments at high magnifications, making it the perfect choice for avid deep-sky observers.

Videos and PDFs

Warranty

Lakehouse & Cottage is on a mission to make outdoor exploration accessible and easy. A major part of that is ensuring our customers have the experiences they desire by providing unwavering support and product protection.

Upon receipt of your product, we encourage you to thoroughly inspect it and familiarize yourself with the applicable warranty coverage. If you have any questions or concerns about your product and its warranty or if you need advice on getting started, please contact us at 854-777-0909.

Registering Your Product:
To maximize the warranty coverage on your EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC product, it is important that you promptly register your product. Instructions for how to do so will be included in your confirmation email. If you do not see them or if you have any questions, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com and we can assist you.

If registered within 60 days of purchase, your product will have additional warranty protection against manufacturer defects. 

Anytime Free Service 
Anytime an EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC product needs adjustments, cleaning, or collimation, we will do this service for free, even beyond the warranty period. Just reach out for instructions and our team will provide professional service at no additional cost to you.

Warranty Coverage for Our Products:

Lakehouse & Cottage ensures that EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC products are free from material and workmanship defects for a specific duration based on the product type. Should any such product or component be found defective in materials or workmanship upon inspection by EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC, we will repair or replace it accordingly. To avail of this service, the product must be returned to Lakehouse & Cottage along with proof of purchase and satisfactory product registration.

Warranty Period

Limited USA One Year Warranty (once registered within 60 days of purchase)

Through Lakehouse & Cottage, EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC owns, manages and holds responsibility for all USA warranties. Within the applicable warranty duration, they will undertake the repair or replacement of any product or part found to be defective upon inspection, provided that the defective item is returned to us with verified product registration and prepaid freight charges.

If it has been more than 30 days since the item was purchased, customers are responsible for shipping costs related to returning the product to our facility. 

Shipping

We are pleased to offer you free shipping on all orders through Lakehouseandcottage.com

All orders are shipped within 1-2 business days. Product ETA 5-7 business days.

Please note, we do not process shipments on weekends or public holidays. During high order volumes, there may be a slight delay; please allow extra transit time. If a significant shipping delay occurs, we'll notify you via email.

Shipping Carriers

Lakehouse & Cottage uses USPS, FedEx, and UPS delivery services.

Available Shipping Areas

Orders are shipped within the contiguous United States, excluding outlying islands and overseas territories.

Shipping Information Responsibility

Ensure accurate shipping details when placing an order. We're not liable for losses due to incorrect shipping information.

P.O. Box or APO/FPO/DPO addresses are not accepted.

Shipping Tracking Information

You will receive shipment confirmation and tracking information via email. 

Damaged or Missing Items

Report any damage or missing packages within 7 business days to sales@lakehouseandcottage.com. While we don't assume responsibility for shipping carrier errors, we'll assist in contacting them and making things right. Keep packaging and damaged items for potential claims.

Refunds and Returns

We know you'll love your order! But just in case you're not fully satisfied, we've streamlined an easy return process. 

Our return policy covers a 30-day period. Unfortunately, if 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can't provide a refund or exchange.

For a return to be eligible, the item must be unused and in its original condition and packaging. Please note that a 20% restocking fee applies to all returned products.

To process your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.

There are instances where only partial refunds are granted:

• Items not in their original condition, damaged, or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
• Items returned beyond the 30-day delivery period.

PLEASE NOTE: The Explore Scientific 20" Dobsonian telescope is a special order item.

Custom or special order products can't be canceled or refunded as these items are specially produced for your order.

These units are custom-made according to your specifications or crafted upon your order. Once the order is placed, the production begins. Your warranty guarantees a fully functional and operational product. If it's unclear whether your order falls into this category, feel free to message or call us.

All sales are final for Custom-made and special order products.

Refunds

Upon receiving and inspecting your return, we'll send an email confirming its arrival and notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, a refund will be processed, excluding the 20% restocking fee, and credited to your original method of payment.

Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange an item for the same product, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com.

Shipping

To initiate a return, please email us at sales@lakehouseandcottage.com for shipping instructions. You are responsible for paying the shipping costs for returning the item. Shipping fees are non-refundable, and any refund processed will deduct the return shipping cost.

The duration for the exchanged product to reach you may vary based on your location.

For items over $75, consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We cannot guarantee receipt of your returned item without these measures.