The 8” Dobsonian is a true game-changer in amateur astronomy—bringing large-aperture performance to everyday stargazers at an affordable price. Before John Dobson’s design revolution, such light-gathering power was out of reach for most. The FirstLight 8” Hybrid Dobsonian continues that legacy with modern upgrades, offering serious optical power in a modular, dual-purpose design for both visual and imaging applications.
This telescope merges classic simplicity with cutting-edge flexibility. Leave it on the rocker base for easy visual exploration, or detach the optical tube and mount it to an equatorial platform via the integrated Vixen-style dovetail plate—transforming it into a Newtonian reflector for deep sky astrophotography.
Its heart is a precision-polished 203mm parabolic mirror, paired with a 2.5” HEX focuser for ultra-smooth, rigid control even when using large eyepieces or imaging equipment. And when it’s time to pack up, the quick-connect rocker box disassembles into flat panels—perfect for transport to dark sky sites or star parties.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
🌟 Features & Benefits
- 8" fully multi-coated parabolic primary mirror gathers over 800x more light than the naked eye—ideal for galaxies, nebulae, and fine lunar and planetary detail
- 1218mm focal length (f/6) offers a perfect balance between wide-field views and detailed high-magnification observing
- 2.5" HEX dual-speed focuser provides precision control and supports heavy accessories with zero flex
- Hybrid design with integrated Vixen-style dovetail allows OTA removal for astrophotography with equatorial mounts
- Quick-connect rocker base breaks down flat for easy storage or travel
- 25mm Super Plössl eyepiece and red dot finder included for immediate use
- Red astronomy flashlight, moon map, and planisphere included for guided, educational observing
- Smartphone adapter included to capture and share lunar, planetary, or deep sky images
- Coma corrector compatible for sharp edge-to-edge views in wide-field setups
🌌 Who It’s For
- Newcomers looking for serious light-gathering ability with beginner-friendly setup
- Intermediate astronomers seeking performance upgrades without moving to fully motorized systems
- Visual observers who occasionally want to dip into astrophotography
- Astrophotographers needing a capable OTA for EQ-mounted deep sky imaging
🔭 What You’ll Be Able to See
- Detailed lunar craters, ridges, and shadow structure
- Planetary features like Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and Mars’ polar caps
- Deep sky wonders such as Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Globular Cluster, and more
- Sweeping Milky Way star fields under dark skies
🎒 What’s Included
- 8" f/6 Parabolic Reflector Optical Tube Assembly (203mm / 1218mm FL)
- 2.5" HEX Rack-and-Pinion Focuser (supports 1.25" and 2" eyepieces)
- Dobsonian Rocker Box with Quick-Connect Hardware
- Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate (pre-installed on OTA)
- 25mm Super Plössl Eyepiece
- Red Dot Finder
- Red Astronomy Flashlight
- Moon Map & Planisphere
- Smartphone Adapter
- Instruction Manual & Documentation
Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Number | FL-DOB0806-02 |
| Primary Mirror Diameter | 203mm |
| Secondary Obstruction | 24% |
| Focal Length | 1218mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/6 |
| Primary Tube Weight | 25 lbs |
| Rocker Box Weight | 21 lbs |
| Total Weight | 46 lbs |
Warranty Information
This product is covered by a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, valid when registered within 60 days of purchase. To activate your warranty, please visit the Explore Scientific website and complete the registration form at: