Aurel Ashgrove 130 f/5 Dobsonian, tube only

Specifications

Description

The Ashgrove 130 f/5 is a Newtonian reflector mounted on a Dobsonian rocker base. Its 130 mm parabolic primary mirror gathers light at a focal length of 650 mm, a focal ratio of f/5. That ratio keeps the optical tube short while giving a wide field at low power, and you can still reach high magnification on the Moon and the planets with a short focal length eyepiece.

The primary mirror is aluminized and overcoated with silicon monoxide to reflect most visible light. The secondary mirror is held by a three-vane spider and adjusts with three screws, so you can align the optics with a laser collimator when the views soften. Because the tube is open at the top, it takes time to reach outdoor temperature. Set the telescope outside about 30 to 45 minutes before you begin observing, and allow more time on cold nights.

The rocker base folds down for transport, and the optical tube lifts out of its cradle. The tube weighs 9.8 kg, so you can carry it in one trip, while the base is best moved separately. The rocker base lets you point the tube at any part of the sky without a tripod or equatorial mount.

Typical targets include the bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and globular clusters such as M13 in Hercules. Under dark skies, the 130 mm aperture shows spiral structure in brighter galaxies and resolves many stars in globular clusters.

About this configuration

This listing covers one specific configuration of the Aurel Ashgrove 130 f/5 Dobsonian, defined by its bundle, finish, accessory kit, and edition year. Buying the tube alone makes sense if you already own a suitable mount or plan to choose one separately. Without a mount in the package, check the tube weight against the payload rating of your mount, with some margin to spare. Matte black paint gives the telescope a low-key look, although a dark tube is harder to find on a moonless night.

With the starter kit, begin with the low-power eyepiece whenever you search for a new target, then switch up. This is the 2023 edition of the Ashgrove line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. If you plan to add accessories later, compare the compatibility notes with the parts you already own before choosing a configuration.

What's in the box

• Optical tube assembly
• Dobsonian rocker base
• Collimation kit with laser collimator
• 6x30 optical finder with bracket
• 2 in to 1.25 in eyepiece adapter
• Front and rear dust caps
• 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces (1.25 in)
• 2x Barlow lens (1.25 in)

Compatibility notes

• Accepts 2 in eyepieces directly and 1.25 in eyepieces through the supplied adapter.
• The rocker base fits the optical tube cradle without tools.
• The finder bracket mounts on the upper tube ring.