305mm (12-inch) primary mirror for deep-sky and planetary observation 1500mm focal length at a fast f/4.9 focal ratio Collapsible Flextube design reduces OTA length from 55" to 36" for transport SynScan GoTo system with a 42,900+ object database Freedom Find dual-encoder technology allows manual movement without losing alignment 2-inch Crayford-style focuser for precise, smooth adjustments Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Downloads Warranty Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian The Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan GoTo Dobsonian combines massive light-gathering with robotic precision, featuring a 305mm primary mirror and a 1500mm focal length. Its fast f/4.9 optical system gathers 44% more light than a 10-inch model, reaching a limiting magnitude of 14.9 for faint galaxies and nebulae. The integrated SynScan computer navigates to over 42,900 celestial objects, bringing the universe to your eyepiece with automated accuracy. 305mm Aperture with 94% Reflectivity Coatings At the heart of the Flextube 300P is a 305mm (12-inch) borosilicate primary mirror capable of resolving details down to a Dawes limit of 0.38 arc-seconds. This immense aperture provides the light grasp needed to resolve globular clusters into individual stars and reveal spiral arms in distant galaxies. The mirror features Sky-Watcher's Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coatings, which achieve 94% reflectivity for brighter, higher-contrast images. Collapsible Flextube Design: From 55" to 36" Large-aperture telescopes are traditionally difficult to transport, but the Flextube design solves this problem. The optical tube collapses from a fully extended 55 inches down to a compact 36 inches, allowing it to fit in most vehicles. This patented truss system transports in two main pieces—the 46.2 lb OTA and the 53 lb base—and can be assembled in seconds without tools, holding collimation reliably throughout an observing session. SynScan GoTo with Freedom Find Dual Encoders The SynScan GoTo system transforms this Dobsonian into a powerful exploration tool. After a simple alignment, the hand controller can automatically slew the telescope to any of the 42,900 objects in its database. The system's key advantage is its patented Freedom Find dual-encoder technology. This allows you to move the telescope manually across the sky at any time without the motors engaged, and the computer will maintain its alignment, giving you the intuitive feel of a classic Dobsonian with the power of GoTo. Stable Platform and Precise Focusing The Dobsonian rocker box provides a solid, vibration-free foundation with a zenith eyepiece height of 58.5 inches. A patented Tension Control Handle lets you adjust the friction on the altitude axis, accommodating different eyepiece weights and ensuring smooth, controlled movements. Focusing is managed by a 2-inch, single-speed Crayford focuser, which offers fine control for achieving sharp views at both the minimum useful magnification of 43x and the theoretical maximum of 600x. What can I see with the Flextube 300P SynScan? The 305mm aperture is large enough to show significant detail on a wide range of objects. Planets: You can clearly resolve Jupiter's Great Red Spot and multiple cloud bands, Saturn's Cassini Division, and surface details on Mars during opposition. Nebulae: Bright objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) will show intricate wisps of gas and the Trapezium cluster will resolve into sharp points of light. With filters, you can trace the structure of fainter targets like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960). Galaxies: The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) will show its spiral arms and connecting bridge to its companion galaxy. You can hunt for hundreds of other galaxies in the Virgo and Coma clusters. How does the Flextube 300P perform on Jupiter with an f/4.9 system? The Flextube 300P provides excellent planetary views. The included 12.5mm eyepiece yields 120x magnification, which is perfect for observing Jupiter's main features. To push the magnification closer to the 600x maximum for detailed views of cloud bands and transits of its moons, you will need to add a high-quality Barlow lens or a shorter focal length eyepiece. The fast f/4.9 optics are well-corrected, but a coma corrector is recommended for perfect edge-to-edge sharpness, especially when using wide-field 2-inch eyepieces. What is the Freedom Find dual-encoder feature on the Flextube 300P? Freedom Find technology uses two sets of encoders. One set tracks the motor's position for GoTo slewing, while a second set tracks the telescope's physical position. This means you can disengage the clutches and move the telescope by hand to a new target—like a traditional Dobsonian—and the SynScan controller will instantly know where it's pointing without needing to be realigned. It offers the best of both worlds: intuitive manual control and precise robotic tracking. How portable is the Flextube 300P? Is it a one-person setup? While large, the Flextube 300P is designed for portability. It breaks down into two manageable components: the optical tube assembly (46.2 lbs) and the base (53 lbs). Most physically able adults can move each piece separately. The setup is fast and requires no tools—you simply place the tube on the base, extend the trusses, and you're ready to collimate. The collapsed 36-inch length of the tube makes it much easier to transport than a solid-tube equivalent. Does the collapsible Flextube design hold collimation well? Yes, the truss tube system is engineered for rigidity and consistency. While you should always perform a quick collimation check after setting up any Newtonian telescope, the Flextube design holds its alignment remarkably well between being collapsed and extended. Many users find that only minor adjustments are needed after transport. Do I need an external power supply for the Flextube 300P SynScan? Yes, the SynScan GoTo motors and computer require a 10V to 15V DC power source capable of supplying at least 1 amp. This is not included with the telescope. You will need to use a portable DC power tank (like a Celestron PowerTank or a deep-cycle battery) or an AC/DC adapter if you are observing near a household power outlet. UPC 050234118200 Optical Design Newtonian Primary Aperture 305mm (12") Focal Length 1500mm Focal Ratio f/4.9 Mirror Coatings Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ)™ with 94% reflectivity Glass Type Borosilicate Secondary Mirror Diameter 70mm Secondary Obstruction (by diameter) 23% Secondary Obstruction (by area) 5% Dawes Limit 0.38 arc-seconds Rayleigh Limit 0.46 arc-seconds Limiting Magnitude 14.9 Minimum Magnification 43x Maximum Magnification 600x Light Gathering (vs. 10") 44% more Focuser 2" Crayford-Style, Single Speed OTA Length (Retracted) 36" OTA Length (Extended) 55" OTA Outer Diameter 14.25" OTA Weight (with accessories) 46.2 lbs Base Weight 53 lbs Base Dimensions 32.5" x 25" Zenith Eyepiece Height 58.5" Included Finderscope 9x50 Straight-Through Included Eyepieces 20mm & 12.5mm (1.25") Magnification (with included eyepieces) 75x & 120x Flextube 300P Optical Tube Assembly × 1 SynScan GoTo Dobsonian Base × 1 SynScan V5 Hand Controller × 1 9x50 Straight-Through Finderscope × 1 20mm Eyepiece (1.25") × 1 12.5mm Eyepiece (1.25") × 1 2" to 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter × 1 Download Sky-Watcher Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Manual Download Sky-Watcher Software Download SynScan Pro App Download EQMOD Software Sky-Watcher 2-Year Limited Warranty
