From its specifications to its build quality and accessories, we’re covering everything you need to know about the Apertura AD6 6” Dobsonian Telescope, a fantastic addition to Apertura’s lineup. The Apertura AD6 offers a 6-inch diffraction-limited mirror manufactured in Taiwan, coated in highly reflective aluminum and a silicon dioxide coating. The focal length of this telescope sits at 1200 millimeters, and it has a focal ratio of f/7.9.
Apertura AD6 Overview
A telescope of this size and focal length is great for viewing brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, the Great Hercules Cluster, and Bode's & Cigar Galaxies. Additionally, Saturn will present its rings nicely, and the moon’s craters will be exceptionally clear. A 6-inch mirror is decently large, especially for a beginner enthusiast, and it will keep users entertained for years to come.
What's In The Box
Now that you have an idea of what this telescope can do, let's talk about what’s included with the Apertura AD6:
- Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): A sleek steel optical tube with the Apertura white logo.
- Finder Scope: A high-quality 6x30 right-angle finder scope to help guide users while searching the night sky.
- Eyepieces: A 9mm Plössl, great for viewing planets and the lunar surface, and an included 25mm Plössl great for fainter deep-sky objects.
- 2-inch to 1.25-inch Adapter: Enables use of Apertura’s 2-inch SWA eyepieces.
- Dobsonian Base: Comes with an ergonomic handle for easy transport and an eyepiece tray for holding eyepieces during viewing sessions. The assembly of the base is extremely simple. One great thing about Apertura Dobsonians is that you can keep them assembled and use the handle to bring them outside for your viewing sessions.
What you’ll notice right away, especially after assembling your AD6, is the build quality. The Apertura AD6 boasts a dual-speed focuser for precise focus control, something that is simply not offered by other Dobsonians on the market. The dual-speed focuser is great for making very small, precise focus adjustments, which is recommended when viewing planets and star clusters, especially under turbulent atmospheric conditions. Being able to constantly adjust that focus just barely really helps to create a very sharp view through the eyepiece.
Altitude and Azimuth Bearings
The altitude bearings allow for seemingly frictionless up-and-down movement. Here you have the ability to balance your optical tube from front to back, allowing you to use heavier accessories like larger eyepieces and finder scopes without worrying about the scope falling forward. This is another thing a lot of manufacturers overlook—having precise balance on your optical tube is essential for good tracking. As you become acquainted with your AD6, the high-quality azimuth and altitude bearings are going to be something you really grow to appreciate, knowing this isn’t something you’ll need to upgrade in the future.
On top of this, Apertura is continuously producing awesome accessories to optimize your experience with their line of telescopes. These upgrades allow your telescope to evolve with you as you grow in this hobby. Some of these include:
- 70-Degree Field of View Eyepieces: Widen and completely enhance the views through the telescope.
- Carrying Case: If you want to maximize portability and travel, the carrying case designed for the Apertura AD8 is a great option and is also perfect for the AD6.
- Roll Easy Kit: If you want to decrease your set-up time, you can roll out your AD6 already assembled using the Apertura Roll Easy Kit.
The Apertura Carrying Case is especially nice for traveling with your telescope. You can put the base in the front or back seat and the case in the back seat of a sedan. This makes it easy to take your AD6 camping or out to dark skies.
Who is the Apertura AD6 For?
Dobsonian telescopes are extremely popular amongst beginner amateur astronomers and advanced expert amateur astronomers alike. Their affordability and size make them prime candidates for those who want incredible views of the night sky. The Apertura AD6 combines affordability and size with portability and quality, giving you the perfect telescope for beginner amateurs looking for their first telescope. If you’re simply unsure about investing time or money into a hobby you’re unfamiliar with, this is another reason why the AD6 is a perfect option. It’s not too large to be cumbersome, but it’s also not too small where the views through the telescope will be underwhelming. Of course, this telescope doesn’t appeal only to beginner amateurs. The ability to upgrade it as you progress through your amateur astronomy journey is an attribute sought after by intermediate and advanced amateurs as well.
The Final Verdict
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why this telescope is the best option for beginner enthusiasts looking for their first telescope—especially if you’re not sure you want to invest the time or money into a hobby that’s still unfamiliar. On top of all that, the build quality, accessories, and everything else this scope has to offer make it fantastic. It’s so much fun to use in the field, and the views through it are absolutely incredible. The Apertura AD6 is a premium Dobsonian.
Learn More
Interested in diving deeper into the world of astronomy? Not sure where to begin? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
