Powerful GSD 980 Dobsonian with 12" aperture and 1500mm focal length

The largest “solid-tube” GSO Dobsonian with maximum deep sky performance. Experience unforgettable views of nebulae and galaxies.

The advantages of the deluxe version at a glance:

• Quality GSO mirror with 94% reflection for a brighter image
• Robust metal tube with very good adjustment stability
• 2" Crayford focuser with 1:10 micro-reduction for precise focusing
• Primary mirror ventilation for fast optical cooling
• New and innovative friction storage for height adjustment using adjustable resistance
• Ball bearing mounted horizontal adjustment for effortless adjustment and object tracking
• Extensive features, such as 2" 30mm panoramic view eyepiece, 8x50 viewfinder and 9mm super Plössl

Have more fun observing with a quality telescope from GSO. Observe the largest hurricane system known to man - the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. Observe the rings of Saturn and spot the Cassini division - which will give you some idea of ​​the actual structure of Saturn's rings. Delight in the light gathering power of this high-quality parabolic mirror telescope, which even allows you to make out the spiral arms of galaxies or wisps of nebula in stellar nurseries.

Observing success is possible from the very first night, as the manufacturer has not only equipped the GS680 with a first class, diffraction-limited, optical system, but also with sound mechanics. That is why this telescope is also very suitable for beginners. It is also very simple to use. The high quality GSO optics can of course also deal with the highest range of magnifications, ensuring excellent performance when observing the Moon and planets. Enjoy high-resolution observing, limited only in practice by the current 'seeing' conditions.

GSO 2" Crayford focuser - the focuser is clearly superior to simple rack and pinion focusers.

• no 'wobbling' when focusing (image shift)
• can take heavier loads - up to 3kg
• 1:10 micro-reduction for more accurate focusing
• compression ring clamp for 2" and 1.25" accessories, ensuring a safe grip and precise alignment along the optical axis

GSO Dobsonian elevation axis bearings - a new and more effective solution has been found for the elevation. A robust steel axle carries the entire weight of the OTA. Moving the elevation setting takes place on two CNC-machined faces - ensuring precision and no lateral slip. In addition, you can adjust the resistance via a large thumbscrew on each side - from ultra-light to stiff. This allows you to stop the instrument moving around in high winds for example.

Setting up the counterweights - you can precisely adjust the balance of the Dobsonian. If you want to swap a 8x50 finder scope for using a much lighter red dot finder, or if you want to use a heavy bino-viewer in place of a lighter eyepiece, then no problem! - simply adjust the position of the elevation bearing wheel in the rocker box - a precise scale ensures that you can set each side to the same position.

Roller bearings for horizontal adjustment - the simple Teflon bearings, used previously for this by the manufacturer, could cause severe maladjustment, and when the telescope was directed toward the zenith, the adjustment lever was so badly placed that fine adjustment was almost impossible.

The modern industrial roller-bearings now employed allow precision adjustment. The bearings have upper and lower metal plates which prevent any scoring of the soft laminate and ensure adjustment remains smooth, even after many years of use.

It is not only important which telescope you buy, but also where you buy it.

We provide extra help:

• We are a leading telescope dealer and know these instruments like the back of our hands.
• We are always very happy to offer our assistance after your purchase, should you encounter any problems with your telescope’s setup or operation.
• Our ‘Telescope Basics’ booklet - an 80-page beginner's guide for our telescopes – is provided free of charge with every telescope we sell.

Specifications: