The Explore Scientific 16" Generation II Truss-Tube Dobsonian is the ultimate large-aperture, deep-sky telescope for backyard astronomers and star party veterans alike. With a massive 406mm (16") parabolic mirror, it captures over 2,400 times more light than the human eye, bringing elusive galaxies, nebulae, and faint star clusters into stunning focus.
This second-generation design features upgraded structural rigidity, oversized altitude bearings for ultra-smooth tracking, and an optimized truss-tube assembly that makes this beast surprisingly transportable. Whether you’re scanning the Milky Way’s rich starfields or pushing magnification limits on the Moon and planets, this Dobsonian offers power, precision, and portability in a single package.
Engineered for no-tool disassembly, fast thermal equalization, and maximum contrast, this telescope gives visual observers a professional-level experience — without the complexity or cost of traditional large-aperture systems.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- 16" (406mm) Parabolic Primary Mirror – Massive aperture gathers tremendous light for rich deep-sky detail and high-res planetary views
- Tool-Free Truss-Tube Design – Breaks down quickly for storage or transport without tools
- Two-Speed 2" Crayford-Style Focuser – Smooth focusing with 10:1 fine adjustment for critical sharpness
- Radial Cooling Fans – Dual fans accelerate thermal equilibrium for quicker, stable viewing
- Collimation Assist Tool – Speeds up mirror alignment for optimal optical performance
- LED Red Dot Finder – Quickly acquire your target without complex alignment steps
- Soft Light Baffle – Enhances contrast by reducing stray light from nearby sources
- Oversized Altitude Bearings – Enables smooth, balanced tracking across the sky
- Designed for Use With Coma Corrector (optional) – Optimizes edge sharpness for widefield views
🌟 Who It’s For
- Serious visual astronomers looking for the best deep-sky experience without breaking the bank
- Experienced telescope users who want to step into large-aperture territory
- Astronomy club members or educators needing a crowd-pleasing telescope with premium views
- Astro-campers and star party attendees who need high performance in a portable package
- Dobsonian enthusiasts seeking upgraded mechanics and modern build quality
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- Galaxies like Andromeda, Whirlpool, Sombrero, and many beyond magnitude 12
- Iconic nebulae such as the Orion Nebula, Lagoon, Eagle, and Veil in incredible detail
- Planets including Jupiter’s belts, Saturn’s rings, and Mars’ surface features at high magnification
- The Moon’s terrain — craters, rilles, and shadows so sharp they feel 3D
- Star clusters, globulars, and even planetary nebulae with brilliant resolution
- Dark nebulae and galactic dust lanes under dark skies
🎒 What’s Included
- Explore Scientific 16" f/4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian Telescope
- Two-speed 2" Crayford-style focuser with 1.25" adapter
- LED Red Dot Finder
- Collimation Assist Tool
- Integrated Light Baffle
- Two Radial Cooling Fans
- Truss Tubes and Tool-Free Mounting Hardware
- Instruction Manual and Documentation
- 2-Year Explore Scientific Warranty
Specs
| Item Number | ES-DOB1645-01 |
|---|---|
| Focal Ratio | f/4.5 |
| Focal Length | 1826 mm |
| Primary Mirror Diameter | 409 mm |
| Secondary Obstruction | 25% |
| Mirror Cell Support Points | 9 |
| Truss Pole Length | 140 cm |
| Truss Pole Diameter | 25 mm |
| Secondary Cage Assembly Diameter | 48 cm OD |
| Secondary Cage Assembly Weight | 8 lbs |
| Secondary Cage Assembly Height | 17 cm |
| Mirror Box / Rocker Box Height | 42.5 cm |
| Mirror Box Weight* | 66 lbs |
| Eyepiece Height at Zenith | 167 cm |
| Theoretical Limiting Resolution | 0.29 arcseconds |
| Theoretical Rayleigh Limit | 0.34 arcseconds |
| Theoretical Limiting Magnitude | 15.74 mag |
| Theoretical Maximum Magnification | 800x |
* Mirror weight may vary slightly due to manufacturing processes.
Warranty Information:
This product includes a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase.
To activate your warranty, register your product at:
www.explorescientific.com/pages/product-registration