Sky-Watcher Skyliner 400P FlexTube Dobsonian 406/1800

The Sky-Watcher Skyliner 400P FlexTube Dobsonian is a large manual Dobsonian telescope for visual observing. Its 406 mm aperture gathers substantial light and reveals galaxies, nebulae and star clusters under dark skies, as well as detail on the Moon and planets. The f/4.4 focal ratio and 1800 mm focal length combine strong light gathering with a useful range of magnifications. The parabolic mirrors are made from low-expansion borosilicate glass and carry Sky-Watcher RAQ™ coatings; the manufacturer specifies reflectivity of up to 94%.

The patented FlexTube design extends and locks without disassembling truss poles. The tube can then be removed from the rocker box for transport. A second locking position supports use with a binoviewer. The Dobsonian rocker box moves the telescope manually in altitude and azimuth; GoTo control and motorised tracking are not included. Due to its large aperture and considerable weight, this model is best suited to a permanent or carefully planned observing location. Allow ample space and plan for two-person handling.

Equipment and observing

The package includes the rocker box with accessory tray, a 2-inch Crayford focuser with 10:1 reduction, a 1.25-inch adapter with brass compression ring, a 90° image-erecting 9×50 finder, two super-wide-angle eyepieces and a smartphone adapter. A camera connection is provided; camera and smartphone are not included. The supplier gives conflicting values for the eyepiece focal lengths, so this description lists the included pair without specifying those values.

Please note: This is a large, heavy complete system with optical tube and Dobsonian rocker box, but without electronic tracking. Solar observing requires a suitable filter securely fitted over the entire telescope aperture.

Specifications