If you want to ensure the longevity of your telescope and bring it along on all your adventures, you’ll need a case that protects your gear while making it easy to transport. However, finding the right case can be a real hassle, especially if you don’t take the time to accurately measure your telescope. In this article, we’ll show you how to measure your Dobsonian, Newtonian, or refractor telescope in three simple steps and help you find a case that will protect your investment for years to come.
While it’s common for manufacturers to make custom fit cases for each telescope, meeting the unique needs of each amateur astronomer often requires a bit more flexibility. If you want to find a case that’s perfect for your telescope, then you’ve come to the right place.
First, we’ll walk through a simple three step process for arcuately measuring your telescope. Then, we’ll use those metrics to determine which case will best meet your needs. If you’ve already measured your telescope and are ready to choose a case, click here to jump ahead to our selection of gear expert recommended cases!
Measuring Your Telescope
Before diving in, take a moment to gather a couple common household tools. To accurately measure your telescope, you’ll just need a tape measure (a flexible sewing measure works best) and something to jot down the dimensions. You’ll also want to prepare by detaching the cylindrical body of the telescope, also known as optical tube assembly or OTA for short, from the mount and tripod. Then, make sure you remove any accessories, such as a red dot finder or finderscope, and rack the focuser into the OTA as far as it goes. Finally, if your telescope has a dew shield, you’ll need to retract it to minimize the overall footprint of your telescope.
If you don’t have measure, but you do have a copy of the telescope's manual, you can check the dimensions listed in the specifications. However, it’s important to remember that these metrics are not meant as a guide for selecting a case and likely won’t account for the full footprint of your telescope. So, we highly encourage you to still measure your telescope, even if you have the dimensions available in the manufacturer's documentation.
Once you’ve gathered the tools and prepped the OTA for measurements, follow along with the steps below!
Step One
- Begin by measuring the horizontal length from the front of the OTA (where the light enters) to the back. If you have a Dobsonian or Newtonian telescope, make sure your measurement accounts for the collimation knobs on the back of the OTA.
Step Two
- Next, measure the horizontal width of the OTA. If your telescope tappers at one end, make sure to measure the width of the largest end.
Step Three
- Finally, orient the OTA such that the focuser is pointing up, and measure the vertical height from the top of the focuser to the bottom of the OTA. Remember to measure twice!
And that’s it! Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to select one of our gear expert recommended cases in the next section!
Tip: It’s also a good idea to measure your tripod and mount, as some of the cases featured below have a padded internal divider that allows you to store a tripod and mount alongside your OTA. This divider also works as an added layer of protection for your OTA when stored alone, which is one of the many reasons our gear experts recommend these cases.
Selecting a Case
Now that you have the dimensions of your telescope on hand, review the selection below. If you followed the instructions in order, your measurements should follow this same formatting as the dimension listed beside each case L (Length) x W (Width) x H (Height). You’ll want to select whichever case comfortably fits the full footprint of your OTA. In other words, choose the case that provides a bit of breathing room for your OTA but not so much that there's a lot of unfilled space.
Orion Padded Telescope Case for Small Refractors — $99.99 $69.95
This Orion Padded Telescope Case for Small Refractors will fit a wide variety of small refractors. It's made of durable, water-resistant polyester/nylon material, and the fully padded interior ensures your refractor is safe from all life's little accidents. It even has a padded divider with adjustable Velcro straps, giving you the option to store additional gear alongside your telescope. Dimensions: 39" x 9.5" x 11"
Orion Padded Telescope Case for Small Reflecting Telescopes — $99.99 $69.95
This Orion Padded Telescope Case for Small Reflecting Telescopes fits variety of reflecting telescopes, and the fully padded interior ensures maximum protection! With this case, your small reflector will be easy to take along on all your adventures. It also features an internal padded divider with adjustable Velcro straps, giving you the option to store other equipment, such as a tripod, alongside your telescope. Dimensions: 43" x 9" x 11"
Orion Padded Case for Medium Sized Refractors — $99.99 $69.95
This Orion Padded Case for Medium Sized Refractors fits a wide variety of mid range refractors. It has a fully padded interior that offers enhanced protection. Inside you'll find a padded divider with adjustable Velcro straps that further protects your gear while also allowing you to store a tripod or other accessories alongside your telescope. Dimensions: 48.5" x 9.5" x 10.5"
Orion Padded Telescope Case for Large Refractors and Reflector — $119.99 $69.95
This Orion Padded Telescope Case for Large Refractors and Reflector fits a wide variety of larger refractor or reflector telescopes. It provides a convenient means for transporting your telescope, and it even has a internal padded divider with adjustable Velcro straps that further protect your gear while also allowing you to store a tripod or other accessories alongside your telescope. Dimensions: 47" x 11" x 14"
Orion Padded Case for 10" Newtonian Reflectors — $129.99 $79.95
This Orion Padded Case for 10" Newtonian Reflectors offers a durable, soft custom case to fit a wide variety 10" Newtonian reflectors! It's comfortable to carry, and more space-efficient than boxy hard cases, making it a solid choice for your 10" Dobsonian or Newtonian reflector telescope. Dimensions: 47" x 17" x 18"
If you can't find a case that fits your needs, then check out our entire catalogue of telescope cases!
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If you’re in need of a little assistance, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our gear experts are just a click away! Reach out today and let us help you find a case that will ensure your gear is protected for years to come.
