The Sky-Watcher Skyliner-200P Classic 203mm (8"") f/1200 Parabolic Dobsonian telescope offers an incredible aperture-to-price ratio. The dobsonian mount, popularised by John Dobson in the late 1970's, is a very simple but highly effective method of mounting a Newtonian Reflector, based on the alt-azimuth principle. Fast & easy to set up, the dobsonian mount consists of a box-type mounting which allows the telescope to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is rotated on a base in azimuth. The secret of the design is to correctly balance the optical tube & to use frictional materials, which allow it to move easily when nudged but to stay in position when not. All Sky-Watcher dobsonian models feature 0.5mm ultra-thin secondary mirror supports to reduce diffraction spikes & light loss, & high quality paraboloidal primary mirrors to eliminate spherical aberration.