{"product_id":"stellalyra-12-f-5-dobsonian","title":"StellaLyra 12\" f\/5 Dobsonian","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.dcs-sl12{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;color:#243445;font:inherit;line-height:1.7;text-align:left;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.dcs-sl12 *{box-sizing:border-box}.dcs-sl12 h2,.dcs-sl12 h3{color:#091725;line-height:1.25;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left}\n.dcs-sl12 h2{font-size:clamp(25px,3vw,34px);margin:0 0 18px}.dcs-sl12 h3{font-size:23px;margin:0 0 16px}\n.dcs-sl12 p{margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-sl12 figure{margin:0;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e0e5e9;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}\n.dcs-sl12 img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;max-width:600px;margin:auto;object-fit:contain}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-feature,.dcs-sl12 .sl12-intro{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,280px),1fr));gap:clamp(20px,4vw,40px);align-items:center;margin:0 0 38px}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-intro{padding:24px;background:#091725;border-top:4px solid #c89524;border-radius:12px}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-intro h2,.dcs-sl12 .sl12-intro p{color:#fff!important}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-label{font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-panel{background:#f3f5f7;border-radius:12px;padding:24px;margin:0 0 32px}\n.dcs-sl12 ul{padding-left:22px;margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-sl12 li{margin-bottom:8px}\n.dcs-sl12 table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;table-layout:fixed;margin:16px 0 28px;font-size:15px}\n.dcs-sl12 th,.dcs-sl12 td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;white-space:normal}\n.dcs-sl12 th{background:#f3f5f7;color:#091725}.dcs-sl12 th[scope=row]{width:42%}\n.dcs-sl12 details{border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;padding:16px 0}.dcs-sl12 summary{cursor:pointer;font-weight:700;color:#091725}.dcs-sl12 details p{margin:12px 0 0}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-note{border-left:3px solid #c89524;padding:14px 18px;background:#fff8e8;margin:28px 0}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:24px 0}.dcs-sl12 .sl12-links a{padding:12px 18px;border-radius:6px;background:#c89524;color:#091725!important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none!important;min-height:44px}\n.dcs-sl12 .sl12-links a:last-child{background:#f0f3f6}.dcs-sl12 a:focus-visible,.dcs-sl12 summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #2874aa;outline-offset:4px}\n@media(max-width:600px){.dcs-sl12 .sl12-intro,.dcs-sl12 .sl12-panel{padding:18px}.dcs-sl12 th,.dcs-sl12 td{padding:9px 7px;font-size:14px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"dcs-sl12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sl12-label\"\u003eStellaLyra · 12-inch f\/5 Dobsonian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMake a dark night worth staying out for.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StellaLyra 12-inch is for observers ready to make a larger telescope part of their evenings. Its 304mm parabolic mirror brings substantial aperture to a complete manual observing package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore clusters, seek out fainter targets and return to familiar objects with renewed curiosity. Choose it with a clear plan for storage, handling and regular use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-f5-dobsonian.jpg?v=1789723015\" alt=\"Complete StellaLyra 12-inch f\/5 Dobsonian telescope and base\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the 12-inch for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou enjoy visual astronomy, want to spend longer exploring deep-sky objects and can accommodate a large solid-tube instrument. A convenient observing spot near storage is a particularly useful advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf every session involves stairs, narrow doorways or loading a small car, consider the handling carefully. Choose a size you can use frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-inch-detail-1.jpg?v=1789758248\" alt=\"Front view of the StellaLyra 12-inch parabolic mirror and secondary spider\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA larger mirror invites a longer look.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtra aperture gives you more light to work with on faint targets. Use it patiently: compare magnifications, let your eyes adapt and return to the same object over several nights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder darker skies, look for changes in a nebula’s outline or the distribution of stars around a cluster. Galaxies remain subtle visual targets; expect shapes and delicate detail rather than the colours of processed photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-inch-detail-3.jpg?v=1789758273\" alt=\"StellaLyra 12-inch right-angle finder and dual-speed focuser\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFind your target, then settle the focus.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8×50 right-angle correct-image finder gives you an upright aiming view. At the main eyepiece, the 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser provides 10:1 fine adjustment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlign the finder before observing. Focus on a nearby star or a crisp lunar feature, then let the view settle. Small, deliberate adjustments are more useful than constantly chasing atmospheric shimmer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-inch-detail-2.jpg?v=1789758262\" alt=\"StellaLyra 12-inch altitude tension bearing and tube handle\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBalance the tube for controlled movement.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable altitude tension and tube balance help accommodate changes in eyepiece weight. The base turns horizontally while the tube tilts vertically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no motors or GoTo: find and follow targets by hand. Practise gentle nudges at low power before moving to closer views. A comfortable observing position makes studying an object for longer much easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-inch-fan.jpg?v=1789758302\" alt=\"StellaLyra 12-inch primary mirror cell, collimation knobs and cooling fan\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood preparation makes the aperture count.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear fan helps the mirror approach outdoor temperature. A battery holder is included; batteries are separate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet up ahead of demanding planetary observing. Begin with lower-power views while the telescope settles, then increase magnification if the image remains clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear knobs adjust mirror alignment, known as collimation. Use a suitable tool to check alignment, particularly after transport. Learning this routine is part of getting the best from a Newtonian telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-inch-accessories.jpg?v=1789758313\" alt=\"Included 30mm, 15mm and 9mm eyepieces, focus extension and battery holder\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree eyepieces, three starting points.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin finding and observing with the supplied set before deciding how to extend your kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eEyepiece\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003ePower\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eTry it for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30mm 2-inch SuperView\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e51×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinding targets and wider views\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15mm 1.25-inch Plössl\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e101×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClusters and lunar detail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9mm 1.25-inch Plössl\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e169×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmaller targets in steady air\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowers are rounded from the 1520mm focal length. Step back down if the image becomes larger but softer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlan the evening around the sky.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark and transparent:\u003c\/strong\u003e try fainter objects, allow time for dark adaptation and shield your eyes from nearby lighting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteady but moonlit:\u003c\/strong\u003e explore lunar shadows or a well-placed planet. A bright Moon need not mean an unproductive evening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChangeable conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e return to bright clusters and familiar targets. Brief notes help you recognise which conditions suit each observation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded with your telescope\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptical tube and flat-pack Dobsonian base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8×50 right-angle correct-image finder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30mm, 15mm and 9mm eyepieces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter and 35mm focus extension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMirror cooling fan and battery holder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo separate mount is required. Plan for fan batteries and a collimation tool; an observing chair and red torch are useful additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCheck the size before choosing the aperture.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tube is 1.45m long and weighs 19.5kg by itself. Plan how each main component will move from storage to your observing position, and whether you need assistance. Measure vehicle space rather than judging scale from a photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDesign\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNewtonian reflector \/ manual Dobsonian\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAperture \/ focal length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e304mm \/ 1520mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eTube length \/ diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1450mm \/ 356mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOptical tube weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19.5kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBase height \/ diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e640mm \/ 635mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBefore you decide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eShould I choose this or the 10-inch?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 12-inch puts more emphasis on aperture, with a longer, wider and heavier tube. The 10-inch may better suit frequent transport. Decide how you will move and use the telescope before choosing between them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan a beginner use it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, with time to learn pointing and mirror alignment, but its physical size makes it a considered first purchase. Speak to us if you are unsure about handling or storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes a larger telescope overcome light pollution?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt does not remove skyglow. Darker surroundings remain valuable for faint galaxies and nebulae. From a bright garden, choose targets that suit the conditions and shield your eyes from direct lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs it suitable for deep-sky photography?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis setup is primarily for visual observing. The manual base does not track the sky for long exposures. Contact us if imaging is your main goal so we can help you choose a suitable system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-note\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStock and delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailability reflects supplier stock and may change. Contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if you need the telescope by a particular date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sl12-links\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/stellalyra\"\u003eExplore the StellaLyra range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:contact@darkclearskies.co.uk?subject=StellaLyra%2012-inch%20Dobsonian\"\u003eAsk about the 12-inch\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"StellaLyra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55665181000056,"sku":"stellalyra_12_f5_dob_v2","price":879.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-12-f5-dobsonian.jpg?v=1789723015","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/stellalyra-12-f-5-dobsonian","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}