It's a deep-sky observer's dream Dobsonian! The Orion XX12's jumbo 12" (305mm) Pyrex parabolic optics of 1500mm focal length (f/4.9); and a sturdy, eight-truss tube design that disassembles in about a minute into compact, easily portable components for transport to your favorite observing site! The XX12's traditional 8-pole truss tube design let's you break the tube down into portable "bite-size" pieces - no tools required! This 8-pole design provides a more rigid structural support than other designs in this category. All tube assembly knobs are captive, so you won't lose any in the dark!

The XX12 focuser is a dual-speed (11:1) 2" Crayford with 1.25" adapter, metal focus knobs, and adjustable drawtube tension to ensure excellent, non-slip motion for any size of eyepiece used. We outfitted the XX12 with larger, 8" altitude bearings for smoother tube motion. The side-reinforced base sports stylish cutouts that minimize weight without sacrificing stability. EbonyStar laminate glides on non-stick PTFE material bearings to give the azimuth motion the feel of silk. Other fine features include adjustable altitude tension, an open 9-point flotation primary mirror cell, and a "navigation knob" for easy slewing.

Although the primary mirror cell is extremely well ventilated, the Orion SkyQuest XX12 Truss Dobsonian comes with a Cooling Accelerator Fan, which attaches to the back of the cell and facilitates faster equilibration of the mirror to ambient temperature. The secondary mirror has a 70mm minor axis and is held in a four-vane spider with very thin (0.7mm thick) vanes to minimize diffraction effects.

The XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian telescope comes fully loaded with great accessories, including a 9x50 finder scope, aluminum telescope eyepiece rack, two telescope eyepieces: a low-power 35mm (43x) DeepView 2" and a high-power 10mm (150x) Sirius Plossl 1.25", dust caps for the top and bottom optical tube sections, and a "collimating cap" to insure optical alignment of the mirrors. A convenient carrying handle is provided for the base.

The included XX12 Light Shroud, custom designed for the SkyQuest XX12 optical tube, is made of a stretchy nylon blend material that fits like a glove over the truss poles of the telescope, fastening with thick elastic bands on both ends. A Light Shroud is vital for optimizing visual performance in any area afflicted with light pollution or peripheral light sources like street and house lights. The water-resistant, opaque black fabric blocks stray light from entering the optical path, greatly improving image contrast. It's also breathable, which minimizes unwanted vibration of the scope in breezy conditions.

It's the big Dobsonian you've dreamed of owning, and now you can take it with you wherever dark skies beckon! Get the practical and amazingly affordable Orion SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian by Orion and hit the road to astronomical adventure.

Meets or exceeds all California State Environmental Quality & Safety Regulations (CARB 93120 Phase 2 Compliant).

WARNING! When using a truss tube Dobsonian telescope for solar observing, always use a Light Shroud and a properly sized solar filter. When you install the Light Shroud make certain there are no gaps between the Shroud and the telescope where direct sunlight can reach the telescope mirror. When a truss tube telescope (equipped with a solar filter but no Light Shroud) is pointing near (not at) the Sun, direct sunlight can hit the mirror and focus on the solar filter or other portions of the telescope. This can lead to eye injury or damage to the telescope. Using a Light Shroud protects your telescope from peripheral sunlight.

Before using any telescope for solar observing, make sure to install all dustcaps or other protective covers on all optical components such as finder scopes to keep sunlight from passing through them. Glancing through an uncovered optical system, even for an instant, can cause permanent eye damage. Always install protective caps on all optical instruments if left out during daylight hours. 

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

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