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Apertura AD10 Dobsonian 10" Telescope with Accessories

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SKU: APT-AD10
$949.95

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

$79.95

Add Apertura 10" Dobsonian Performance Upgrade Kit to your order

$79.95

Add Apertura 10" Dobsonian Telescope Case to your order

$149.95 $99.95

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

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 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!

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 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 "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 AD10 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. Thanks.

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 AD10 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.