| | |  | Reflectors | Home » » » Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope | | | | | | | Description: | | It's no wonder customers heap 5-star ratings on this "gentle giant." For not only does its jumbo-sized optics and uncomplicated design bring a "new level of joy to simple observing," raved Astronomy magazine, but it's also one of the most affordable quality Dobs on the market. The SkyQuest XT8 Classic isn't just good bang for the buck, it's a supernova of telescope value! The XT8 Classic gives you the deep-space thrills without the deep-pocket frills. We've kept it lean and mean to keep its price low for tight budgets. But rest assured, it comes fully equipped for adventure, whether you're a beginning stargazer or are graduating to a more capable instrument. It features an expertly figured parabolic mirror housed in an enameled steel optical tube. The tube rides on a stable Dobsonian base that allows easy point-and-view navigation and has a convenient carrying handle. A 2" Crayford focuser, EZ Finder II aiming device, 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece (1.25"), and quick-collimation cap are all standard equipment. Setup takes only a minute, leaving the rest of the evening to marvel at the planets, the Moon, and a myriad of deep-sky treasures. Enjoy the fantastic views - and savings! One-year limited warranty. | | | Features: | |
• 203mm aperture and 1200mm focal length allow you to reach deep into space for jaw-dropping images
• The ultra-stable Dobsonian base keeps the tube perfectly balanced for point-and-view ease of use
• Now includes an upgraded 2" Crayford-style focuser that accepts 1.25" and 2" eyepieces
• Includes 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
• Big-aperture optics + point-and-view ease of use = out-of-this-world value
| | | Product Details: | | | Average Customer Rating:
| based on 10 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Big Bang. Small Bucks.Feb 19, 2010 The 8"f6 Dobsonian telescope is popular for good reason. It is simple to manufacture and easy to use. It is car portable, gives good views of planets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. It is small enough to give wide field views (as wide as 2.28* with a 41mm Panoptic eyepiece), and large enough to reveal the rings of Saturn, cloud bands on Jupiter, and high magnification views of double stars.
This scope by Orion has better than average optics, and provides surprisingly good views of deep sky objects. Under a dark sky I have observed four galaxies in the Virgo cluster through this telescope.
To provide the best possible views, all Newtonian telescopes require collimnation, so tools for this are required. The Kendrick Laser Collimnator is excellent.
Finding deep sky objects with a Dobsonian can be difficult, especially in light polluted skies. You may want to consider the Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope with Object Locator. This allows you to spend less time searching and more time observing. Otherwise, a 7x50 straight through finder can help.
You will want a low power wide field eyepiece (32mm-40mm) for finding objects, a medium power eyepiece (12mm-20mm) for deep sky, and a high magnification eyepiece (5mm-8mm) for observing planets and "lunar orbit".
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
was given as a giftJan 07, 2010 Telescope was given as a gift. Have been told this was the best gift ever. Easy to use and loads of fun.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
orion skyquest xt6 classic dobsonian telescopeDec 30, 2009 Product as stated. I would recommend that you also purchase the padded carry bag.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Holy WowzersDec 20, 2009 This telescope is amazing! Finally took it out on a clear night in Florida, I checked out Jupiter and I was astonished. The detail in a slightly light polluted sky. I was blown away. I would suggest getting a barlow lens, i went with the 3x multiplier and i decided to also get a zoom lens(8mm-23mm). I am extremely happy with this telescope, it was my 1st investment in one since my dad bought me one when i was little. Oh yeah, get a moon filter too, your eyes will appreciate it.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
First real scopeNov 17, 2009 This scope is super easy to setup and easy to use!! I'm very green when it comes to telescopes. This one is great for this reason! Only need to know anything but point and view! =]
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