Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8" Telescope with Accessories - Open Box - SOLD
This Apertura 8 Dobsonian Telescope with Accessories is an Open Box item and, therefore, in Open Box Condition.
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- Comes with a full manufacturer's warranty.
Browse the Entire Apertura AD-Series of Dobsonian Telescopes:
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A Superb Dobsonian Reflector with Lots of Accessories
AstroBackyard recently named the Apertura AD Dobsonian telescope the best telescope for beginners!
Take a look at this deep dive into the Apertura AD8, covering everything you need to know about this stellar Dobsonian telescope! From the basics to an overview on setup, this comprehensive review sets the stage on what to expect with the arrival of your AD8.
Apertura AD8 At a Glance
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You'll be ready to observe the Universe right out of the box with this Apertura AD8 8 inch Dobsonian telescope! The AD8 telescope package includes everything you'll need to get started including a full-sized right-angle (RA) image correct 8x50 finder scope, two eyepieces, a 1.25" adapter to accept both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces, a laser collimator, cooling fan, 1.25" moon filter, and more.
With 8" of aperture, the Apertura AD8 Dob will display Jupiter and its moons, Saturn with its stunning ring system, Mars (the "Red Planet"), and the Moon... you won't believe how close the Moon will look when viewed through the AD8! On a steady night of viewing, you can explore the equatorial belts around Jupiter, or spy the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings--but that's not all! Literally, thousands of celestial objects will be visible with your Dobsonian reflector.
An Amazing 8" Telescope with over $200 Worth of Free Accessories
The Apertura AD8 8-inch Dobsonian reflector telescope comes packed with everything you need to enjoy spectacular views of our solar system and beyond, right out of the box!
Solid Construction and Quality Components
The Apertura AD8 8" Dobsonian telescope features solid construction and quality components. Its 8" parabolic mirror is made from quality materials, and finished with an aluminum and silicon dioxide coating that delivers 93% reflectivity to ensure the brightest possible images. The 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 tools required! The optical tube assembly is made from steel for durability and beauty and is fitted with a machined aluminum 2" dual-speed, 10:1 Crayford-style focuser for smooth, easy focusing.
Dobsonian Rocker Box for Smooth and Easy Navigation
What differentiates a Dobsonian telescope from other Newtonians is the ingenious base, or rocker box. The tube of the AD8 sits onto the base and can then be easily moved up, down, or to either side. For balance 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, allowing for smooth, 360º horizontal rotation. Sealed ball bearings also allow smooth altitude adjustment. This base also comes with a 4-slot eyepiece tray to hold accessories.
Performance and Simplicity Perfect for the Beginner
Dobsonian telescopes are known for their simplicity and affordability--a reputation the AD8 meets and exceeds! A solid, 8" aperture is married to a simple and versatile Dobsonian base. With no need to worry about expensive and complicated electronics or external power sources, this telescope is a great first telescope to get acquainted with the night sky. Also including everything needed to start exploring the sky right out of the box, the AD8 by Apertura is a great combination of value, performance, and simplicity!
Tons of Accessories Included
The Apertura AD8 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.
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 AD8 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 AD8 Dobsonian resolves beautiful detail on Jupiter’s cloud bands and its Moons. Also, the ringed planet Saturn is a treat to observe. The large 8” aperture soaks in the light for stunning resolution on the Cassini Division. 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; you’ll be aligning your mirrors with ease!
What can you see with an 8 inch Dobsonian telescope?
An 8” Dobsonian is a wonderful choice for observing a host of celestial wonders. The large aperture delivers beautiful clarity on the planets, our Moon, and a plethora of deep sky objects. This Apertura AD8 Dobsonian boasts a focal length of 1200 mm, and when paired with the included 30mm 68° eyepiece, be witness to the beauty of the Orion Nebula, the stunning Lagoon Nebula, and the bright core of the Andromeda Galaxy. With the included 9 mm 52° eyepiece, get to know smaller objects such as the Crab Nebula, the Dumbbell Nebula, and our solar system neighbors!
How do I set up the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian?
Your Apertura AD8 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 AD8, 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 AD8?
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.
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