Dobsonian Telescopes
16-inch Dobsonian telescope now available from The Dobson Factory
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
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Richard Harris |
The Dobson Factory’s 16-inch Dobsonian telescope combines stability, portability, and premium optics. Built in France with customizable features, it’s ideal for astronomers seeking precision views. Handcrafted by Pierre Desvaux, each telescope is designed to capture deep-sky details worldwide.
The Dobson Factory, a well-respected French telescope manufacturer, has announced the availability of its 16-inch Dobsonian telescope. Known for its precision craftsmanship and high-end materials, the Dobson Factory’s telescopes are built to meet the needs of dedicated astronomers around the globe. This latest release continues the company’s tradition of creating unique, custom-made instruments that combine robust structural integrity with exceptional optics, allowing amateur and professional astronomers to view the night sky in unparalleled detail.
Explore the universe with The Dobson Factory’s 16-Inch Dobsonian Telescope
The Dobson Factory’s 16-inch Dobsonian telescope is designed for stability and ease of use. The telescope’s rigid structure minimizes vibrations and holds collimation precisely, ensuring steady, high-quality images. For ease of mobility, the telescope can be equipped with four wheels, making transportation simpler even for single users. The structure, made with a combination of high-grade plywood, carbon fiber, and aluminum, exemplifies the company’s commitment to using durable, lightweight materials that facilitate smoother motion and convenient handling. A light shroud is also included, and users have the option of a Feathertouch focuser or other preferred focuser models.
A notable feature of this 16-inch Dobsonian is its versatility in accommodating a range of optical systems. Customers can either supply their optics or choose premium optics made by Mirrosphère, a respected name in the field. The cost for the telescope structure starts at ~$4,110 USD, excluding the focuser, and optics by Mirrosphère are available for an additional ~$4,000 USD. Shipping is available worldwide, making the Dobson Factory’s telescopes accessible to enthusiasts around the globe.
Handcrafted precision and customization for dedicated astronomers worldwide
Founded in 2008, the Dobson Factory has produced over 200 custom Dobsonian telescopes for customers in Europe, the USA, Japan, and Chile, among other locations. Each telescope is carefully crafted in the Dobson Factory workshop in Blanzy, South Burgundy, France. Drawing on traditional woodworking techniques passed down through generations, the company uses high-quality components and focuses on craftsmanship to deliver telescopes with both functionality and aesthetic appeal. From ultralight travel scopes to larger models reaching 40 inches, each instrument is custom-built to order.
The Dobson Factory’s telescopes are tested rigorously under real night-sky conditions before they are shipped to customers. This quality assurance process examines every element, from structural stability and motion to collimation accuracy and balance. Each telescope is thus guaranteed to meet the high standards of both amateur and professional astronomers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Pierre Desvaux, founder and owner of the Dobson Factory, brings a lifelong passion for astronomy to the business, having built his first telescope in 2005. Inspired by innovations in telescope design, Desvaux combines functionality with elegance, allowing his telescopes to be both instruments of scientific exploration and works of art. Desvaux’s commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to creating each telescope, from careful selection of materials to meticulous handcrafting and final assembly.
With a client base spanning multiple continents, the Dobson Factory has become a trusted name in the astronomy community. Their telescopes are praised for their intuitive setup, light weight, and stability, making them an ideal choice for both travel and stationary observation. Each model can be customized further with additional options, such as motorized systems, equatorial platforms, and high-performance optics from internationally acclaimed providers like Franck Grière’s Mirrosphère in France.
For those interested in the 16-inch Dobsonian telescope, the Dobson Factory welcomes inquiries. They offer assistance with optics selection, customization options, and can provide quotes tailored to individual needs. Prospective buyers and astronomy enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit the Dobson Factory’s workshop in Blanzy, where Desvaux and his team craft these telescopes with dedication and precision.

