Zhumell Z10 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

Z10 review after 6 months of use

This was my first telescope and I researched types, brands and suppliers for a couple of months before selecting the Z10 Dob. Everything I've read indicates that the Dobsonian Reflector is the best starter ...Read complete review

This was my first telescope and I researched types, brands and suppliers for a couple of months before selecting the Z10 Dob. Everything I've read indicates that the Dobsonian Reflector is the best starter scope ie: you get the most scope for your money including good ability to see deep sky objects (DSO) as well as planets. Arrival and Construction:I've had my scope for over six months so my experience is based on this time period. It [...] in 3 boxes. The 3rd box was for the deluxe package items including the 16mm eyepiece, telerad viewer, etc. I was a little reluctant to spend the extra money for this package, but in hind sight it was a very good investment. The 16mm lens is very good and the telerad is very helpful. You can't beat the discount you get compared to purchasing them individually. There were no instructions, as other reviews indicate, but knowing this up front I downloaded instructions ahead of the scope's arrival from both telescopes.com and the Zhumell web site. Construction was very straight forward. I added two horizontal handles to the base below the pivot point cutouts which allows me to move the base when the scope is mounted. If you do this make sure you use through bolts and not wood screws since the base is particle board. Some reviews complain about the base being particle board but it is nicely finished in wrinkle finish and all the "end grain" is covered with well made cap material. Just don't let it get wet.Viewing and Use:The overall quality of the scope is very good. Most of the components are metal and fit and finish are excellent. The quality of the images in the finder scope are not as sharp as I'd hoped. This does not impede its use in finding objects in the sky and when you switch to the Dob; Wow excellent quality. The Orion nebula is very clear and pretty with the 30 mm eyepiece and the trapezium stands out distinctly with the 16mm. Jupiter's banding is visible with the 9mm but not as sharp as I'd hoped. The 9mm is a bit disappointment. The double stars and multiple's in Orion were breathtaking. I could not split the companion in Rigel, however, until I purchased the Zhumell 6mm planetary eyepiece. This eyepiece made that little guy pop out like a Jack in the Box, very nice sharp view of this 7" double. From a dark site I was able to obtain very nice views of the ring nebula, which was best with an 11mm Explore Scientific eyepiece. I also had very nice views of M101 and M104 the Sombreo galaxy with the 30 & 16mm. This scope's strong point is pulling in DSOs which are not even visible in my 4" refractor. The Crayford focuser is well made, both alt and azimuth are smooth and I have no problem tracking objects at over 200x; something I was worried about with a Dob. I do notice when collimating, it's a challenge to keep the laser centered when tightening the primary mirror locking screws. This might be something Zhumell wants to look at.Lessons Learned:How to focus the finder scope is not obvious, but it's done by screwing the primary lens in and out and locking it in place with the ring.When first using the Dob. I found it hard to keep it from moving in azimuth. This is controlled by tightening down on the small bearing using the screw in the middle of the base. The 1.25 in eyepiece adaptor is threaded for 2" filters so you can use your 2" filters on your 1.25 in eyepieces. Well done Zhumell! I built a wooden box with wheels to both store the scope and move it around with the base strapped on top…. See photo. I used the original packing Styrofoam in this box to secure it inside.Cons:The Laser collimator wobbles in the 1.25 in focuser adapter, but my collimation appears to be fairly close when checked using a star test.The primary mirror center spot is off center by 2.3 mm which is enough to affect the views at high power. The Z10 is a very good scope especially for the money. I was debating about purchasing the 12 inch but am glad, now that I went with a more manageable 10 inch size. 8 & 10 inches seems to be a sweet spot for solid tube Dobs like this, when light gathering power plus portability are both considered. Overall I am very happy with this scope and would buy it again.