Sale Price:
$699.98
Telescope, 2 eyepieces, Stand, Laser collimator, 90-degree viewfinder
Designed with you in mind
Zhumell's latest Dobsonian telescope is the result of a new approach to design. Customers like you told us how to improve our Dobsonian, and we listened. Never before has a telescope been so designed with you in mind.
The Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope features a 12-inch aperture to capture maximum light for clear, long-range viewing. Used in conjunction with the two included eyepieces (32mm and 9mm) and Dobsonian stand, this telescope will make your night-sky observations and star parties more enjoyable than ever.
A primary mirror cooling fan brings the telescope into thermal equilibrium quickly, so you can enjoy long viewing sessions without delay. You'll also enjoy the new adjustable azimuth bearing system, which facilitates smooth, even motion when tracking celestial objects. When you arrive at your subject, the dual-speed Crayford focuser allows for quick, easy adjustments, while the laser collimator ensures rapid, accurate optical alignment.
Zhumell Z12 Telescope dimension data:
About Zhumell
At Zhumell, we're committed to precision, performance, and people. Our products are designed and tested to make sure that they perform not only to our expectations, but to our customers' as well. We know that Zhumell customers are unique individuals whose pursuits vary and who demand the best products available. Whether you're an avid birder waiting to catch a glimpse of a yellow-rumped warbler or a keen observer and searcher of the night sky, we have the products that fit your needs.
Recommended Usage
For the Enthusiast , Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters
Brand
Zhumell
Usage
For the Enthusiast
Weight Complete
75 lbs
Finderscope
8x50
GoTo
No
Telescopes Series
Zhumell Dobsonian Telescopes
Focal Length
1500mm
Focal Ratio
f/4.93
Star Diagonal
1.25 Inches
User Level
For the Enthusiast
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 118 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic value!
This scope is an excellent value. You get a good quality large mirror, 2 speed focuser, and a RACI finderscope for a very reasonable price. Does it have some problems? Of course, ...Read complete review
This scope is an excellent value. You get a good quality large mirror, 2 speed focuser, and a RACI finderscope for a very reasonable price. Does it have some problems? Of course, but they are easily dealt with. For instance, the springs that float the mirror cell are far too weak. Problems with holding or adjusting colimation are usually due to these weak springs. Replacements are readily available at your local hardware store or aftermarket telescope stores on the web. Simply replace with stiffer springs...problem solved for just a few bucks.
The include laser colimator works, but it arrived completely mis-adjusted...it was anoying to have to collimate your collimator before you could use it. Check your collimator before you use it and use the three hex screws to adjust the beam so that it is properly aligned. It's not a problem necessarily unique to Zhummel. Info is on the web about this process (search for "collimating laser collimator"). One final complaint would be the cheap particle board stand. It's sturdy enough, but particle board is heavy and it doesn't last forever, especially if it gets wet (heavy dew, perhaps). If you are careful it shouldn't be a problem, but I chose to use the particle board pieces as a template and made my own replacement stand from high quality plywood, stained and sealed with urathane. Again, not really necessary, but I could so I did. Now I have two stands.
A lot of people complain about it being heavy, but I don't think it's that bad at all, and I'm only 5'4" and not in the best shape. It's more awkward due to the shape and size than anything. The tube is 15" in diameter (12" mirror), so keep that in mind. Move it in two pieces, optical tube assembley and stand. I move it outside my house, through a standard door and a good 40 yards across my yard to set it up...takes me about 2 minutes, literally.
Now the good....This scope gives fantastic views of the heavens. The 12" mirror collects a lot of light and many deep sky obects will be within your reach, especially if you have a dark location away from light pollution to view from. The focuser is very smooth, and has no problem handling my largest eyepiece that weighs 2.2 lbs. The 2 speed feature is awesome to have and makes fine tuning the focus much easier, especially at higher magnifications. The movements of the stock stand are smooth and easy in both azimuth and altitude. If you use heavy eyepieces like I do, you may have to adjust the balance point where the altitude bearings mount to the optical tube, which is very easy to do.
Overall, this scope is a great value. If it weren't for the weak springs and out of adjustment laser collimater provided, I would have given it 5 stars easily. It's that good.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not sure what to think
I haven't had a chance to look through it yet BUT...It arrived pretty quickly and the cartons were undamaged. After assmbley I measured the secondary mirror and it was indeed centered in the...Read complete review
I haven't had a chance to look through it yet BUT...It arrived pretty quickly and the cartons were undamaged. After assmbley I measured the secondary mirror and it was indeed centered in the tube. From there it went downhill. although the secondary mirror was centered in the tube it's placement on the axis was to far in the tube. I fixed that. that was minor. Then I looked down the tube at the primary mirror. It had some kind of big piece of fuzz on it. I took a can off compressed keyboard air and blew it along side the tube, ( not directly on the mirror and it popped loose. Then I inspected the primary mirror for damage and it appears there's 5 irregularities or chips ( I can't tell for sure) around the mirrors rim. They are small but they are there none the less. And they are NOT the mirror clamps.
It's not as heavy as I thought it would be. The focusr seems to work pretty well. The laser collimator is not so good. It came collimated but the beams so broad ya might as well use a flashlight. I mount seems solid enough and the tube seems solid enough. Everything seems to work as it should it just really aggrivates me that the main, most important thing on a reflector scope, it's primary mirror, was damaged. I haven't called yet but I think I'm going to do that now. As far as the "recommend to a friend question I'm going to leave that blank until I find out what the company has to say.
Reviewed by 118 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope:
For 699-30$+free ship u can't beat this compared to your next upgrade with 14" and trusses which is double the price minimum. Goto is nice but I am fine with iPhone apps that use GPS. There's no negative about this scope other than it came with ZERO paperwork. That's right. But YouTube have a video to walk you through assemble which was super easy, as well as how to collimate or check collimation. For me this scope is one and done. It's not worth it to me to go larger or slightly larger for mega money. I debated about the Z10 package for same price and I'm glad I passed, can always add accessories later, and wouldn't bother with a wide angle 16mm eyepiece anyway. As far as weight/portability I kept the box and styrofoam inserts, reinforced box with tape and taped a busted foam piece or 2. The tube goes in it on my roof strapped with rachet nylon straps, and base goes in trunk or passenger seat. The base is not heavy or a pain to carry. The tube is awkward cuz it's wide, but your not doomed this is not an issue for me but can be for someone. However there is options to help with transport like padding a handcart for 2 trips I'm 30 and not was I was 10 years ago.but again it's manageable esp for the price vs a 12" truss plus shroud. I would not go bigger with a full tube assembly though.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope:
I upgraded from a Celestron G8N 8" reflector and I'm glad I made the switch. This telescope allows me to zoom to a much higher magnification. I added a laser finder scope which makes pointing the telescope a lot easier.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope:
I got this at 1/2 price, and it's a great light bucket for the money,
It has stayed sharp as far as I can magnify with my weather conditions in nova scotia
Which is around 300x, Jupiter looks great! Moon looks crazy.
The best part about the big aperture is the detail it brings out in globular clusters and this scope works great for that! Does a good job on galaxies and planetary nebulas too!
It's not research grade resolution or reflectivity, probably just average but you save thousands of dollars and in the end I'm really happy with what I've seen so far :)
Also note that it must be collimated frequently, I do it everytime I move it outside. However the laser collimator is spot on!! Better then my 150$ hotec
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope:
I read review after review and it came down to just jumping in and getting one.
It arrived quickly.
Unpacking it, I found that one of the screws on the finder scope housing was broken off. I also found that the laser collimator was intermittent.
The mirrors and chassis were intact with no damage.
I called hayneedle, let them know my concerns and without question they have sent out a replacement for both the finder scope and collimator.
Great product. Fantastic customer service.
Stop procrastinating, pull out your CC and place an order. You'll be glad you did.
(P.S. I also ordered a JMI Wheeley Bar - a real big help for transporting)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope:
I haven't had a chance to look through it yet BUT...It arrived pretty quickly and the cartons were undamaged. After assmbley I measured the secondary mirror and it was indeed centered in the tube. From there it went downhill. although the secondary mirror was centered in the tube it's placement on the axis was to far in the tube. I fixed that. that was minor. Then I looked down the tube at the primary mirror. It had some kind of big piece of fuzz on it. I took a can off compressed keyboard air and blew it along side the tube, ( not directly on the mirror and it popped loose. Then I inspected the primary mirror for damage and it appears there's 5 irregularities or chips ( I can't tell for sure) around the mirrors rim. They are small but they are there none the less. And they are NOT the mirror clamps.
It's not as heavy as I thought it would be. The focusr seems to work pretty well. The laser collimator is not so good. It came collimated but the beams so broad ya might as well use a flashlight. I mount seems solid enough and the tube seems solid enough. Everything seems to work as it should it just really aggrivates me that the main, most important thing on a reflector scope, it's primary mirror, was damaged. I haven't called yet but I think I'm going to do that now. As far as the "recommend to a friend question I'm going to leave that blank until I find out what the company has to say.
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Q1: Is the viewfinder right angle correct image (RACI)? What type of glass is the mirror? (Bk7 or Pyrex) and what are the mirror coatings?
A: The viewfinder is a standard Bk7 glass and has no multicoatings.
Q2: 1. what type of glass is the main mirror? 2. what type of coating on the main mirror? 3. what is the OTA weight?
A: The Main mirror is made of a Pyrex glass. The glass is coated with aluminum coatings with a magnesium fluoride coat to provide bright images full of detail. The OTA weighs 60lbs.
Q3: Is the mirror center-marked for collimation?
A: The primary mirror is marked for collimation on the Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope.
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