For the purists who would rather invest in optics than in electronics, the Skywatcher Dobsonian N 458/1900 StarGate-450P telescope is a dream! The Dobsonian telescope with truss tube, mirrors and a lightweight construction collects a great deal of light, but despite its size, it is still relatively easy to transport.
Sky&Telescope awarded both motorized Stargate versions with GoTo control: Skywatcher Dobson N 458/1900 Stargate-450P Synscan GoTo telescope
Skywatcher Dobson N 508/2000 Stargate-500P Synscan GoTo telescope
They are equipped with the tried and tested SynScan control system, which helps you to find celestial objects and then automatically guides the telescope.
Highlights
18" fused conical primary mirror
Cellular secondary mirror
2" dual-speed Crayford focuser
Two section truss poles provide compactness for easy transport
Minimalist all-metal design
Fast f/4.1 optics for short eyepiece heights
18" aperture gathers 27% more light than a telescope with 16" aperture
94% reflectivity coatings With the amazingly modular Skywatcher 18” Stargate you can delve into
deep space from your own backyard or a dark-sky site and experience
intricate celestial details that are normally only seen in photographs!
Enjoy the dust lanes and detailed arm structures of galaxies and the
glowing star nurseries of beautiful nebulae, or hunt for the wispy
remnants of a supernova. The Sky-Watcher 18” Stargate Truss Tube
Dobsonian gathers a whopping 27% more light than a big 16” Dob, and on a
still, dark night, you’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll see!
Fast Optics for Reasonable Eyepiece Height
The Skywatcher 18” Stargate has a fast f/4.1 focal ratio to enhance
light-gathering and keep the eyepiece height to a maximum of 74.5” at
zenith. This means that while you will need a step-stool or ladder to
view objects high overhead, most adults will be able to forego the use
of a ladder when objects are closer to the horizon.
The 18” fused conical parabolic primary mirror is exclusively
designed for the Skywatcher Stargate. It’s thinner construction is
lighter in weight than a traditional primary and allows the mirror to
cool down more quickly. Both the Stargate primary and the cast cellular
secondary are topped with 94% reflective coatings, for bright, sharp
views at a limiting magnitude of 15.9. The dual-speed 2” Crayford
focuser is sturdy and lets you make coarse and fine adjustments, and the
included 2” to 1.25” adapter allows you to use 1.25” eyepieces and
accessories as well as 2”.
Modular Components for Easy Transport
The Skywatcher Stargate Truss-Tube Dobsonian is quite striking to
look at and is designed to break down into several pieces for easy
transport and storage. When unassembled, it can look a bit daunting to
put together, but due to labeled truss anchor points, you can assemble
your Stargate Dob in only 20 minutes! Each of the components is made of
metal, including the truss tubes, azimuth and altitude bearings, base,
mirror box, and secondary/focuser structure with a built-in light
shield. The six truss tubes each separate into two pieces that are only
36” long, making it easier to store and transport. You will love the
smooth, easy movements in both altitude and azimuth due to the steel
bearings and a Teflon surface. Three 2.3 pound counterweights
(included) allow you to adjust balance, and adjustable feet on the base
assist you in leveling the telescope.
Comes with Finder, Two Eyepieces, Shroud, and More!
The Skywatcher 18” Truss Tube Stargate Dob comes with several
accessories so that you can start observing right out of the box.
Sky-Watcher has included two eyepieces (28mm and 10mm) for low and
medium magnification options. A 9x50 optical finderscope is also part
of the package, and a collimation eyepiece will help you keep your
optics aligned. To increase your contrast and protect your mirror from
light bounce and dew, a ribbed fabric shroud is included.
SpecificationsTelescope Series
Sky-Watcher
Stargate Dobsonians
Telescope
Optical Design
Newtonian
Reflector
Telescope
Aperture
18"/458mm
Telescope
Focal Ratio
f/4.1
Telescope
Focal Length (mm)
1900
Optical
Coatings
94%
reflectivity
Limiting
Stellar Magnitude
15.9
Lowest
Useful Magnification
65x
Highest
Useful Magnification
902x
Telescope
Counterweights Included
(3) 2.3 lbs.
Telescope
Eyepiece(s) Included?
Yes - 2
Eyepieces Included
Finder
Included?
Yes - 9 x 50
Finder Included
Focuser
Style
Crayford/Crayford Style
Focuser Size
2"
Focuser
Speed
Dual Speed
Telescope
Mount Type
Dobsonian
Eyepiece
Height at Zenith (in.)
74.5
Telescope
Base Weight (lb.)
40
Telescope
Total Weight (lb.)
129
In the Box
Sky-Watcher 18" Stargate Truss-Tube Dobsonian
Cast Metal Rocker and Base with Teflon Bearings
9x50 Finderscope
2" Crayford Dual-Speed Focuser
28 mm LET Eyepiece
10 mm Eyepiece
Collimation Eyepiece
(3) 2.3 lb. Counterweights
Shroud
Truss Clamps
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO