The StarHopper Configuration is a Newtonian Optical Tube Mounted on an Altazimuth Mount.

This optical system is characterized by a large primary mirror at the bottom of the tube which collects light and concentrates it onto a small secondary mirror. The light is then reflected out the side of the tube and into the eyepiece. Best of all, StarHopper Dobsonians are easy to observe with. The user navigates through the night sky by simply moving the tube up or down, or side to side, by hand.

All Celestron StarHoppers use optical quality BK-7 glass. This is the same high-quality glass used in most binocular prisms and refractor telescope lenses. All StarHoppers use a roller track bearing on the azimuth surface providing dozens of support points for smooth swivel motion. They also use a variable tension clutch system for proper balance and control in both altitude and azimuth. The 10" & 12" StarHoppers have cooling fans built into the rear cell to decrease cooling times. The 8", 10" and 12" models come standard with 2" focuser and 1.25" adapter. The 10" & 12" models come standard with a 32mm 2" eyepiece. 12" StarHoppers use a 9-point flotation mirror cell for equal support of the primary mirror.