A Superb Dobsonian Reflector with Lots of Accessories
AstroBackyard recently named the Apertura AD Dobsonian telescope the best telescope for beginners!
You’ll be ready to observe the Universe right out of the box with this Apertura AD8 8 inch Dobsonian telescope! The AD8 telescope package includes everything you’ll need to get started including a full-sized right-angle (RA) image correct 8×50 finder scope, two eyepieces, a 1.25″ adapter to accept both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepieces, a laser collimator, cooling fan, 1.25″ moon filter, and more. Check out the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian telescope in the video below.
With 8″ of aperture, the Apertura AD8 Dob will display Jupiter and its moons, Saturn with its stunning ring system, Mars (the “Red Planet”), and the Moon… you won’t believe how close the Moon will look when viewed through the AD8! On a steady night of viewing, you can explore the equatorial belts around Jupiter, or spy the Cassini Division in Saturn’s rings–but that’s not all! Literally, thousands of celestial objects will be visible with your Dobsonian reflector.
An Amazing 8″ Telescope with over $200 Worth of Free Accessories
The Apertura AD8 8-inch Dobsonian reflector telescope comes packed with everything you need to enjoy spectacular views of our solar system and beyond, right out of the box!
Solid Construction and Quality Components
The Apertura AD8 8″ Dobsonian telescope features solid construction and quality components. Its 8″ parabolic mirror is made from quality materials, and finished with an aluminum and silicon dioxide coating that delivers 93% reflectivity to ensure the brightest possible images. The primary mirror sits at the end of the optical tube in an adjustable mirror cell. If the telescope were to ever become misaligned, this mirror cell can be adjusted with hand-knobs in conjunction with the included laser collimator to ensure perfect alignment–no tools required! The optical tube assembly is made from steel for durability and beauty and is fitted with a machined aluminum 2″ dual-speed, 10:1 Crayford-style focuser for smooth, easy focusing.
Dobsonian Rocker Box for Smooth and Easy Navigation
What differentiates a Dobsonian telescope from other Newtonians is the ingenious base, or rocker box. The tube of the AD8 sits onto the base and can then be easily moved up, down, or to either side. For balance in the desired position, tension can be adjusted using the large aluminum knobs on either side of the telescope to tighten or loosen. The bottom of the base is a “Lazy Susan” style, allowing for smooth, 360º horizontal rotation. Sealed ball bearings also allow smooth altitude adjustment. This base also comes with a 4-slot eyepiece tray to hold accessories.
Performance and Simplicity Perfect for the Beginner
Dobsonian telescopes are known for their simplicity and affordability–a reputation the AD8 meets and exceeds! A solid, 8″ aperture is married to a simple and versatile Dobsonian base. With no need to worry about expensive and complicated electronics or external power sources, this telescope is a great first telescope to get acquainted with the night sky. Also including everything needed to start exploring the sky right out of the box, the AD8 by Apertura is a great combination of value, performance, and simplicity!
Tons of Accessories Included
The Apertura AD8 Dobsonian telescope comes equipped with many great accessories to make observing the night sky fun and exciting right out of the box! A primary mirror cooling fan helps your telescope reach ambient temperature quickly and efficiently. A 1.25″ adapter allows you to use either 1.25″ or 2″ eyepieces and filters. 9 mm 52-deg. Super Plossl 1.25″ and 30 mm 68-deg. Super View 2″ eyepieces provide a variety of views of celestial objects. A 35 mm extension tube helps bring images into focus when used with different eyepieces or camera setups. A 1.25″ moon filter provides higher contrast views of the moon by eliminating bright surface glare. The 8×50 right-angle image finder with bracket allows for quick and easy spotting of an object for observation. The laser collimator allows for collimation of the mirrors if ever they were to become out of alignment. Lastly, the 4-slot eyepiece tray mounted to the base allows for safe keeping and easy access of eyepieces while out in the field.
Comes with the Apertura Absolute Warranty!
The Apertura Absolute Warranty provides two years of coverage against product defects. After the initial two-year warranty expires, this product qualifies for Apertura’s Three-Year Accident Replacement Program. In addition, the Apertura Absolute Warranty is transferrable! Download a copy of the Apertura Absolute Warranty for more information on this program, how to make a claim, and why it is important to keep your original receipt and the product’s original boxes & packaging!
How to Set Up and Use the AD8 Dobsonian
Please Note: A physical copy of the instruction manual is NOT included with this Dobsonian, however you are welcome to download a PDF of the Apertura AD Dobsonian Manual any time you like. Thanks.
A Dobsonian is perfect for beginners as well as advanced amateur astronomers. Unlike computerized telescopes, a classic Dobsonian does not find objects for you. You do that yourself. It may be a challenge at times, but you will have the honor of learning the night sky. To set the Apertura Dobsonian up for a night of viewing, just put the rocker box on fairly level ground, set the optical tube in the cradle, slide the finder scope on, put an eyepiece in the focuser, and start observing. There are no motors or electronics to deal with, and you won’t hear anything except the hum of the fan during cool down. To move the telescope, push or rotate it in the direction you wish to go, and use the 8X50 finderscope to help you center the object in your field of view.
This telescope has a unique design that allows for easier balancing of the telescope in altitude. A two piece CNC machined aluminum side-bearing holds the weight of the telescope OTA, and when you need to make tension adjustments–say because you added a heavier eyepiece or other accessory–all you need to do is turn the knurled knob (there’s one on each side of the rocker box). With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll find the perfect balance for your Apertura AD8 Dobsonian!
We recommend a planisphere for your latitude to help you get your bearings and find brighter objects, as well as a more extensive star chart of some kind to help you locate fainter objects. There are several inexpensive (or free) programs and/or websites available that allow you to print out a nightly star chart for your location and observing date and time.
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jbpr77 Verified Buyer –
first saw this telescope around 2020 and wanted to buy one, but it was on backorder. I believe the pandemic caused shortages, delays, and an increased demand for telescopes. Finally, I had the opportunity to purchase one this January.
Before that, I bought a SeeStar S50 from High Point Scientific, and it arrived in just two days. Around t
he same time, my son received a toy telescope for Christmas. When my wife looked at the Moon through it, she was amazed and wanted something better. I told her, “Well, if you want a real telescope for visual observation—not another toy—I’ll need to spend more money. ”
Luckily, I already knew exactly what I wanted. I had this Apertura Dobsonian in mind since 2020, and honestly, I had wanted a telescope since 2012 but had a tight budget at the time, so I ended up buying binoculars (which I still have).
After reading reviews and seeing how many people were happy with Apertura Dobsonians and High Point’s service, I decided to go for it, even though it was still on backorder. My order arrived in about three weeks. As soon as I got it, I unboxed, assembled, collimated, and took it out under my Bortle 6-7 sky—and I was blown away by what I saw!
I also bought a 2x Barlow lens with my scope. I already had 9mm and 6mm eyepieces and added an iPhone case with Velcro tape to use with the AstroHopper app for object tracking. Lastly, I added a Telrad finder scope, and together with the included Apertura finder scope, this Dobsonian feels like an absolute bulletproof tank.
Customer service at High Point has been outstanding. They responded to my inquiries right away. Dave and a very kind lady (whose name I unfortunately don’t remember) were extremely helpful. I wish more places had this level of service. They truly excel at both business and customer support.
As a beginner, I feel that the combination of the SeeStar S50 and the Apertura 8” Dobsonian is the perfect setup for both astrophotography and visual observation.
I originally wanted the 10-inch model, but since I had already spent money on the SeeStar S50, I adjusted my budget and went with the 8-inch. After reading reviews from more experienced users, I realized many consider the 8-inch the sweet spot—large enough to see incredible detail but still manageable in weight. If you have the budget and want the 10-inch, go for it! But if you’re looking for the best balance of performance, price, and included accessories, the 8-inch is a fantastic choice—you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to High Point, I’ve found the best hobby ever. Through this telescope, I can truly appreciate the beauty of the night sky and see the power of God in His creation.
God bless you all!