203mm (8-inch) Newtonian primary mirror 1200mm focal length (f/5.9) Collapsible Flextube design for portability SynScan GoTo system with 42,900+ object database Freedom Find dual-encoder manual override 2-inch Crayford-style focuser Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Downloads Warranty Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian The Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian combines 203mm of light-gathering aperture with a 1200mm focal length for high-contrast views of planets and deep-sky objects. Its f/5.9 optical system is managed by the fully computerized SynScan GoTo controller, which can automatically slew to any of the 42,900 objects in its database. The patented Flextube design allows the 44-inch optical tube to retract to a compact 33 inches, making transport to dark-sky sites a practical reality. 203mm Aperture with 94% Reflectivity Coatings At the heart of the Flextube 200P is a 203mm (8-inch) borosilicate primary mirror capable of resolving detail down to the 0.57 arcsecond Dawes limit. The mirror features Sky-Watcher's Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coatings, which achieve 94% reflectivity for brighter images and enhanced contrast. This aperture gathers 78% more light than a 6-inch model, providing the power needed to resolve faint galaxies and bring out subtle detail in nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42). Flextube Portability: From 44" to 33" in Seconds Large-aperture Dobsonians are often limited by their size, but the Flextube design solves this problem. The rigid truss tube assembly collapses along its length, reducing the optical tube from a full 44 inches to a manageable 33 inches. This allows the 24.2 lb optical tube and 33 lb base to fit into smaller vehicles without requiring complete disassembly and re-collimation every time you set up. SynScan GoTo with Freedom Find Dual Encoders The SynScan hand controller automates your observing session, slewing the telescope to any of over 42,900 objects with a pointing accuracy of up to 5 arc minutes. The system's key advantage is the patented Freedom Find dual-encoder technology. This allows you to move the telescope manually by hand to a new target at any time without losing your alignment, giving you the intuitive feel of a classic Dobsonian with the full power of GoTo tracking. Dual-Axis Tracking: DC servo motors track objects smoothly in both sidereal, lunar, and solar rates, keeping targets centered in the eyepiece for extended viewing or planetary imaging. Tension Control Handle: A patented handle lets you adjust the friction on the altitude axis, accommodating different eyepiece weights without losing balance. Multiple Slew Speeds: Ten slew speeds, from a slow 1x to a rapid 1000x, provide precise control for centering objects or moving quickly across the sky. Flextube 200P vs. Classic 8" Dobsonians While a traditional 8-inch Dobsonian offers simplicity, the Flextube 200P SynScan provides critical advantages for a more productive observing session. GoTo Pointing & Tracking: A classic Dob requires star-hopping to find targets, which can be challenging for beginners. The SynScan system finds and tracks objects for you, which is essential for observing planets at high magnification (up to 400x with this scope) or sharing views with others. Portability: A standard solid-tube 8-inch Dobsonian is a single, bulky optical tube. The Flextube's ability to retract from 44" to 33" makes it significantly easier to transport and store. Manual Override: Unlike some GoTo systems that resist manual movement, the Freedom Find encoders encourage it. You get the best of both worlds: push-to convenience and computerized precision. What does the "Freedom Find" feature on the Flextube 200P SynScan do? Freedom Find uses dual encoders on each axis. This allows you to disengage the motors and move the telescope manually to any object you see in the sky, just like a traditional Dobsonian. The telescope's computer keeps track of its position without needing to be re-aligned, so you can switch back to GoTo slewing or tracking at any time. How does the Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P perform on planets like Jupiter? With its 203mm aperture and 1200mm focal length, the Flextube 200P is an excellent planetary telescope. At magnifications approaching its 400x limit (with appropriate eyepieces and good seeing conditions), you can clearly resolve Jupiter's main cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and the Galilean moons. The SynScan's tracking is crucial here, as it keeps the planet centered for detailed observation. Is the Flextube 200P difficult to collimate after collapsing and extending it? The Flextube design holds collimation very well. While you should always check collimation after transport, it typically requires only minor adjustments. Unlike traditional truss-tube Dobs that must be completely broken down, the Flextube's strut system is self-contained, leading to more consistent alignment between sessions. What kind of power supply does the Flextube 200P SynScan mount need? The SynScan system requires a 10 to 15 Volt DC power supply capable of providing at least 1 Amp, with a 2.1mm center-positive plug. A portable rechargeable power tank or a compatible AC adapter is necessary to operate the GoTo and tracking motors. Can I use 2-inch eyepieces with the Flextube 200P? Yes. The Flextube 200P comes with a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser. This allows you to use wide-field 2-inch eyepieces for breathtaking views of large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Pleiades (M45). An adapter for standard 1.25-inch eyepieces is also included. What are the main differences between the 200P and larger Flextube models? The primary difference is light-gathering ability. While the 200P (8-inch) is a powerful all-around scope, larger models like the 10-inch or 12-inch will show fainter deep-sky objects and more detail under dark skies. The trade-off is increased weight and bulk; the 200P's OTA weighs 24.2 lbs and the base 33 lbs, making it the most portable and easily managed of the GoTo Flextube series. Optical Design Newtonian Primary Aperture 203mm (8") Focal Length 1200mm Focal Ratio f/5.9 Mirror Coatings Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ)™ with 94% reflectivity Glass Type Borosilicate Secondary Diameter 48mm Secondary Obstruction (by diameter) 24% Secondary Obstruction (by area) 6% Dawes Limit 0.57 arcseconds Rayleigh Limit 0.69 arcseconds Limiting Magnitude 14 Maximum Magnification 400x Minimum Magnification 29x Focuser 2" Crayford OTA Length (Retracted) 33" OTA Length (Extended) 44" OTA Outer Diameter 9.375" OTA Weight (with accessories) 24.2 lbs Base Weight 33 lbs Base Dimensions 30" x 20" Zenith Eyepiece Height 47" Finder Scope 9x50 Included Eyepieces 20mm & 12.5mm (1.25") Magnification (with included eyepieces) 60x, 96x UPC 050234118002 Flextube 200P Optical Tube Assembly × 1 Dobsonian Base with SynScan GoTo Motors × 1 SynScan Hand Controller × 1 9x50 Straight-Through Finder Scope × 1 20mm Eyepiece (1.25") × 1 12.5mm Eyepiece (1.25") × 1 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter × 1 Dust Caps × 2 Download Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Manual Download SynScan Pro App Download Sky-Watcher Software Sky-Watcher 2-Year Limited Warranty
