Sky-Watcher Skyliner 350P FlexTube SynScan Go-To Dobsonian Telescope

Designed for visual observation of the Moon, planets and deep-sky objects, Sky-Watcher Skyliner 350P FlexTube SynScan Go-To combines 355 mm parabolic optics with a 1600 mm focal length and an f/4.5 focal ratio. Its light-gathering capacity is stated to be 40 percent greater than that of a 300 mm instrument.

Fully motorised, computer-controlled alt-azimuth base can automatically slew to more than 42,900 celestial objects after an alignment procedure. The supplied SynScan AZ handset includes the complete Messier, NGC and IC catalogues.

Built-in Wi-Fi also allows the telescope to be controlled from an iOS or Android mobile device using the free SynScan app. The application provides more than 10,000 objects, several alignment methods, a selection of the best objects visible during the night, celestial object identification, Point and Go, remote control over the Internet, user-defined objects and Pointing Accuracy Enhancement.

Freedom-Find dual-encoder technology allows the mount to be moved manually without losing its alignment or positional information. To reach a distant area of the sky quickly, the tube can be pushed manually close to the target before the computerised system completes the final positioning.

Collapsible FlexTube structure uses three rigid poles and requires no tube assembly. Extension and retraction take only a few seconds. When fully extended, the structure is designed to prevent lateral movement and flexure while maintaining collimation.

A separate, slightly shorter locking position is provided for binoviewer use. In its collapsed configuration, the tube can be carried and stored vertically. Its length is reduced from 1510 mm when extended to 970 mm when retracted.

Transport is simplified by the quick separation of the optical tube and base. The tension handles can be unscrewed to remove the tube from its support.

Parabolic primary mirror is designed to bring incoming light rays to the same focal point and eliminate spherical aberration. This geometry produces detailed, sharp and high-contrast images.

Primary and secondary mirrors are manufactured from low-expansion borosilicate glass similar to Pyrex. Its low thermal expansion coefficient supports faster cooling and helps the mirrors retain their shape while reaching thermal equilibrium. This thermal stability reduces distortion without relying on a cooling fan.

RAQ Radiant Aluminium Quartz coatings are applied to the primary and secondary mirrors. Combining layers of aluminium, dielectric tantalum pentoxide and silicon dioxide, this coating system provides 94 percent reflectivity and long-term protection for the optical surfaces.

Secondary mirror support consists of four vanes measuring 0.5 mm in thickness. Their rigidity under tension reduces obstruction in the light path and keeps diffraction spikes to a minimum.

Dual-speed 2-inch Crayford focuser with fine adjustment supports precise focusing. Adaptors for 1.25-inch and 2-inch eyepieces are supplied, together with a 1.25-inch adaptor fitted with a non-marring brass compression ring.

Supplied equipment includes two 70-degree super wide-angle eyepieces, a straight-through 9x50 finderscope with crosshair reticle and a universal smartphone adaptor compatible with devices measuring between 54 and 90 mm in width.

Black Diamond metallic flecked paintwork is combined with contrasting white surfaces. This colour scheme improves the telescope’s visibility in darkness and helps reduce the risk of accidental impact during an observing session.

Technical specifications

• Optical design: Newtonian reflector on a motorised Dobsonian mount
• Primary mirror diameter: 355 mm
• Focal length: 1600 mm
• Focal ratio: f/4.5
• Primary mirror: parabolic
• Primary and secondary mirror material: low-expansion borosilicate glass
• Mirror coating: RAQ Radiant Aluminium Quartz
• Stated reflectivity: 94 percent
• Secondary mirror supports: four 0.5 mm vanes
• Magnifications with supplied eyepieces: 80x and 128x
• Highest potential practical power: 710x
• Supplied eyepieces: 12.5 mm and 20 mm
• Apparent field of supplied eyepieces: 70 degrees
• Focuser: dual-speed 2-inch Crayford
• Fine focusing adjustment
• Eyepiece adaptors: 1.25-inch and 2-inch
• 1.25-inch adaptor with non-marring brass compression ring
• Finderscope: straight-through 9x50 with crosshair reticle
• Universal smartphone adaptor included
• Compatible smartphone width: 54 to 90 mm
• Tube structure: fully collapsible FlexTube
• Tube locking system: three points
• Additional locking position for binoviewer use
• Mount: motorised alt-azimuth
• Drive system: built-in heavy-duty servo motors
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Built-in accessory tray
• Hand controller: SynScan AZ
• Hand controller database: more than 42,900 objects
• Hand controller catalogues: Messier, NGC and IC
• Mobile control: free SynScan app for iOS and Android
• SynScan app database: more than 10,000 objects
• Deep-sky objects in the app: 10,759
• Deep-sky catalogues: Messier, NGC, IC and Caldwell
• Named stars in the app: 305
• Double stars in the app: 55
• Solar System objects: seven planets, Sun and Moon
• Compatible with third-party planetarium software
• Alignment methods: one-star, three-star, brightest-star and North-Level alignment
• App functions: Tonight’s Best, Point and Go, celestial object identification, remote control over the Internet, user-defined objects and Pointing Accuracy Enhancement
• Encoder technology: Freedom-Find dual encoders
• Manual movement without losing alignment
• Quiet operation
• Power requirement: 12 V DC, centre-positive
• Base diameter: 770 mm
• Optical tube weight: 26 kg
• Rocker box weight: 47.5 kg
• Extended optical tube length: 1510 mm
• Retracted optical tube length: 970 mm
• Stated light gathering: 40 percent greater than a 300 mm instrument