Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P FlexTube Dobsonian Telescope

Designed to provide substantial aperture while remaining convenient to transport and store, the Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P FlexTube Enhanced Standard Edition combines 203 mm parabolic Newtonian optics with a manual Dobsonian mount and collapsible FlexTube optical tube.

Its 203 mm primary mirror and secondary mirror are manufactured from low-expansion borosilicate glass. This material provides improved thermal stability and allows the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium more quickly.

The 1200 mm focal length and f/5.9 focal ratio provide versatile performance for observing the Moon, planets and deep-sky objects including galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.

This Enhanced Standard Edition shares the main features of the Deluxe Edition but uses a 2-inch precision single-speed Crayford focuser instead of a dual-speed focuser.

Collapsible FlexTube System

The patented FlexTube design uses three rigid poles allowing the optical tube to be extended or collapsed quickly.

No truss assembly is required.

The system provides:

• Rapid extension
• Rapid retraction
• Three rigid support poles
• Three-point tube locking system
• Collimation retention after extension
• No significant lateral movement or flexure when extended

A separate, slightly shorter locking position is also provided for binoviewer use.

When collapsed, the tube can be carried and stored vertically more conveniently.

203 mm Parabolic Optics

Primary mirror diameter is:

• 203 mm

Focal length is:

• 1200 mm

Focal ratio is:

• f/5.9

The parabolic primary mirror is designed to reduce spherical aberration by bringing incoming light rays to the same focal point.

Low-Expansion Borosilicate Glass

The primary and secondary mirrors are manufactured from low-expansion borosilicate glass.

This material provides:

• Faster thermal equilibrium
• Better mirror-shape stability during cooling
• Reduced thermal distortion
• Earlier observing after setup

RAQ Mirror Coatings

The primary and secondary mirrors feature Radiant Aluminium Quartz RAQ coatings.

Stated reflectivity is:

• Up to 94%

The coating system includes aluminium, dielectric tantalum pentoxide and silicon dioxide layers to enhance reflectivity, protection and durability.

47 mm Secondary Mirror

The secondary mirror has a minor-axis diameter of:

• 47 mm

It is supported by four very thin spider vanes.

Vane thickness:

• 0.5 mm

This design minimises obstruction in the light path and reduces diffraction spikes.

Light-Gathering Performance

The Skyliner 200P provides:

• 77% more light gathering than a 150 mm telescope

Its 203 mm aperture allows a wide range of deep-sky objects to be observed.

Lunar, Planetary and Deep-Sky Observation

The telescope is designed to provide versatile performance on:

• Moon
• Planets
• Galaxies
• Nebulae
• Star clusters
• Deep-sky objects

2-Inch Crayford Focuser

This Enhanced Standard Edition is equipped with a precision Crayford focuser:

• Diameter : 2 inches
• Focusing : Single speed

Adapters are provided for:

• 1.25-inch eyepieces
• 2-inch eyepieces

The 1.25-inch adapter features a brass compression ring to prevent eyepiece barrels from being marked.

Wide-Angle Eyepieces Included

Two 70° Super Wide Angle eyepieces are supplied:

• 12.5 mm
• 20 mm

They provide magnifications of:

• 96x with the 12.5 mm eyepiece
• 60x with the 20 mm eyepiece

The stated highest practical potential power is:

• 400x

9x50 Angled Finder

A 90° angled finderscope is supplied.

Specifications:

• Magnification : 9x
• Aperture : 50 mm
• Erect image
• Crosshair reticle
• Centring bracket

Its angled design improves viewing comfort, particularly when targeting objects high in the sky.

Direct DSLR Connection

The telescope provides direct SLR camera connection.

This allows a compatible camera to be connected to the optical system.

Universal Smartphone Adaptor

A universal smartphone adaptor is supplied.

It accepts smartphones with widths between:

• 54 mm
• 90 mm

It can be used to capture celestial objects through the eyepiece.

Manual Dobsonian Mount

The Dobsonian mount uses a simple and robust alt-azimuth design.

The optical tube pivots in altitude while the base rotates in azimuth.

Movement is entirely manual.

The mount uses:

• No motor drive
• No slow-motion controls

Low-Friction Bearings

The base uses low-friction bearings for smooth azimuth movement.

Patent-protected tension-control handles allow resistance on the altitude axis to be adjusted.

This helps maintain balance when heavier eyepieces are installed.

Multifunction Tension Handles

The tension-control handles also function as carrying handles.

The optical tube can be quickly separated from the base by unscrewing these handles.

Accessory Tray

An accessory tray is integrated into the Dobsonian base.

It keeps observing accessories within easy reach.

Black Diamond Finish

The telescope features Sky-Watcher's Black Diamond metallic flecked finish with contrasting white surfaces.

The lighter surfaces also improve telescope visibility in the dark.

Dimensions and Weight

Optical tube length extended:

• 1115 mm

Optical tube length collapsed:

• 835 mm

Approximate optical tube weight:

• 11 kg

Dobsonian base weight:

• 12.1 kg

Base diameter:

• 520 mm

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : Skyliner 200P FlexTube Enhanced Standard Edition
• Manufacturer product code : 10155
• Optical design : Newtonian
• Mount type : Manual alt-azimuth Dobsonian
• Primary mirror diameter : 203 mm
• Primary mirror figure : Parabolic
• Primary mirror material : Low-expansion borosilicate glass
• Secondary mirror material : Low-expansion borosilicate glass
• Secondary mirror diameter : 47 mm minor axis
• Focal length : 1200 mm
• Focal ratio : f/5.9
• Mirror coatings : Radiant Aluminium Quartz RAQ
• Stated reflectivity : Up to 94%
• Secondary mirror supports : Four 0.5 mm vanes
• Light gathering : 77% greater than 150 mm
• Magnifications with supplied eyepieces : 60x and 96x
• Highest practical potential power : 400x
• Supplied eyepieces : 12.5 mm and 20 mm
• Eyepiece apparent field : 70°
• Eyepiece fitting : 1.25 inch
• Focuser : Single-speed Crayford
• Focuser diameter : 2 inches
• Eyepiece adapters : 1.25 inch and 2 inch
• 1.25-inch adapter : Brass compression ring
• Finder : 90° angled 9x50
• Finder image : Erect
• Reticle : Crosshair
• DSLR connection : Direct
• Smartphone adaptor : Included
• Compatible smartphone width : 54 to 90 mm
• Optical tube design : Collapsible FlexTube
• Support poles : 3
• Tube locking system : 3 point
• OTA material : Rolled steel
• Accessory tray : Included
• Base diameter : 520 mm
• OTA length extended : 1115 mm
• OTA length collapsed : 835 mm
• OTA weight : Approx. 11 kg
• Dobsonian base weight : 12.1 kg

Package Contents

• Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P FlexTube optical tube
• Manual Dobsonian mount
• 2-inch single-speed Crayford focuser
• 1.25-inch adapter with brass compression ring
• 2-inch adapter
• 12.5 mm 70° eyepiece
• 20 mm 70° eyepiece
• 90° angled 9x50 erect-image finder
• Universal smartphone adaptor
• Accessory tray