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Apertura AD12 Dobsonian 12" Telescope with Accessories

(10+ Available)
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SKU: APT-AD12
$1,299.95

Add Apertura 2x ED Barlow Lens - 2" to your order

$79.95

Add Apertura 12" Dobsonian Performance Upgrade Kit to your order

$89.95

Add Apertura Roll Easy Kit For Dobsonian Telescopes to your order

$219.95
 
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Browse the Entire Apertura AD-Series of Dobsonian Telescopes:
AD6 | AD8 | AD10 | AD12

When Size Matters, the Apertura AD12 12" Dobsonian Reflector is What is Needed

The largest aperture model in Apertura's AD-series Dobsonian line, the AD12 boasts a huge 12" primary mirror to observe deep-sky objects. When size and performance are the primary factors, the AD12 has you covered--and at the competitive pricing for which the Apertura brand is known! It should be noted that with such a large aperture, the AD12 is noticeably heavier than the AD10 and AD8, which can limit transportability for some.

With 12" of aperture, this huge light-bucket is capable of delving into the deepest reaches of space to capture thousands of celestial objects. Everything from huge galaxies, nebulae and star clusters to smaller planetary nebulae, double stars, and millions of suns in the far off regions of space will be within the grasp of your telescope. On a steady night of viewing, you can explore the equatorial belts around Jupiter, spy Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings, or study the polar ice caps and dusky maria on the surface of Mars.

What Does Our Team Think?
expert photo
  • "As the biggest member of the Apertura AD family, this dobsonian has a 12” mirror that shows the color of the Orion Nebula even under Bortle 7 skies. As an owner of many dobsonians, I can safely say this AD12 provides views just as wonderful as my 14” dobsonian! Also, the altitude and azimuth movements are extremely smooth, making object tracking very simple - as there’s nothing worse than a dobsonian with stiff movement. Apertura provides you with incredible accessories and the 2” eyepiece makes for a wonderful, immersive experience. If you are looking for a big (but manageable) dobsonian, the AD12 is it. Pair it with the Apertura Dobsonian Lifting Straps or the Roll EZ kit and you’ll be viewing in the driveway every night."
- Teagan G., High Point Scientific Gear Expert

A Huge Aperture, with a Load of Accessories to Match

You'll be ready to observe the Universe right out of the box with the amazing 12" Apertura Dobsonian telescope! The AD12 package includes everything you'll need to get started, including a full-sized right-angle (RA) image correct 8x50 finder scope, two eyepieces, a laser collimator, cooling fan, and more.

Solidly Built from Quality Components
The Apertura AD12 Dobsonian telescope features quality components and solid construction. Its enormous 12" 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 durability and beauty and is fitted with a 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 AD12 delivers! A large, 12" 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 AD12 by Apertura is a excellent performer at a great value!

Loaded with Extras
The Apertura AD12 Dobsonian telescope comes loaded 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 for 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 AD12 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 "Lazy Susan" 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!

How to Set Up & Use the AD12 Dobsonian

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.

A Dobsonian is perfect for beginners as well as advanced amateur astronomers. Unlike computerized telescopes, a classic Dobsonian does not find objects for you. You do that yourself. It may be a challenge at times, but you will have the honor of learning the night sky. To set the Apertura Dobsonian up for a night of viewing, just put the rocker box on fairly level ground, set the optical tube in the cradle, slide the finder scope on, put an eyepiece in the focuser, and start observing. There are no motors or electronics to deal with, and you won't hear anything except the hum of the fan during cool down. To move the telescope, push or rotate it in the direction you wish to go, and use the 8X50 finderscope to help you center the object in your field of view.

This telescope has a unique design that allows for easier balancing of the telescope in altitude. A two piece CNC machined aluminum side bearing holds the weight of the telescope OTA, and when you need to make tension adjustments, say because you added a heavier eyepiece or other accessory, all you need to do is turn the knurled knob (there’s one on each side of the rocker box). With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll find the perfect balance for your Apertura AD12 Dobsonian!

We recommend a planisphere for your latitude to help you get your bearings and find brighter objects, as well as a more extensive star chart of some kind to help you locate fainter objects. There are several inexpensive (or free) programs and/or websites available that allow you to print out a nightly star chart for your location and observing date and time.