[1.25", 2"] I have both the GoTo and non-GoTo versions of this scope. My skies are typical NE Ohio hazy when not down-right cloudy, and nowhere near what you get in the western US. Star hopping to find objects of interest is difficult. A 12 scope will see them IF you can find them. Having worked with the non-GoTo 12 Sky-Watcher first, I can say without reservation that I should have just bought the GoTo model. The price differential isn't trivial, but it will make astronomy a more enjoyable and longer lasting pursuit.

The GoTo system is easy to set up and align, and will then find objects too dim even for the 50mm finder. The tracking feature simplifies astrophotography, even with a Barlow. The fit and finish of the telescope itself are excellent, with a number of refinements in the mount relative to the non-GoTo model (in addition to the motor drives and SynScan computer).

B&H shipped the Sky-Watcher six weeks ARO, a month or two before I expected it. Their price and service are top-shelf, as always.

[1.25", 2"] I have been watching the stars for nearly 5 decades now and have very slowly progressed through several backyard scopes along the way, 2 and 4 inch refractors, then my first Dobsonian back in '06, that 6 inch Dob lasted me just fine until this year, when fortunate circumstances allowed me the time, space, and money to go bigger. I am glad I did. So first of all B&H actually had this in stock, most other sites were out of stock on this and other comparable scopes of different brands. A B&H rep called me prior to shipping to confirm the order and delivery dates. It arrived less than a week later in 2 deliveries (base, then scope the next day). assembly was not difficult at all, instructions were straightforward and clear. took me about 40 min. and I go really slow...The mirrors were actually pretty close to alignment out of the box, but I did not get the scope perfectly collimated (I still need to get the proper wrenches for the secondary mirror) but I managed to get it fairly close, as the primary mirror is very easy to adjust. Then it was a wait for the weather to clear, and I FINALLY caught first light 3 wks later on new year's eve, we only had a few cloudbreaks but managed to get excellent (yet brief) views of a nice half moon and a really quick 5 minutes of Jupiter and the 4 Galilean moons, Jupiter's atmospheric bands crisp and clearly visible with a 25 mm eyepiece. I was not able to cycle through all my lenses due to weather and the new years party, but what we did manage to see with the included 25 mm was simply stunning, I can not wait for good weather to return, the collapsible design allows me to get the scope and base in the car and so far I am really impressed with the overall quality and performance of this scope, no buyer's remorse here, this is a hands-down 5 star review.

[1.25", 2"] Receipt and assembly of my scope were straightforward. It is well-packed and not hard to put together, although I ended up with an extra hand knob, so I worry what I missed!

I was surprised that the base is so massive, which is good for stability but not so good for portability. It is nearly impossible for one person to carry the fully assembled mount alone - the limitation is not strength but the physical distance between the two handles. However, the base can be partially disassembled with hand knobs, which is a thoughtful touch. This means I can set up or tear down in just a few minutes with just one person, and it will pack better in the car. Note that the diameter of the base (31 inches) means that it won't fit through many household doors without disassembly anyway.

The scope was easy to collimate, as it comes with a center mark on the primary mirror.

The alignment and GOTO feature seem to be accurate and easy to work with.

I have yet to get a really dark site to see what this scope can do, but so far I am pleased with the optics. There is some coma, not a surprise with a fast scope.



Overall my first impressions are great.

[f/5.9] This is my first telescope. I wanted a large telescope because I live in a fairly light polluted area and wanted the extra light gathering capability to view objects that would be overpowered by background light with a smaller scope. The size is just right and it collapses enough to get into a car for once in a while transportation to dark skies.
The one very minor complaint is that there was no indication that I needed to purchase a separate battery or power supply to power the GoTo electronics. I understand not including one of the options because everybody's use case is different. I did say it was a minor complaint. Shipping was fast, everything arrived in perfect condition.

[1.25", 2"] The telescope is well made quality through out so great optics and nice finish on all surfaces. I am waiting to get the correct adapters so I can begin photographing all the wonders of night sky.

[31 lb] The first chance to use it, I thought I would view the moon. In 60 years of observing and photographing the moon, I've never seen the detail, brilliant clarity, and highlights of a first hand look with this 10 inch dobsonian. It was on sale for $1000! An amazing price for this Synscan controlled Dob. After I learn the app, I'm certain I'll enjoy it even more. Be ware that the 8 and 10 inch synscan models do not have releasable clutches. Manual movement can be done safely, it's just slightly resistant, The hand controller easily allows movent with the motors however. It's light to pick up fairly easily in 2 pieces.

[1200 mm] This is my second Skywatcher Collapsible GoTo Dobsonian, the first being the 14 version of this scope. Long story short, I sold that scope since it was way too big and heavy for one person to handle easily. This one is perfect, and moving the base as one whole unit and then the OTA outdoors is easily manageable. GoTo function works great and enables you to track down DSOs and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune with ease. Can hardly wait to get this scope to some nice dark sky site for some serious viewing. Well worth the cost, much more manageable than the 14 or 16 and is quite the astronomy workhorse.

[f/5.9] Excellent service and product