Obsession Telescopes
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Curved spider vanes
No diffraction spikes on stars and the ultimate in contrast for planetary work!






Pierre Schmid with 12.5 inch scope observing in the warm tropical breezes of Bonaire. (Netherlands Antilles in Carribean. It's a tough life but somebody has to do it).






Pierre's scope with Argo Navis digital setting circles mounted on the Stalk, observing chair, and the dark skys of Bonaire.




DVD
Free Obsession DVD product Video
To obtain a hard copy of Obsession literature including our 120 minute product video, e-mail your POSTAL address, or fill out this form and we'll mail it to you at no charge (World-wide).

The video is great for determining which aperture is best for you.



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Home > Telescopes > 12.5" Obsession



The Obsession 12.5 f/5 is a premium telescope for observers that want the best of all worlds.

Medium Aperture, fantastic f/5 images, no diffraction spikes!


12.5" - f/5

Orders received after July 1st - price will be $3,295.

  • Crisp images at f/5 so no coma corrector needed.
  • Super compact size that can be hauled in any car.
  • Ease of use second to none.
  • Full thickness primary for perfect images.
  • Curved spider vanes for views like an apochromat and no diffraction spikes.
  • Fully compatible with the powerful Argo Navis digital setting circles.
  • Fast set up with no ladder needed.
  • Nearly everyone can observe with their feet on the ground! In fact sit down astronomy is possible for nearly half the sky. Ideal for star parties, public viewing events, schools or anyone that wants a premium telescope.
  • Views better than anything on the market of similar aperture. Best of all it's an Obsession with our famous quality and design at a fantastic price.

See what obsessed owners have to say about the 12.5" Obsession

View Specifications Table for all Obsession Telescopes
English version | Metric version
Download PDF

COMPARISON
2.5 times the light gathering power of an 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
Obsession
12.5"
Typical
8"
Limiting stellar magnitude: 15.0 14.0
Rayleigh Resolution Limit: 0.38
arc seconds
0.68
arc seconds
Contrast limit:
(minimum diameter before a nebular object fades from view)
6.0
arc minutes
11.0
arc minutes
M13 Comparison

Expand all | Collapse all


12.5" Specifications: click to expand / collapse

Metric info shown in italics

Primary Mirror:

  • 12.5" - 317 mm OMI full thickness mirror
  • 96% reflectivity
  • Enhanced Aluminum Coating and Dielectric Overcoat (a supreme coating)
  • Center marked for precise collimation
  • plus Interferometry certification

see Optics page for more info

Secondary Mirror:

  • 2.14" - 54 mm United Lens
  • 98% reflectivity at 550 nm.
  • Super enhanced Brilliant-Diamond non-fading multi-dielectric coating

see Optics page for more info

Focal Length: 63" (± 2") - 1590 mm (± 50 mm)

Mirror Cell: 9-point

Truss Pole: Length: 41" (± 2") - 104 cm (± 5 cm)
Diameter: 1.00" - 25 mm
Wall Thickness: 0.035" - 0.9 mm

Upper Assembly: Diameter: 16" - 41 cm
Height: 10" - 25 cm
Weight: 5 lbs. - 2.5 kg

Lower Assembly: (see diagram):
A= 24" - 61 cm | B= 17" - 43 cm | C= 15" - 38 cm | D= 19" - 48 cm

Mirror Box Weight: (the heaviest component): 39 lbs. - 18 kg

Eyepiece Height at Zenith: (approximately) 5 feet - 152 cm




Mirror Options: click to expand / collapse

see the Optics page for more info

Obsessions are built with premium diffraction limited optics from Galaxy and OMI (Optical Mechanics Inc.).

Only OMI supplies mirrors for our 12.5".

Obsessions are also available without optics if you already have your mirrors. Call, fax, or email for price and delivery.




Standard Options and Accessories: click to expand / collapse

  • Choose from four great focusers
    The JMI EV3 comes standard on all Obsessions. Or upgrade to the EV1, or EV1 with motofocus, or the awesome Feathertouch by Starlight Instruments. See the Focuser Options page for more focuser options

  • Wheel Barrow handles
    Comes standard on all Obsessions 15" through 30" at no extra charge.
    They're not necessary on the 12.5".

  • Primary Mirror Coating
    Enhanced Aluminum - 96% reflectivity, with dielectric overcoat (a supreme coating) standard on all primary mirrors.

  • Secondary Mirror Coating
    An Obsession exclusive - Super enhanced Brilliant-Diamond is standard on all Obsession secondary mirrors. This premium multi-dielectric coating has 98% reflectivity at 550 nm. The ultimate coating for the deep sky obsessed. This coating is standard on all Obsession secondaries at no extra charge. Brilliant-Diamond is just one of the reasons Obsessions out perform all others.

    With 96% enhanced on the primary and our standard 98% Brilliant Diamond secondary, the optical system is equivalent to an extra 2" of aperture!



Optional Accessories: click to expand / collapse

See the Accessories page for more info on these items

  • Telrad

  • Ripstop Nylon light shroud.

  • Barlow-Laser Collimator 2" barrel. Highly recommended. Includes 2" magnetic barlow lens and mask for the new barlowed laser collimating technique. Great visual aid and no better way to accurately align fast Newtonians. learn how

  • Argo Navis digital setting circles with super res 10K encoders. more info

  • ServoCAT Goto Drive System. more info

  • Counterweight kit - (you supply the lead shot or sand) Recommended if you intend to use heavy barlow/eyepiece combinations, a Paracorr coma corrector, a traditional finderscope, or the Argo Navis digital setting circles.

  • Dew heater for secondary mirror - Secondary mirror heating system automatically senses the air temperature and the mirror temperature, then maintains the secondary at a preset (adjustable) temperature above the ambient air temperature to prevent dewing or icing. more info



Ordering Information: click to expand / collapse

A Deposit is required to place an order ($1,500 for 12.5").

Mail the deposit to: Obsession Telescopes
PO Box 804
Lake Mills, WI 53551
USA

You can e-mail your order, or mail it with the deposit.

  • With your order, please list any options and/or accessories you want, your mailing address, e-mail address if any, and phone number(s).
  • After we receive it, we will send you an order confirmation letter.
  • Delivery is usually 1 to 2 months from time of order.
  • Please e-mail for current delivery times.
  • Balance due prior to shipment.
  • Prices do not include shipping and crating. We ship throughout the world via UPS.
  • Any questions, please call or e-mail.
  • NOTE 10% order cancelation charge.


Need more information?
E-mail your postal address and we'll send you the Obsession brochure and video at no charge.


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