This is a hybrid truss-tube Dobsonian because the secondary-mirror is held inside a tube (like a traditional Dobsonian telescope) rather than an open cage.
Nowhere do you get as much light for your money like a good Dobsonian. Disassembly of the scope, which does not require tools, ensures a trouble-free transport of this great scope -- even in small cars. The entire structure has been optimized for maximum stiffness with minimal weight. The combination of high altitude bearings with optimized aluminum structures allows fine-adjustment flow at high magnifications.
This is an ideal workhorse for the deep-sky observers. A 254mm mirror collects hundreds of times as much light as the naked eye. Details on planets and deep-sky objects will be visible even for inexperienced observers. Bright star clusters are resolved to the core, and the sight of the terminator on the moon is an unforgettable experience.
The significant differences between this telescope and the Explore Scientific Generation II model are:
* White aluminum-tube secondary rather than a cage assembly
* Single-speed focuser rather than a 2-speed focuser (upgrade requires a new focuser; not just a 10:1 reduction knob)
* No cooling fans
We recommend buying the accessory shroud, which will improve contrast at the eyepiece and offer dew protection for the primary mirror.