• 12.5" f/5 Classic
• 15" f/4.5 Classic
• 15" f/4.2 UC (Ultra Compact)
• 18" f/4.5 Classic
• 18" f/4.2 UC (Ultra Compact)
• 20" f/5 & f/4 Classic
• 22" f/4.2 UC (Ultra Compact)
• 25" f/4 Classic

• Obsession DVD Product Video

• First Light
• 18UC vs 20 Classic
• Why Buy an Obsession?
• Big Dob Checklist
• Obsessed
• Reviews
• Publications
• Obsession Firsts
• M-13 Comparison
• Imaging

• E-mail us

• The Dobsonian Telescope book

Obsession Firsts!

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The following "firsts" were invented or developed by Obsession Telescopes™. Many of them were unheard of in a commercial Dobsonian just a few years ago. Our innovations have set the standard for the crude Obsession copy-cats now on the market. They pretend and want you to believe their telescopes are just like Obsessions.

We are the leader in the Big Dob business. You can own the original and the best - an Obsession telescope for about the same price as the crude imitations. What's more, add up all of their "upgrades" and you'll often pay more! At Obsession, we did our homework. We don't need to copy others. Innovative design, superior craftsmanship and top shelf materials means Obsession quality. Read the list of "Obsession Firsts" below and you'll understand why there is no substitute.

Isn't it time YOU got Obsessed?

• First to use fused quartz glass for all primary mirrors
• First to use high res 32K res encoders
• First Virtual Mirror Box design
• First foldable side bearings
• First interconnecting truss pole system
• First reverse counterweight system
• First nylon light shroud with collapsable hoop design for six truss poles
• First upper tube assembly with stand alone focuser and self supporting tripod spider
• First to mount an altitude DSC encoder at a virtual axis of rotation
• First large aperture Dobs to fit in a travel/storage case approximately two feet square
• First Ultra Compact 15 and 18 inch scopes to fit in ANY car trunk or seat
• Obsession 1 appears on the cover of "Telescope Making" magazine.
• First low-profile Dobsonian design (shallow mirror box and rocker).
• First self-cooling, open frame steel tube tailgate to hold the mirror cell.
• First low-tech, ultra-low profile stainless steel flotation cell.
• First big semi-circle side bearings (1.25 times diameter of primary mirror).
• First cast aluminum side bearings.
• First to use anti-friction stippled laminates on bearings (Tweed formica).
• First to use Baltic Birch/ApplePly plywood construction.
• First to use thin etched virgin teflon.
• First to mount the truss poles on outside of mirror box (for compactness and convenience).
• First no tools assembly, no tools primary collimation.
• First no tools thumb activated cam levers to secure truss poles.
• First one-person, 5 minute set-up.
• First Dob to equalize alt-az aiming forces.
• First to use silicone bearing lubricants.
• First threaded insert/fastener cage assembly.
• First commercial scope to use a 12-volt cooling fan under mirror cell.
• First to use Ebony Star anti-friction bearings.
• First to use black Kydex light baffle in cage.
• First commercial scope with pole seat/wedge clamps for upper truss.
• First commercial scope to use foam insulation on truss poles.
• First commercial scope with wheelbarrow handles.
• First commercial Dobsonian with lower corner of mirror box cut out.
• First to include cast brass name plate.
• First commercial Dobsonian to use low profile Crayford-style focuser.
• First cam disc in steel tube truss pole clamps.
• First to use soft carpet pad mirror cell "points".
• First leveling jacks collimation bolt/knobs.
• First stable azimuth bearing the size of the rocker base.
• First to use glassboard (FRP) anti-friction laminate on big 'scopes.
• First decent user friendly nylon light shroud with draw string and bungie.
• First quality Dob with 5 coat finish.
• First azimuth teflon "pivot pad" to assist in aiming effort.
• First to use 1-1/2" diameter truss pole tubing.
• First "split bolts" to retain and adjust mirror sling.
• First low-tech eyebolt mirror safety clips.
• First commercial scope to use a simple heat rope to eliminate dew on secondary.
• First Dobsonian with primary mirror that can be washed in the scope.
• First split-proof cam action lower truss pole clamps.
• First to run electricity to cage using truss poles as conductors (no wires).
• First embroidered emblems on light shroud.
• First pure "arc" cast aluminum side bearing.
• First to use a thin, curved focuser "board".
• Obsession is first commercial Dobsonian company to publish and share its R&D for ATM's "Telescope Making" Magazine issues #35, #37 and #44 (now THE issues for some of our commercial competition.)
• First commercial 27-point mirror cell.
• First 2" diameter truss pole tubing on super big 'scopes.
• First one-person, ten minute set-up on a 36" Dobsonian.
• First "connecting ring" feet on ground cage assembly for 30" plus 'scopes
• First marine trailer jack/wheels to move super big scopes.
• First roller bearing/teflon hybrid azimuth bearing.
• First all metal strap and C channel lower truss pole clamps.
• First 36" scope to fit through a 48" trailer door.
• First to provide an optional integrated counterweight system.
• First with a push-pull spring action no tools needed secondary mirror holder.
• First to use 98% Brilliant Diamond coating on all secondary mirrors.
• First computer engraved brass emblems
• Willmann-Bell publishes "THE DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE" book by David Kriege and Richard Berry.
• First to offer Argo Navis digital setting circles.
• First to use super res 10000 count encoders.
• First to offer ServoCAT GoTo drive system.
• First to include powered ground board on all drives.
• First to provide wave fringe interferometry testing and specs on all optics.
• First to use enhanced coatings on all primary mirrors.