Electronics

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8'' GPS Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope with Tripod.
Orion AstroView 100mm EQ Refractor Telescope
$Orion AstroView 100mm EQ Refractor Telescope$
Meade - ETX #889 Tripod Adapter
Orion StarMax 102mm EQ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Orion SkyView Pro 80mm ED Equatorial Refractor Telescope
$Orion SkyView Pro 80mm ED Equatorial Refractor Telescope$
Coleman for Kids Night Watcher
Meade 776 Case Hard Carry Case
Tasco Luminova 675x60mm Refractor Telescope
$Tasco Luminova 675x60mm Refractor Telescope$
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Meade 12mm MA Eyepiece Modified Achromatic Eyepiece
Orion StarMax 127mm EQ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Meade Autostar Suite Autostar Suite Software
Orion StarMax 90mm EQ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Orion SkyQuest XT10 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Konusmotor - 500mm Newtonian Telescope with 6V R.A.Motor Drive
Celestron C102-HD Refractor Telescope
$Celestron C102-HD Refractor Telescope$
Meade 51501 Polaris 60 Az-d Refractor Telescope
$Meade 51501 Polaris 60 Az-d Refractor Telescope$
Celestron Nexstar 9.25'' GPS Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope with Starbright XLT Coatings, with Tripod.
Tasco Luminova 420x76mm Reflector Telescope
Meade 880 Tripod Table Top Tripod
Meade 766 Soft Case ETX-90 Spotting Scope Case
Tasco 100x50mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope
$Tasco 100x50mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope$
Orion Observer 60mm EQ Refractor Telescope
$Orion Observer 60mm EQ Refractor Telescope$
Orion Observer 70mm EQ Refractor with FREE Drive
$Orion Observer 70mm EQ Refractor with FREE Drive$

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

Average customer rating:

The ideal amateur telescope

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

Manufacturer: ORION
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Telescopes | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Product 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
Includes two eyepieces, finder scope, collimation cap, and FREE TheSky astronomy software
One-year limited warranty

ASIN: B00020WZBA

Product Description

Our classic XT8 isn't just great bang for the buck, it's a veritable explosion of telescope value. It combines powerful parabolic optics with the ultimate in mechanical stability. In May 2003, Astronomy magazine said, "For the deep-sky observer, this powerful scope is the way to go." And now it's yours for only $399! And now, for a limited time, receive a FREE LaserMate Collimator with your purchase! The XT8 features an 8" parabolic primary mirror of 1200mm focal length (f/5.9) that will tease out detail in nebulas, resolve stars in globular clusters, and reveal subtle structure in galaxies. The enameled steel optical tube sports a 2" aluminum rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. The tube moves effortlessly on Teflon/UHMW bearings for point-and-view simplicity. Comes with navigation knob, 6x30 finder scope, two Sirius Plossl eyepieces, eyepiece rack, and collimation cap. 1-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews:

The ideal amateur telescope.......2007-01-07

This is not only the ideal scope for beginners but enough of an instrument to show you new things in the sky for years to come. It is sturdy and simple to operate. It has enough light-gathering power (more important than magnification) to reveal dim star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies and good enough optics to show you the surface of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Affordable as this scope is, there is no reason to give so much as a glance at the numerous trashy 60mm refractors with exaggerated magnification claims that litter the market.

Some advice on selection. Dobsonians like this one come in a range of sizes. A 114mm (4 ½") is a bit on the small side but still a fine instrument, especially if your ability to carry large objects is limited. A 200mm (8") scope like this one is right in the middle of the recommended range. A 250mm (10") is on the big side, and you should buy one only if you are able-bodied.

Some advice on use. Viewing through a telescope is less like playing a CD and more like playing a guitar. Finding objects takes a little bit of practice. To simplify it, I would suggest discarding the finder supplied with this scope and installing two finders: a 50mm "crosshair" finder plus a red-dot finder to aid in initial pointing. You will also need to buy an atlas (Sky & Telescope's Pocket sky Atlas is the best available), a red flashlight to view the charts without blowing out your badly-needed night vision, and a guidebook to lead you to interesting objects. These investments will greatly add to your enjoyment.

What more can I say? This is the kind of scope that experienced observers have been trying to steer novices towards for decades. Although, I recommend that you do your homework before buying any scope--learn the sky and get to know experienced stargazers who can advise you--when it comes time to purchase, you could hardly do better than this scope.

For more advice, see my encyclopedic guide here on Amazon, "So you want to buy a telescope."

Average customer rating:

The ideal amateur telescope
Good price, good scope.
Astounding!
Great telescope
Great Tele

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

Manufacturer: ORION
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Telescopes | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Orion Padded Case, XT8 Reflector Tube Assembly
Orion Variable Polarizing Filter, 1.25"
NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
Orion Basic Set of Four Color Filters, 1.25"
Orion Moon Filter, 13% Transmission, 1.25"

Product 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
Includes two eyepieces, finder scope, collimation cap, and FREE TheSky astronomy software
One-year limited warranty

ASIN: B00018WIDI

Product Description

Our classic XT8 isn't just great bang for the buck, it's a veritable explosion of telescope value. It combines powerful parabolic optics with the ultimate in mechanical stability. In it's May 2003 issue, Astronomy magazine said, "For the deep-sky observer, this powerful scope is the way to go." The SkyQuest XT8 features an 8" parabolic primary mirror of 1200mm focal length (f/5.9) that will tease out detail in nebulas, resolve stars in globular clusters, and reveal subtle structure in galaxies. The enameled steel optical tube sports a 2" aluminum rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. The tube moves effortlessly on Teflon/UHMW bearings for point-and-view simplicity. Comes complete with navigation knob, 6x30 finder scope, two Sirius Plossl eyepieces, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and hard dust cap. One-year limited warranty.

Amazon.com Review

The Orion XT series (available in 4.5", 6", 8", and 10") includes some of my favorite entry-level telescopes, and I recommend this one, the 8", most of all. It's well-made, has very good optics, is relatively cheap, isn't too big or too small, and has a nice look. It features an 8" mirror that gathers enough light to do serious work. The mount is a simple alt-az ("altitude-azimuth," a fancy term that simply means "up-down-left-right") design. There is no automated tracking mechanism. When the object in your field of view starts to go out of sight, you simply push to scope along to re-center it. This may sound inconvenient, but the axes are very smooth and responsive to the touch. To maintain tension, the altitude axis ("up-down") uses an innovative spring system. The springs also allow one hardy and ambitious individual to pick up and move it with one hand (the scope weighs 42 lbs.)

A 6X30 finder scope is included to help you get oriented, as well as two eyepieces: a 25 mm Plossl (49X) and a 10 mm Plossl (121X). While these eyepieces are of decent quality, the dedicated observer will eventually want to upgrade to better eyepieces like one of Orion's own Ultrascopics. Regardless of eyepiece though, this scope will let you easily see Saturn's rings (this is something you do not want to miss, trust me), Jupiter and its four moons, dozens of named craters on the moon, and hundreds of star clusters, galaxies (wait until you see the Andromeda Galaxy) and nebulae. It'll keep you busy for years.

Yes, you could go to the mall and get one of those cheap little computer-controlled gizmo telescopes. The problem is, those cute little scopes won't do any one thing well, and they don't gather enough light (the XT8's 8" mirror gathers eight to ten times as much light as those little 2"-3" scopes). If you've got a new-found interest in astronomy and want an entry-level telescope, you need look no further--although I should also point out that Orion has an excellent upgraded version of the scope called the "Intelliscope" which features the ability to locate thousands of objects by hand using a separately sold paddle-style controller. And if you can't swing the price of the XT8 Intelliscope, I recommend the slightly smaller XT6, which is also a great deal for the price. --Ed Ting

Pros

Great scope for the price
At 8", the mirror is big enough to do serious work
Includes two perfectly serviceable eyepieces
Easy re-centering of objects
Enough viewing power to keep you occupied for years

Cons

No automated tracking mechanism
The serious sky watcher may need to eventually upgrade to a better eyepiece
A not very portable 42 pounds

Customer Reviews:

The ideal amateur telescope.......2007-01-07

Good price, good scope........2006-07-18

If you've never bought a telescope before - this is my recommendation. We researched for months before we purchased and this has been everything we dreamed of. Dobsonian mounts are much easier to use than equitorial - for the beginner. However, if you're going to get really serious in the future, note that Dobsonians aren't as precise, and on hot, humid nights, one wrong move and you're 20 million light-years away from where you wanted to be. Equitorial gives you more versatility, particularly at high magnification and for moving objects. Orion builds a good, durable scope with nice mirrors that have really good detail unless you start pushing the upper limits on this. Weight and light-capture are a tradeoff. If you want to see more, you're going to carry more. This is not a small scope - it's about 4 feet tall and a bit heavy. I wouldn't let a child much under 13 carry it around. Despite what you may read, the stand does allow you to put the scope about anywhere you want. The limitation is that folks should stand still or the ground vibrations can make it difficult to see deep-sky options. The software included for finding stars and objects is almost as much fun as the scope itself. It doesn't have the night-view option, but that's available with an upgrade.

Astounding!.......2006-03-08

Orion delivered on all they promised. I have enjoyed many nights of wonder and entertainment for myself and my family. This easy to use Telescope (XT8) is an excellent choice for a beginner. The simple design and easy set-up allowed me to begin my astronomy adventure the day my telescope arrived.

My interest in telescopes began with a Meade telescope purchased from a wharehouse. The frustrating instructions, total lack of customer support from Meade ( I waited over an hour, long distance, before a voice message informed me of an 800 number ) and missing parts prompted me to return it. On line research lead me to Orion and the rest has been nothing but enjoyment of the heavens.

You get a lot of bang for your buck! Saturn and Orion are awesome. I am planning ahead and have marked my calendar for the next available view of Jupiter. Orion's web-site continues to provide excellent useful information that is helping me to develop a wonderful hobby.

Amazon's buying power shaved a few days of my wait while this model was on backorder from the manufacturer.

Great telescope.......2006-02-25

I am very impressed by this telescope so far, although I haven't spent a lot of time looking at anything beyond a few planets and the moon. The views of Saturn are incredible. I can't believe how well I can make out the rings.

The only negatives of this telescope are the size and weight. It is a pain dragging it out of the garage each night.

Great Tele.......2005-12-13

I have been exploring telescopes for me, and I want a good sized aperture with good resolution, all around good. This tele is amazing!

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Plus 3 Free Accessories

Average customer rating:

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Plus 3 Free Accessories

Manufacturer: ORION
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Telescopes | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Orion Padded Case, XT8 Reflector Tube Assembly
Orion Solar Filter for SkyQuest XT8, SkyView Pro 8
Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
Orion AccuFocus Electronic Focuser
Orion Cooling Accelerator Fan for Large Reflectors

Product Features:

Plus three FREE accessories - a DeepMap star chart, a 1.25" moon filter, and a Lasermate Collimator
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
Includes two eyepieces, finder scope, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
One-year limited warranty

ASIN: B000HR18M0

Product Description

Our classic XT8 isn't just great bang for the buck, it's a veritable explosion of telescope value. It combines powerful parabolic optics with the ultimate in mechanical stability. And now, for a limited time, buy the SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian, and receive three free accessories (a DeepMap Folding Star Chart, a 1.25" moon filter, and our Lasermate Collimator) at no additional charge! The SkyQuest XT8 features an 8" parabolic primary mirror that will tease out detail in nebulas, resolve stars in globular clusters, and reveal subtle structure in galaxies. The enameled steel optical tube sports a 2" aluminum rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. The tube moves effortlessly on Teflon/UHMW bearings for point-and-view simplicity. Comes complete with navigation knob, 6x30 finder scope, two 1.25" Sirius Plossl eyepieces, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and hard dust cap.

Electronics:

Electronics