Apertura AD10 Dobsonian 10" Telescope with Accessories - Used
This Apertura 10 Dobsonian Telescope is Used and in Excellent Condition.
- Upon inspection, we found that the telescope is fully functional. This product is in original factory packaging and all components are accounted for. The external surfaces show minor signs of use, such as scuffs and cosmetic wear. The optical surfaces are clean and clear of any notable defects. All mechanical components are fully operational.
- Image shows new product.
- Comes with High Point 90-Day Warranty
Browse the Entire Apertura AD-Series of Dobsonian Telescopes:
AD6 | AD8 | AD10 | AD12 | NEW! AD16
The Next Step Up in the Apertura AD-series:
The 10" AD10 Dobsonian Reflector
AstroBackyard recently named the Apertura AD Dobsonian telescope the best telescope for beginners!
The AD10 may be considered the "Goldilocks" model of the Apertura AD Dobsonian telescope series. With 125% the aperture of the AD8, it also weighs in at 20 pounds lighter than the larger AD12. This makes the AD10 the "sweet spot" between a large aperture and easier mobility.
With 10" of aperture, the Apertura AD10 will reveal Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings, as well as Mars, the "Red Planet." On a clear night one can view the equatorial belts of Jupiter, observe striations in Saturn's rings (the famous "Cassini Division") or glance at the ice caps of Mars. But that's not all! Literally thousands of celestial objects will be visible with this 10" Dobsonian reflector: everything from galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters to smaller planetary nebulae and double stars! Over $200 of accessories are included, such as a primary mirror cooling fan, multiple eyepieces, a handy Moon filter, and a laser collimator. Constructed with the highly regarded build quality from Apertura, this AD10 is a top-tier light gathering powerhouse built to last!
Apertura AD10 At a Glance
|
|
|
|
|
A Large 10 inches of Aperture and Loaded with Accessories
The Apertura AD10 Dobsonian telescope package includes everything you'll need to get started, including a full-sized, right-angle, image-correcting 8x50 finder scope, two eyepieces, a laser collimator, and even a moon filter! The collimator works in conjunction with the mirror cell of the primary lens to ensure perfect optical system alignment. The moon filter reduces glow and increases contrast of the bright surface of the moon, revealing increased surface detail.
Quality Components and Solid Construction
The Apertura AD10 Dobsonian telescope features quality components and solid construction. Its 10" parabolic mirror is made from quality materials, and is finished with an aluminum and silicon dioxide coating that delivers 93% reflectivity to ensure the brightest possible images. This primary mirror sits at the end of the optical tube in an adjustable mirror cell. If the telescope were to ever become misaligned, this mirror cell can be adjusted with hand-knobs, in conjunction with the included laser collimator, to ensure perfect alignment--no additional tools required! The optical tube assembly is made from steel for duability and beauty and is fitted with a machined aluminum 2" dual-speed, 10:1 Crayford-style focuser for smooth, precise focusing.
High Performance and Ease of Use
Dobsonian telescopes are known for their simplicity and affordability, and the AD10 delivers! A large, 10" aperture is coupled to a simple and versatile Dobsonian base. With no need to worry about expensive and complicated electronics or external power sources, this telescope is great for those who value simplicity and ease of use. With the inclusion of everything you will need to start you on your astronomical journey, the AD10 by Apertura is a great performer at a great value!
A Complete Out-of-the-Box Solution
The Apertura AD10 Dobsonian telescope comes equipped with many great accessories to make observing the night sky fun and exciting right out of the box! A primary mirror cooling fan helps your telescope reach ambient temperature quickly and efficiently. A 1.25" adapter allows you to use either 1.25" or 2" eyepieces and filters. 9 mm 52-deg. Super Plossl 1.25" and 30 mm 68-deg. Super View 2" eyepieces provide a variety of views of celestial objects. A 35 mm extension tube helps bring images into focus when used with different eyepieces or camera setups. A 1.25" moon filter provides higher contrast views of the moon by eliminating bright surface glare. The 8x50 right-angle image finder with bracket allows for quick and easy spotting of an object for observation. The laser collimator allows for collimation of the mirrors if ever they were to become out of alignment. Lastly, the 4-slot eyepiece tray mounted to the base allows for safe keeping and easy access of eyepieces while out in the field. In total, over $200 worth of accessories are included free!
Dobsonian Rocker Box for Smooth Movement
The difference between a Dobsonian telescope from other Newtonian reflectors is the ingenious base, or rocker box. The tube of the AD10 sits onto the base and can then be easily moved up, down, or side-to-side. For balancing the tube in the desired position, tension can be adjusted using the large aluminum knobs on either side of the telescope to tighten or loosen. The bottom of the base is a "turntable" style, which allows for smooth, 360º horizontal rotation. Sealed ball bearings also allow for smooth altitude adjustment. This base also comes with a 4-slot eyepiece tray to hold accessories.
Comes with the Apertura Absolute Warranty!
The Apertura Absolute Warranty provides two years of coverage against product defects. After the initial two year warranty expires, this product qualifies for Apertura's Three-Year Accident Replacement Program. In addition, the Apertura Absolute Warranty is transferrable! Download a copy of the Apertura Absolute Warranty for more information on this program, how to make a claim, and why it is important to keep your original receipt and the product's original boxes & packaging!
Please Note: A physical copy of the instruction manual is NOT included with this Dobsonian, however you are welcome to download a PDF of the Apertura AD Dobsonian Manual any time you like. Thanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do astrophotography with the Apertura AD10 Dobsonian Telescope?
While we generally do not recommend doing astrophotography with a manual Dobsonian telescope, taking quick photos of the Moon, the planets, and some bright deep-sky objects is possible! Be sure to check our comprehensive Astrophotography with a Dobsonian Telescope article on our AstronomyHub for more detail.
Can a Dobsonian telescope be used for terrestrial viewing?
While Dobsonian telescopes will provide up close views on wildlife and distant terrestrial objects, it's important to note the image will be inverted.
Are Dobsonian telescopes good for viewing the planets?
Yes! This Apertura AD10 Dobsonian resolves beautiful detail on Jupiter’s cloud bands and its Moons. The large 10” aperture soaks in the light for beautiful definition on the intricate layers of gas. Also, the jewel of our solar system, Saturn, is a treat to observe. This Apertura AD10 resolves Saturn’s rings and the Cassini Division with incredible clarity. You also have the ability to observe “The Red Planet” Mars and some of its surface detail.
How do I clean the Dobsonian mirror?
The surface coatings on the primary and secondary mirrors are very delicate and should not be cleaned unless absolutely necessary. A lens bulb puffer may be used to blow off dust if needed, though a thin layer of dust is normal and should not affect performance. If you absolutely must clean the mirrors, a mild soap and a soft lint-free cloth may be used sparingly with a dabbing motion. Cleaning the mirrors may actually do more harm than good, and they are best left alone to preserve the delicate finishings.
How do I collimate a Dobsonian telescope?
While it may seem intimidating at first, collimating your Dobsonian is a quick, straightforward process that anyone can do. We have a dedicated article and video on How To Collimate Your Apertura AD8 Dobsonian, with clear instructions and visuals. Though this article demonstrates collimation on an 8" Dobsonian, the process is the same on your AD10.
What can you see with an 10 inch Dobsonian telescope?
With its sizable 10” aperture, the Apertura AD10 is an incredible telescope for viewing a wide variety of celestial objects, particularly dim, distant targets! In addition to presenting outstanding detail on the neighboring planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and more, this light bucket collects an incredible amount of light for beautiful views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. This Apertura AD10 Dobsonian boasts a focal length of 1250 mm, and when paired with the included 30mm 68° eyepiece, be witness to up-close views of the Orion Nebula, the stunning Eagle Nebula, and the beautiful Triangulum Galaxy. With the included 9 mm 52° eyepiece, get to know smaller objects such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Hercules Cluster, and our solar system neighbors!
How do I set up the Apertura AD10 Dobsonian?
Your Apertura AD10 will arrive in two boxes, one for the optical tube and one for the rocker box base. The base does require assembly, though the process is quite simple and will only take at most 30 minutes. Please refer to the user manual for clear step-by-step instructions. After the base is assembled, attach the 2 silver side bearings to the OTA, affix the OTA to the base, and you’re all set for a night of observing!
What eyepieces are good for Dobsonian telescopes?
To make the most out of your nights under the stars, we highly recommend the Apertura Panorama Eyepiece series. Any of these 7 eyepieces pair beautifully with your AD10, maximizing your telescope's light gathering power, and delivering bright, sharp sights on a variety of objects. The 4 mm eyepiece works great for lunar viewing, the 7 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm eyepieces work well for planetary viewing, and the 16 mm, 21 mm, and 28 mm eyepieces can be used for deep sky viewing.
Can I connect my smartphone to the AD10?
Absolutely! With the handy Apertura Smartphone Astrophotography Adapter , snap quick photos of the Moon, Jupiter and it’s moons, and possibly even Saturn. Be sure to check out the “What Can You Image with a Smartphone and Dob?” section in our Astrophotography with a Dobsonian Telescope article for more information.
Recommended Accessories
