The Explore Scientific 16" Generation II Truss-Tube Dobsonian Telescope is the ultimate evolution of a legendary design—offering unmatched aperture, modern upgrades, and optimized structure for serious deep-sky observation. This Generation II model includes all updated mechanical enhancements, delivering improved stability, portability, and precision.
Before the Dobsonian revolution, amateur astronomers had limited access to large-aperture telescopes. High-performance instruments like Schmidt-Cassegrains were priced out of reach, and smaller scopes struggled to reveal planetary and deep sky detail. The Dobsonian changed everything, combining simple mechanical design with large Newtonian optics, giving backyard astronomers access to a huge light-collecting surface at a low cost.
With a 406mm (16") parabolic mirror, this telescope gathers over 2,400 times more light than the human eye, revealing fine planetary details, intricate star cluster structures, and the delicate patterns of dark and bright nebulae. The terminator on the Moon—the dividing line between night and day—becomes a breathtaking landscape under high magnification.
The scope's tool-free disassembly and lightweight truss design make it surprisingly portable for its aperture. The structure has been optimized for maximum rigidity with minimal weight, while the oversized altitude bearings and reinforced aluminum frame provide precise motion control, even at high magnifications.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
Included Features:
- 406mm (16") parabolic primary mirror for deep sky and planetary detail
- Two-speed 2" focuser with helical gearing and 10:1 fine adjustment
- LED red dot finder for quick and easy target acquisition
- Collimation assist tool for fast, accurate mirror alignment
- Soft light baffle improves contrast by shielding stray light
- Two radial cooling fans speed up thermal equilibrium
- Tool-free truss tube disassembly for easier transport
- Optimized for use with optional coma corrector (sold separately)
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