Listing Dobsonian Telescopes in Order of Aperture Size
Top-Rated 8-inch Dobsonian Telescopes: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of astronomy, Dobsonian telescopes are renowned for their affordability and performance. Here, we take a look at some of the top-rated 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes currently on the market.
- Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8" Telescope
The Apertura AD8 Dobsonian is a popular choice among stargazers, thanks to its 8-inch parabolic mirror with 93% reflectivity and adjustable mirror cell, complete with an included laser collimator. The telescope features a steel optical tube, an aluminum 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser, and a smooth Dobsonian rocker box with tension adjustments. Accessories like the laser collimator are available for purchase separately, such as on Amazon, where they cost approximately $44.95 (as of March 2025) [1].
- Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian Telescope
The Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian boasts high-quality GSO optics with BK7 glass, polished to better than 1/12 wavelength for maximum resolution. It offers a 1200mm focal length and an f/6 focal ratio, making it ideal for bright, wide-field views of deep sky and planetary objects. Although the exact price is not listed, it is positioned as a premium and excellent value telescope [3].
- SkyWatcher 8 Inch Dobsonian Telescope
The SkyWatcher 8 Inch Dobsonian is well-regarded among users, with a 4.7+ rating (out of 5) from the Jupiter Astronomy Club. Known for its reliable optics and solid base design, it is a reliable choice for aspiring astronomers [2].
- Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian stands out due to its smartphone app for guided navigation to over 40,000 celestial objects. It comes with two eyepieces, allowing magnifications of 48x and 120x. With a price tag of around $799 (July 2025), it is aimed at intermediate astronomers, though it is heavier (~44 lbs) compared to some other models [5].
In summary, the Apertura AD8 is highly rated for its out-of-the-box quality and smooth handling; the Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian offers premium optics and value; the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" provides advanced computerized guidance at about $799; and the SkyWatcher 8" is well-reviewed among users, though exact pricing varies by region.
| Telescope Model | Aperture | Special Features | Approximate Price (2025) | |------------------------------------|----------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------| | Apertura AD8 | 8" | High reflectivity mirror, laser collimator, smooth Dobsonian base | Not explicitly stated; collimator $44.95 on Amazon | | Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian | 8" | High precision GSO optics, f/6 ratio | Not listed explicitly | | SkyWatcher 8" Dobsonian | 8" | Highly rated by users | Variable by region | | Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" | 8" | Smartphone guided navigation, two eyepieces | ~$799 |
These represent some of the best 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes currently available, spanning from simple, robust designs to tech-assisted models with smartphone integration.
[1] - Amazon.com (2025). Apertura AD8 Dobsonian Telescope Laser Collimator. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Apertura-AD8-Dobsonian-Telescope-Laser/dp/B0016B9Q9G [2] - Jupiter Astronomy Club (2025). SkyWatcher 8 Inch Dobsonian Telescope Review. [Online]. Available: https://jupiterastronomyclub.com/skywatcher-8-inch-dobsonian-telescope-review/ [3] - Telescope.net (2025). Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian Telescope Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.telescope.net/blog/astronz-8-premium-dobsonian-telescope-review [4] - Explore Scientific (2025). Apertura AD8 Dobsonian Telescope. [Online]. Available: https://www.exploresci.com/products/apertura-ad8-dobsonian-telescope [5] - Sky & Telescope (2025). Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/reviews/celestron-starsense-explorer-8-inch-dobsonian-telescope-review/
- For beginners in the field of space-and-astronomy, the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian offers a laser collimator for easy collimation of optics, making it simpler to align the eyepieces for a clear view of celestial objects.
- The Astronz 8" Premium Dobsonian, with its high-quality optics and f/6 focal ratio, is suitable for those interested in science, providing bright, wide-field views of deep sky and planetary objects.
- The SkyWatcher 8 Inch Dobsonian, praised by users for its reliable optics and solid base design, is a great choice for those who want a manual telescope that offers a good balance between affordability and performance.
- The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian, with its smartphone app for guided navigation, is a technology-assisted option aimed at intermediate astronomers who want a more advanced observing experience.
- With the array of eyepieces accessible in the field of optics, stargazers can explore various magnifications and enhance their view of space through these top-rated 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes.
