Apertura AD10 Dobsonian Review: Is This the Right Telescope for You?
Dobsonian telescopes are wildly popular among amateur astronomers, and for good reason. They give you a huge bang for your buck, prioritizing a large light-gathering area (also known as apertura) without breaking the bank. They’re also known for being relatively simple to set up and use, making them a great choice for beginners who want to see more of the night sky.
One Dobsonian telescope that consistently gets high marks is the Apertura AD10. For around $900, it offers a substantial 10-inch apertura, making it a solid choice for both newcomers to stargazing and experienced observers looking for a portable and powerful telescope.
This review will dive deep into the Apertura AD10, covering everything from its optics and mechanics to its included accessories and overall observing potential. I’ll also share some practical tips for getting the most out of this telescope and offer alternative recommendations if the AD10 isn’t quite the right fit for your needs.
The Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
The optical tube assembly, or OTA, is where the magic happens. This is the part of the telescope that gathers the light and focuses it so you can see those faint, far-off objects. Let’s break down the key features of the AD10’s OTA.
Optics and Build Quality
A telescope is only as good as its optics. Here’s what makes the AD10 tick:
Primary Mirror Material and Size
The AD10 boasts a 10-inch (254mm) primary mirror crafted from BK-7 optical glass. That 10-inch figure? That’s the aperture, and it’s crucial. A larger aperture means the telescope can gather more light, allowing you to see fainter objects. It also increases the telescope’s resolving power, which translates to sharper, more detailed images. Think of it like this: the bigger the bucket, the more rainwater you can collect.
Focuser
The AD10 comes standard with a GSO 2″ dual-speed Crayford focuser. This is a popular feature among amateur astronomers because it allows for incredibly smooth and precise focusing. The “dual-speed” part is key: you have a coarse focus knob for quickly getting in the ballpark and a fine focus knob for those tiny adjustments that make all the difference.
Cooling Fan
To help the primary mirror reach thermal equilibrium quickly (which is essential for sharp images), the AD10 includes a cooling fan. However, a word to the wise: turn the fan off while you’re actually viewing. The vibrations from the fan can negatively impact image quality.
Collimation
Collimation is the process of aligning the mirrors in your telescope to ensure the best possible image. Think of it as fine-tuning a musical instrument. A properly collimated telescope will deliver sharper, clearer views.
Primary Mirror Collimation
Fortunately, collimating the primary mirror on the AD10 is relatively straightforward. One tip I’ve found helpful is to remove those useless locking bolts from the primary mirror collimation screws. They just get in the way!
Secondary Mirror Collimation
Adjusting the secondary mirror requires a hex key. The good news is that the secondary mirror rarely needs adjustment, so you probably won’t have to worry about this too often.
Accessories Included with the Apertura AD10
The Apertura AD10 comes with a few accessories to get you started, but some are better than others. Here’s a breakdown:
Finderscope and Laser Collimator
The AD10 includes a couple of tools to help you find and focus on celestial objects:
The 9×50 Right-Angle Correct-Image (RACI) Finderscope
This finderscope magnifies nine times and has a 50mm objective lens. The RACI design means you’ll be looking through it at a right angle, and the image will be right-side up and correct left-to-right, which makes finding things easier. It might take a little practice to get used to using a finderscope effectively. If you’re having trouble, a red dot finder is an alternative that some people find easier to use.
The (Mostly Useless) Laser Collimator
Unfortunately, the included laser collimator is generally considered to be of poor quality and may not be very accurate. Collimation is the process of aligning the mirrors in a telescope so that you get the sharpest possible image. A good collimator is essential, but you’re probably better off replacing this one with a higher-quality tool.
Eyepieces
The AD10 comes with two eyepieces, each offering a different magnification:
The 30mm SuperView Eyepiece
This is a 2″ eyepiece that provides 42x magnification. It has a wide 68-degree apparent field of view, which means you’ll see a larger area of the sky.
The 9mm Plossl Eyepiece
This is a 1.25″ eyepiece that provides 139x magnification. It has a narrower 45-degree apparent field of view.
Eyepiece Upgrade Considerations
If you want to see objects with higher magnification or with wider fields of view, you can always upgrade your eyepieces. There are many different types of eyepieces available, so do some research to find the ones that are right for you.
The Poor-Quality Moon Filter
The Moon Filter
The AD10 also comes with a Moon filter, which is designed to reduce the brightness of the Moon and make it easier to see details. However, the supplied Moon filter is generally considered to be of poor quality. For better lunar viewing, you might consider purchasing a higher-quality Moon filter.
The Dobsonian Mount: Design and Functionality
The Apertura AD10, like many other Dobsonian telescopes, uses a simple but effective alt-azimuth mount. This means it moves up and down (altitude) and left and right (azimuth), making it intuitive and easy to use, especially for beginners. You just point it where you want to look.
Mount Design
The AD10’s alt-azimuth mount uses roller bearings to facilitate smooth movement. The idea is that these bearings allow for effortless gliding across the sky. However, some users have found that these bearings can be a little too loose, particularly in windy conditions, leading to some instability.
Mount Issues and Solutions
While the Dobsonian mount is generally well-regarded for its simplicity, there are a few common issues that can arise, along with potential solutions:
- Azimuth Motion: Some users find the azimuth motion (left/right) isn’t always as smooth as desired.
- Altitude Motion: Similar to the azimuth motion, achieving perfectly smooth up-and-down movement can sometimes be a challenge.
- Base and Build: The base of the AD10 is made from particle board, which, while functional, is susceptible to damage from moisture and general wear and tear. Consider replacing the particle board base with a more durable material like plywood.
For those seeking greater stability, replacing the roller bearings with furniture glides can provide a more solid and less wobbly base. This can be especially helpful when observing in areas with even a slight breeze.
How portable is the Apertura?
The optical tube weighs about 33 pounds, and the base comes in at around 29 pounds. So, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it’s definitely portable enough for most people to move it around their yard or pack it into a car for a trip to a darker location.
I wouldn’t necessarily invest in a special case for it. Instead, I’d recommend wrapping the components in a towel or an old coat to prevent scratches during transport. That’s what I do!
The most important thing is to store the telescope in a dry place. The particle board base can be damaged by moisture over time, so keeping it covered and dry will extend its life.
Buying a Used Apertura AD10: What to Look For
Buying a used telescope, like the Apertura AD10, can save you a considerable amount of money. But you need to know what to look for to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Inspecting the Mirror Coatings
The mirror coatings are arguably the most important part of the telescope. Check them carefully for any signs of damage. Recoating a mirror can be expensive, so significant damage can negate any savings you might get from buying used. A well-maintained coating can last a lifetime, but if it needs replacing, factor that cost into your decision.
Overall Condition
Don’t just focus on the mirror. Take a good look at the overall condition of the telescope, including the mount, base, and any included accessories. Make sure everything is in good working order before you commit to buying.
What else should I consider?
Other 10-inch Dobsonians
The Apertura AD10 isn’t the only 10-inch Dobsonian on the market. Models like the Zhumell Z10, Orion Skyline 10″, Omegon 10″ ProDob, GSO 10″ Deluxe, Bintel 10″ Dobsonians, Explore Scientific 10″ Hybrid Dobsonian, and Celestron StarSense Explorer 10″ Dobsonian are all viable alternatives. Each offers a slightly different set of features and benefits, and you may find that one of these models better suits your specific needs and budget.
For example, some Dobsonians may have better finderscopes, smoother motions, or more robust construction. It’s worth researching the differences between these models before making a final decision.
Smaller, Computerized Telescopes
If you’re willing to sacrifice some aperture, you might also consider a smaller, computerized telescope such as the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P or the Celestron NexStar 6SE. Computerized telescopes can automatically locate celestial objects for you, which can be a huge help for beginners. However, they typically have smaller apertures than Dobsonians, which means they won’t gather as much light. They also require power, which can be a limitation in remote observing locations.
How can I improve my viewing experience?
Apertura telescopes are great right out of the box, but you can still improve your experience with some aftermarket accessories. Here are a few recommendations:
High-Quality Eyepieces
The eyepieces that come with your telescope are usually fine for beginners, but upgrading to high-quality eyepieces will give you sharper images and wider fields of view. A good eyepiece makes a huge difference.
Nebula Filter
If you’re planning on viewing nebulae, a nebula filter is a must-have. These filters block out unwanted light pollution, allowing you to see faint nebulae more clearly. Look for a good quality filter that’s designed for your telescope’s aperture.
Collimation Tools
Keeping your telescope properly collimated is essential for getting the best possible images. A laser collimator or Cheshire eyepiece will help you collimate your telescope accurately and easily.
Dew Shield
Dew can be a problem when you’re observing on cool nights. A dew shield will help prevent dew from forming on your telescope’s optics, keeping your views clear and sharp.
What Can You See With the Apertura AD10?
With its 10-inch mirror, the Apertura AD10 Dobsonian telescope opens up a universe of possibilities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect to see:
Planetary Observing
The AD10 shines when it comes to planetary views. You can observe:
- Mercury & Venus: Phases, like a tiny moon.
- Mars: Surface details like polar ice caps and dark markings, especially during favorable oppositions.
- Jupiter: Cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and its four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) as they orbit the giant planet.
- Saturn: Its magnificent rings are a sight to behold, along with several of its moons.
- Uranus & Neptune: Bluish discs, though details are challenging without very dark skies.
Lunar Observing
The Moon becomes a playground of craters, mountains, and valleys. You’ll be able to pick out intricate details, such as the Clavius crater, a large impact feature with several smaller craters within it.
Deep-Sky Observing
The AD10 really comes into its own under dark skies, revealing a wealth of deep-sky objects. Nebulae (glowing clouds of gas and dust), star clusters (both open and globular), and even galaxies become visible. Keep in mind that the faintest objects will require dark, clear skies far from city lights.
Other Objects
Don’t forget the smaller members of our solar system! With the AD10, you can even try to spot Pluto (a challenge!), as well as the asteroid Ceres and Vesta.
In Summary
The Apertura AD10 Dobsonian telescope offers a compelling combination of light-gathering ability, user-friendliness, and value, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced amateur astronomers. Its large aperture reveals deep-sky objects with impressive detail, while its simple design makes it easy to set up and use, even for those new to the hobby. For the price, it’s hard to beat the views you can get with the AD10.
Of course, no telescope is perfect. The AD10’s stock accessories and mount are functional but may benefit from upgrades down the road. A sturdier mount could improve stability, particularly at higher magnifications, and higher-quality eyepieces would enhance the viewing experience.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the Apertura AD10 remains a solid and versatile instrument. If you’re looking for an affordable and capable telescope that will provide years of enjoyment under the night sky, the AD10 is definitely worth considering.