5 Best Covers for Dobsonian Telescopes (November 2026)
The best Dobsonian telescope covers include the Marsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor for large Dobsonians, the Astromania Protective Telescope Cover with Fixing Strap for tall mounted scopes, and the LNQ LUNIQI Telescope Cover for cover and storage bag.
On this page (7 sections)
- The best Dobsonian telescope covers for different setups
- How to choose a Dobsonian telescope cover size
- Which cover material works for outdoor storage?
- Are drawstrings, straps or zippers better?
- How should you cover and care for a Dobsonian telescope?
- Is a Dobsonian telescope good for beginners?
- Which Dobsonian telescope cover should you buy?
The best Dobsonian telescope cover for most large scopes is the Marsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor, because its 47 x 63 in size gives more coverage than the other fixed-size options here. Its water-resistant 420D Oxford fabric, silver-coated outside and adjustable bottom drawstring suit storage between observing sessions.
Dobsonian telescopes have broad bases and large optical tubes, so a cover must fit the whole stored setup rather than only the tube. Measure the telescope, mount and widest base before choosing a size.
That first measurement matters more than the cover name or color. A Dobsonian stored upright on a rocker box has a different shape from a smaller tabletop model, and both need room for the lower edge to close without strain.
Think about where the telescope will live between sessions. A courtyard, garage or covered patio brings dust, leaves, moisture and direct sun into the calculation, and a cover has to handle those conditions while still coming off quickly.
For more gear ideas, see our guide to telescope parts and accessories. If you need protection for transport instead of storage, compare these best telescope carrying case options.
A storage cover and a carrying case do different jobs. The cover keeps a stored telescope cleaner and drier, while a case is built for moving the telescope from place to place.
Start by writing down the total height, the widest point across the base and the widest point across the tube. Those three numbers will make the rest of the comparison much simpler.
Leave a little extra room around the widest base point. The cover still needs to slide on without pulling at the seams, and the bottom drawstring needs material to gather around the setup.
If you plan to cover the telescope outdoors for short periods, check the lower closure with extra care. A loose edge can lift in wind, while a well placed drawstring helps the cover stay put.
Keep the telescope dry before you put the cover on. Covering a damp mount or tube can hold moisture against the finish, so a quick check before storage saves trouble later.
Also consider how often you will remove the cover. A setup used every clear night needs a cover that goes on and off in seconds, while a scope stored for weeks can favor a snugger fit.
Once you have the measurements, compare them against each cover size in the list below. That approach keeps the choice focused on fit, coverage and how the telescope is actually stored.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for large DobsoniansMarsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for tall mounted scopesAstromania Protective Telescope Cover with Fixing Strap
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itMilisten Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor Sun Protective
Best for lightweight portability - 5
Check itSUNSURE Dustproof Telescope Cover 39x29in Protective Waterproof
Best for smaller Dobsonians
The best Dobsonian telescope covers for different setups
The Marsrut is the strongest choice for a large Dobsonian, while Astromania is better for a tall mounted setup. LNQ LUNIQI, Milisten and SUNSURE offer useful alternatives when you want a storage bag, lower weight or more than one size.
Our score weighs size, materials, closure design and buyer feedback against the needs of a Dobsonian telescope cover. We checked the stated product details and compared how each design may fit common storage situations.
Marsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor: Best for large Dobsonians
- 47 x 63 in size
- Water-resistant 420D Oxford fabric
- Silver-coated outside and black inside
- Adjustable bottom drawstring
The large rectangular size, reflective outer layer and adjustable drawstring suit owners covering a large Dobsonian between observing sessions.
Pros
- Largest stated size here
- Silver-coated outer layer
- Adjustable bottom drawstring
Cons
- Fit depends on your telescope measurements
- Only 1 cover is included
Marsrut is the best fit for a large Dobsonian that needs broad coverage over the tube and base. Its 47 x 63 in size, also given as 160 x 120 cm, is the largest stated cover size in this group.
The cover uses water-resistant Oxford 420D fabric. Its outside is silver coated, while the inside is black.
The reflective outer layer is designed to help manage heat and provide protection from ultraviolet rays, sunlight and snow.
An adjustable drawstring at the bottom lets you tighten the cover around your setup. That matters for a Dobsonian because a loose lower edge can move in wind or collect dust near the base.
Marsrut includes 1 silver cover. Measure the full telescope before ordering, especially if you want to cover the rocker box or base as well as the optical tube.
Choose this cover when size is your first concern and the telescope stays in a courtyard, garage or other storage area between sessions. Its larger dimensions may be unnecessary for a compact Dobsonian, so avoid choosing it by the title alone.
Astromania Protective Telescope Cover with Fixing Strap: Best for tall mounted scopes
- Fits telescopes up to 1200 mm length and 10 in aperture mounted
- 37.6 in bottom diameter
- 70.87 in height
- Silver-colored heat-insulating coating
Its tall shape and wide bottom diameter suit a mounted telescope that needs coverage down toward the base.
Pros
- Tall 70.87 in profile
- Fits up to 10 in aperture mounted
- Fixing strap at the bottom
Cons
- Short-term outdoor use is the stated use pattern
- PVC material may feel less flexible than fabric
Astromania is the best choice for a tall mounted telescope that needs a long cover with a broad bottom opening. It fits telescopes up to 1200 mm long and 10 in aperture when mounted.
The cover measures 70.87 in high, with a 37.6 in bottom diameter and a total length of 59.1 in. Those dimensions suit a setup where the telescope and mount create a tall profile rather than a low tabletop shape.
A silver-colored coating on the outside is designed to insulate heat. The cover is water-repellent and washable, and its fixing strap closes the bottom to help prevent wind from entering underneath.
Astromania uses PVC and has a zipper closure. It is intended for short-term outdoor coverage or storage in a cellar or garage, so plan for a sheltered storage location when possible.
Pick it when the height and bottom diameter match your mounted Dobsonian. It is less appealing if you need a soft, compact cover that folds into a small bag or if your setup is much shorter.
LNQ LUNIQI Telescope Cover: Best for cover and storage bag
- 150 x 85 cm size
- Oxford fabric with silver-plated outer layer
- Adjustable elastic cord
- 1 protective cover and 1 storage bag
This 150 x 85 cm cover adds a storage bag, making it useful when the cover must be removed and packed between sessions.
Pros
- Storage bag included
- Silver-plated outer layer
- Elastic cord for a secure fit
Cons
- Check your Dobsonian dimensions first
- The size is smaller than the Marsrut cover
LNQ LUNIQI is the best option when you want a 150 x 85 cm cover with a storage bag. The cover measures about 59 x 33 in and uses Oxford fabric with a silver-plated outer layer.
An elastic cord helps hold the cover around the telescope in windy conditions. The cover is intended to protect against rain, dust, ultraviolet rays, leaves and moisture for indoor or outdoor use.
The package includes 1 protective cover and 1 storage bag. That extra bag is useful if you remove the cover after each session and want to keep it together with other observing gear.
This cover also works with cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars and patio equipment according to its stated uses. For a Dobsonian, focus on the 150 x 85 cm dimensions and the shape of your base before considering those other uses.
Choose LNQ LUNIQI if convenient packing matters as much as weather protection. The size is smaller than Marsrut's 160 x 120 cm cover, so it may not provide enough room for a very large Dobsonian base.
Milisten Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor Sun Protective: Best for lightweight portability
- 150 x 85 cm size
- 210D Oxford cloth
- Adjustable drawstring and elastic ropes
- 10.41 oz weight
The 10.41 oz cover folds easily and combines an adjustable drawstring with elastic ropes for owners who move their gear often.
Pros
- Lightest stated weight here
- Adjustable drawstring and elastic ropes
- Indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Smaller than the Marsrut cover
- Measure the full telescope and mount before ordering
Milisten is the best pick for lightweight portability. It weighs 10.41 oz and measures 150 x 85 cm, or about 59 x 34 in, so it can suit an owner who folds the cover between trips.
The cover uses 210D Oxford cloth and has a silver color for sun protection. Its adjustable drawstring, elastic ropes and fixing strap are designed to hold the cover close to the telescope and reduce shifting in wind.
Milisten describes the cover for indoor and outdoor use. It is intended to protect against rain, sun, bird droppings, leaves and other outdoor debris, but the telescope should still be dry before you cover it.
The flexible design folds down for telescope bags, camping trips or observing sessions away from home. That portability is useful for a Dobsonian owner who moves the telescope between a garage, patio and observing site.
Choose it when low weight and easy folding are more important than maximum coverage. Its 150 x 85 cm size means you should measure the telescope and base carefully before buying.
SUNSURE Dustproof Telescope Cover 39x29in Protective Waterproof: Best for smaller Dobsonians
- 39.3 x 29.4 in and 59 x 33.4 in size options
- 420D Oxford cloth
- Adjustable bottom drawstring
- Zipper on both sides
The two size options help you match the cover to a smaller Dobsonian or a longer setup without choosing one fixed shape.
Pros
- Two size options
- 420D Oxford cloth
- Side zippers and bottom drawstring
Cons
- The smaller option will not fit every large Dobsonian
- Check the selected size carefully
SUNSURE is the best choice for a smaller Dobsonian or a setup with changing size needs. It comes in 39.3 x 29.4 in and 59 x 33.4 in options, so you can match the cover more closely to your equipment.
Both options use 420D Oxford cloth with a silver-plated outer surface. The cover is designed for indoor or outdoor use and helps protect against rain, dirt, ultraviolet rays, dust, moisture and sunlight.
An adjustable drawstring sits at the bottom, while zippers on both sides make the cover easier to use. The closure design gives you more access than a cover that relies only on a single opening.
SUNSURE includes 1 telescope cover. Check the selected size before ordering because the smaller option is not intended for every large Dobsonian, and the larger option still needs to match the height and base width of your setup.
Pick it when two size choices are more useful than one large cover. The 39.3 x 29.4 in option makes the most sense only after you measure the complete telescope arrangement.
How to choose a Dobsonian telescope cover size
The right Dobsonian telescope cover must fit the full stored arrangement, including the optical tube, mount and base if you want complete coverage. Measure before comparing materials or closure features.
Start with three measurements:
- The total height from the floor or shelf to the highest part of the telescope.
- The widest width across the optical tube, mount or rocker box.
- The distance around the lower section where the drawstring or strap will sit.
Write the measurements down in inches or centimeters. Then compare them with the cover's stated dimensions, leaving enough room for the cover to go on and come off without forcing it.
Marsrut measures 47 x 63 in, or 160 x 120 cm. LNQ LUNIQI and Milisten measure 150 x 85 cm, while SUNSURE offers 100 x 75 cm and 150 x 85 cm choices.
Astromania uses a different shape description, with a 70.87 in height and 37.6 in bottom diameter. That makes its height and lower opening especially important for a mounted telescope.
A cover that is too small can pull against the closure and leave parts exposed. A cover that is too large can hang near the ground, move more in wind and collect moisture or dirt.
Which cover material works for outdoor storage?
The best outdoor Dobsonian telescope cover combines a stated weather-resistant material with a secure lower closure. The products here use Oxford fabric, PVC or polyester, with several adding silver-coated or silver-plated outer surfaces.
Marsrut and SUNSURE use 420D Oxford fabric. LNQ LUNIQI uses Oxford fabric, while Milisten uses 210D Oxford cloth.
Astromania uses PVC, and its outside has a silver-colored coating.
Fabric thickness alone does not decide fit or storage quality. A thicker cover can still be the wrong choice if its dimensions do not reach over the base, while a lighter cover may be more convenient for regular removal.
The silver outer layers on Marsrut, LNQ LUNIQI, Milisten and SUNSURE are intended to reflect sunlight or help protect against heat. Keep the telescope in a sheltered place when possible, especially during heavy rain, snow or strong wind.
For a wider comparison, read our guide to the best telescope covers and enclosures. If you need a cover mainly for dust indoors, see these best telescope dust cover options.
Are drawstrings, straps or zippers better?
A drawstring or fixing strap is useful when wind can lift the lower edge of a cover. Zippers can make a cover easier to open, but the fit still depends on the cover's size and the shape of your telescope.
Marsrut uses an adjustable bottom drawstring. LNQ LUNIQI uses an elastic cord, and Milisten combines an adjustable drawstring with elastic ropes and a fixing strap.
Astromania uses a zipper and a fixing strap at the bottom. SUNSURE combines an adjustable bottom drawstring with zippers on both sides.
For a Dobsonian stored indoors, easy removal may matter most. For a telescope kept outside for short periods, a lower strap or cord can help hold the cover in place.
Do not rely on a closure to correct a poor fit. Measure the telescope first, then choose the closure that matches how often you remove the cover and how exposed the storage area is.
How should you cover and care for a Dobsonian telescope?
Cover the telescope only after the optical tube, mount and base are dry and free of loose debris. Pull the cover down evenly, then secure the drawstring, elastic cord or fixing strap without pulling it so tightly that the cover presses against delicate parts.
Keep the lower edge away from standing water and dirty ground. A cover protects the equipment from dust and moisture, but it can also hold moisture against the telescope if the setup is damp when covered.
Remove the cover after wet weather and check the telescope before the next observing session. Let the cover dry before folding it for storage.
Marsrut can be wiped with a damp cloth, and LNQ LUNIQI includes a storage bag. The other covers should also be stored dry and folded according to their designs.
A cover is not a carrying case. If you plan to move the telescope regularly, review our best Celestron NexStar 8SE case guide for a different type of equipment protection, then choose a case designed for your telescope model and shape.
Is a Dobsonian telescope good for beginners?
A Dobsonian can be a practical first telescope because its simple design puts attention on the optical tube, mount and observing process. A cover becomes useful when you store that larger setup between sessions.
Read our guide to Is a Dobsonian Telescope Good for Beginners? if you are still choosing the telescope. Once you have one, our guide on How to Use a Telescope for Beginners: A Beginner’s Guide covers the basic observing process.
The cover does not change how the telescope works. It helps keep dust, leaves, sunlight and moisture away during storage, which can reduce the cleaning and setup work before your next session.
If your Dobsonian setup is tall, consider Astromania's height and bottom diameter. If it is broad, Marsrut's 47 x 63 in dimensions give you more coverage to work with.
For long observing sessions, a seat can also help. See our guide to the best portable telescope stool for a more comfortable setup around the telescope.
Which Dobsonian telescope cover should you buy?
The Marsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor is the best Dobsonian telescope cover for most large setups because it has the largest stated dimensions here and a secure adjustable drawstring. Choose Astromania when your mounted telescope needs a tall 70.87 in cover with a 37.6 in bottom diameter.
Pick LNQ LUNIQI if you want a 150 x 85 cm cover and a storage bag. Choose Milisten when 10.41 oz weight and foldable portability matter, or SUNSURE when you want a smaller 39.3 x 29.4 in option or a 59 x 33.4 in option.
Your final decision should come from measurements. Match the cover to the full Dobsonian setup, keep the telescope dry before covering it and use the lower cord or strap to prevent the cover from shifting.
If your telescope is broad at the base, start with the larger rectangular covers and check the height first. If it is tall and narrow on a mount, the Astromania shape may suit the stored profile better.
For regular trips between a garage and an observing site, low weight and easy folding deserve more attention. A cover that is simple to carry and put away is more likely to be used every time.
For a setup that stays in one place, prioritize coverage and a secure lower edge. The drawstring or strap should sit snugly without pressing hard against the mount or pulling the cover sideways.
Check the size one last time before you order. A cover that is too small leaves the base exposed, while one that is far too large can hang low and move in the wind.
Dry the telescope before covering it and let the cover dry before folding it for storage. That simple routine helps the cover do its job without holding dampness against the telescope.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for large Dobsonians
Marsrut Telescope Cover Waterproof Outdoor
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for tall mounted scopes
Astromania Protective Telescope Cover with Fixing Strap
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What size cover fits a Dobsonian telescope?
Measure the full stored height, widest diameter and base area of your Dobsonian, then compare those measurements with the cover size. Include the mount or rocker box if you want one cover over the complete setup.
A cover should have enough room to sit over the telescope without pulling tightly at the seams or blocking the bottom closure.
Can you leave a Dobsonian telescope covered outside?
A waterproof or water-resistant cover can help protect a Dobsonian from dust, leaves, moisture and sunlight, but it does not replace a dry storage area. Use the cover according to its stated use and keep the telescope dry before covering it.
Check the scope after wet weather so trapped moisture does not remain around the optics or mount.
Should a telescope cover touch the ground?
A cover should protect the telescope and mount without dragging through standing water or dirt. Leave enough clearance for the bottom edge and use the drawstring or fixing strap to keep the cover in place.
Measure the setup before buying, since a cover that is too long can collect water or catch on nearby objects.
How do you keep a Dobsonian cover from blowing away?
Use the cover's bottom drawstring, fixing strap or elastic cord to create a snug fit around the lower part of the telescope. Marsrut, Milisten and LNQ LUNIQI use adjustable securing features, while Astromania uses a fixing strap.
In strong weather, move the telescope indoors or to a sheltered space when possible.
What is the best way to store a telescope cover?
Remove loose dust and let the cover dry before folding it. The LNQ LUNIQI includes a storage bag, while the other covers can be folded for storage according to their designs.
Keep the folded cover in a dry place so it is ready for the next observing session.
