Saxon 6" Dobsonian Telescope

The Saxon 6" Dobsonian is a traditional visual telescope that puts the emphasis where it matters most: good optics, useful magnification and a simple mount that gets out of the way of observing.

Its 153mm parabolic primary mirror gathers enough light to deliver impressive views across a wide range of targets, while the 1200mm focal length gives the telescope a particularly strong lunar and planetary character.

The supplied 25mm and 10mm Plössl eyepieces provide 48x and 120x magnification straight out of the box. That is a genuinely useful combination: 48x works well for many star clusters, nebulae and broader lunar views, while 120x brings Saturn, Jupiter and detailed areas of the Moon much closer.

Saturn’s rings are clearly recognisable, Jupiter shows its four Galilean moons and major cloud belts, and the Moon reveals an extraordinary landscape of craters, mountain ranges and changing shadows.

There is plenty beyond the Solar System too. From New Zealand, Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae are rewarding globular clusters, the Carina Nebula provides an impressive southern deep-sky target, and open clusters, double stars and brighter nebulae give you a varied observing programme throughout the year.

The Dobsonian mount keeps operation refreshingly direct. Use the 6x30 finderscope to locate your target, move the telescope by hand and observe. The tension-control system lets you adjust the movement to suit your preference, while the floor-standing design means there is no tripod or supporting table to set up.

For someone who wants the traditional experience of looking directly through an eyepiece and exploring the sky at their own pace, the Saxon 6" Dobsonian is a capable and satisfying telescope with plenty to keep you observing for years.

Why Choose the Saxon 6" Dobsonian?

• 153mm parabolic primary mirror — substantial light-gathering ability for planets, clusters, nebulae and brighter deep-sky objects.
• 1200mm focal length — particularly well suited to lunar and planetary observing while retaining strong all-round astronomy capability.
• 48x and 120x included — the supplied 25mm and 10mm Plössl eyepieces provide two genuinely useful observing magnifications.
• Excellent Moon and planet views — explore Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and its moons, Mars when favourably positioned, and extensive lunar detail.
• Rewarding deep-sky observing — discover globular clusters, open clusters, bright nebulae and brighter galaxies under suitable skies.
• 6x30 finderscope — helps you locate and centre targets before observing through the main telescope.
• Simple manual Dobsonian mount — no batteries, motors or electronic alignment required.
• Tension-control system — fine-tune the movement for smooth, comfortable observing.
• 2" focuser with 1.25" adapter — accommodates both common eyepiece formats.
• 5-year Saxon warranty.

What Can You See?

The Saxon 6" Dobsonian is especially rewarding on the Moon and planets.

Saturn’s rings are immediately distinctive, and the Cassini Division can become visible when the atmosphere is steady. Jupiter’s four major moons are easy to follow, while its main cloud belts can be seen across the disc and additional detail may appear under good observing conditions.

Mars becomes a small reddish disc and can reveal darker surface markings when it is well positioned and close enough to Earth.

The Moon offers an enormous amount to explore. At 120x, crater walls, central peaks, mountain ranges, ridges and the changing shadows along the lunar terminator provide new detail from one night to the next.

The 153mm aperture also gives you plenty of deep-sky targets.

Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae appear as dense globular clusters, with individual stars beginning to resolve around their brighter outer regions. Open clusters reveal attractive groups of stars, while bright nebulae such as Carina and Orion add a completely different type of object to explore.

Under darker skies, brighter galaxies also become accessible. They remain subtle visual objects rather than photographic views, but they extend the range of what a 6-inch telescope can show well beyond the Moon and planets.

Straightforward Visual Astronomy

There is very little between you and the view with a traditional Dobsonian.

The optical tube moves naturally by hand on the floor-standing base. Use the 6x30 finderscope to aim at the right part of the sky, centre the object in the low-power eyepiece and increase magnification when the target and conditions suit it.

As the Earth turns and an object drifts across the eyepiece, simply give the telescope a small nudge to keep it centred.

The tension-control system allows you to set how freely the tube moves, helping provide smooth movement while keeping the telescope steady once you stop.

There is no polar alignment, no power requirement and no electronic setup — just a simple, direct way to spend your observing time at the eyepiece.

FAQ's

Is the Saxon 6" Dobsonian good for viewing planets?

Yes. The 153mm aperture and 1200mm focal length make it particularly well suited to lunar and planetary observing. The supplied 10mm eyepiece gives 120x magnification, which is a very useful power for Saturn, Jupiter and detailed views of the Moon.

Is the Saxon 6" Dobsonian suitable for a beginner?

Yes. Although it offers substantial visual capability, the Dobsonian mount itself is very simple to operate. There are no electronics, alignment routines or complicated controls to learn before you begin observing.

Can I also use it for deep-sky objects?

Yes. The 153mm aperture is large enough for rewarding views of star clusters, bright nebulae and brighter galaxies, particularly when observing away from strong artificial lighting.

Does the Saxon 6" Dobsonian track objects automatically?

No. It is a completely manual telescope. You locate objects yourself and gently nudge the telescope from time to time to keep them centred as they move across the sky.

Download the Dobsonian Manual