Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian
June 1, 2008
Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Casual/Recreational, Enthusiast
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
Official Review: While it’s heavier than other “light buckets”, the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian has a MUCH larger magnification and clearer focus than others in its price ranges. If you’re not sure about the bulky Dobsonian-factor, keep in mind that these scopes are a bit large and difficult to store. However, they are very easy to breakdown and setup, so if you have a decent place to keep it, you’ll be just fine.
That in mind, the major advantage with the 10-Inch Dobsonian is the 600x magnification! You’ll be able to view objects that are much farther away than with the vast majority of other scopes available, even those that cost double the Dobsonian, which is typically sold for about $500!
Pros: HUGE magnification, easy setup & breakdown, very accurate & comfortable
Cons: Somewhat large, 60lbs, no computer-based features, manual tracking, not ideal for lunar/planetary viewing
Click here to check out the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.5/10 - Extremely simple to use
Comfortability: 7.7/10 - Great eyepieces; Some dislike the size of Dobsonians
Durability: 8.2/10 - Sturdy mount & durable tube design
Battery Life: n/a - Not computerized! Use it forever…
Warranty: 8.2/10 - Great Zhumell “No-Fault Repair” policy; Costs $15 to send to Zhumell for repairs
Storage: 7.1/10 - Easy to breakdown, but might be too large to store easily
Accuracy: 9.0/10 - Extremely accurate scope for its price range!
Setup: 9.1/10 - Simple setup
Check out more customer reviews of the Zhumell 10-Inch Dob!
Tech Specs
Objective Lens: 254mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 600x
Focal Length: 1,250mm
Focal Ratio: F/4.92
Limiting Magnitude: 14.52
Tracking: Manual (Simple w/ the Crayford focuser & 8×50 RACI finderscope)
Click here to learn more about the 10-Inch Dobsonian from Zhumell!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 8×50
Eyepiece: 1.25in. 9mm Plossl and 2in. 32mm Plossl
Tube: Black optical w/ lightweight, durable design
Mount Design: Traditional Dobsonian
Weight: 60lbs
Tripod: N/A (Dobsonian Mount)
Power Supply: None Necessary!
Lens Coating: 10in multi-coated
Other Equipment: Bonus eyepiece
Recommended Accessories: None needed!
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Easy
Summary: If you’re looking for a solid scope to view primarily stars & galaxies, that won’t cost more than $600, the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian is an amazing deal!
If you’re trying to decide on the best Dobsonian for you, I would highly recommend the 10-Inch over the 8-Inch because of the much higher magnification and clarity upgrade for the small price increase.
Click here to order the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian from Telescopes.com!
Zhumell Dobsonian 8-Inch
April 24, 2008
Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Casual/Recreational
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Official Review: The Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian reflector is an excellent telescope for the price. It is heavier and larger than most non-Dob models, so this is something to consider if there will be kids or using it, you have back problems, or you will be using it regularly and moving it often.
But, If you just want to work with something that’s accurate with LOTS of magnification, easy to setup and use, and you don’t care as much about planets & the moon as you do about stars & galaxies, this scope is a wonderful choice!
Pros: Accurate, Comfortable, Well-Built, Nice Lenses & Great Magnification!
Cons: Large/Heavy, Fairly Unstable, Not the Best for Planetary/Lunar Observation, Not Computerized
Click here to check out the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.4/10 - Couldn’t be much easier to use!
Comfortability: 7.7/10 - Comfortable eye piece; awkward size for some people
Durability: 8.1/10 - Well-built, sturdy mount
Battery Life: n/a - Since it’s not computerized, this scope will last forever! =)
Backlash: n/a
Warranty: 8.2/10 - Great Zhumell “No-Fault Repair” policy; Costs $15 to send to Zhumell for repairs
Storage: 7.0/10 - Easy to disassemble, but it’s large enough to make it tough to store for some
Accuracy: 8.9/10 - Very accurate compared to other scopes in this price range!
Setup: 9.0/10 - Extremely easy to get going!
Click here to read more reviews on the Zhumell 8-Inch Dob!
Tech Specs
Objective Lens: 204mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 479x!!!
Focal Length: 1,200 mm (1.2 M)
Focal Ratio: f/5.9
Limiting Magnitude: 14.05
Tracking: Manual (Easy with Crayford focuser, quick collimation screws & RACI finderscope)
Click here to learn more about the 8-Inch Zhumell Dobsonian telescope!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 8×50
Eyepiece: 1.25″ & 2″
Tube: Black optical w/ lightweight, durable design (29lbs)
Mount Design: Traditional Dobsonian
Weight: 54lbs total
Tripod: n/a (Dobsonian Mount)
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: 2in. eyepiece
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Easy
Summary: For the price, the Zhumell Dobsonian 8-Inch is tough to beat. However, keep in mind that since it’s a Dob it is larger and heavier than other models in this price range. Also, it is NOT ideal for viewing planets and the moon.
In conclusion: if you’re looking for something under $400 that will let you see stars & galaxies with astounding magnification and clarity (and you don’t mind the negatives listed above), this telescope will be a perfect match for you!
Click here to order the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian from Telescopes.com!
