Easy Astronomy Blog

Orion Skyquest XT8

Here is a great telescope, the Orion Skyquest XT8.

For those of you with a modest budget, it is an excellent choice. At a price tag of around $330 for the regular XT8 you get a formidable tool. If you didn’t already know, the Skyquest series of  Orion telescope is already legendary. The XT8 uses the same Dobsonian design as the original Intelliscope. The XT8i adds an optional computerized object location system that lets you easily point the scope to any of the more than 14,000 objects in the included celestial database. Nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and planets are easy targets for the XT8i.

The XT8 consists of a 44.5-inch enameled steel tube that contains a 203mm (8-inch) primary mirror. Two eyepieces are included; the XT8 also accepts 2-inch eyepieces. A 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with rack-and-pinion system provides focusing. A 9×50 power finder scope is included for manual object location.

Moving the scope to the observing location is relatively easy, given that a large handle is mounted on the back of the rocker box. However, the placement of the handle is below the center of gravity. The tube wants to swing upwards when you try to pick it up. You can solve this problem by positioning a web belt around the base and tube while it is ‘in transit’. You can also install a retrofit for smoother azimuth movements. This modification consists of the addition of six ‘milk jug washers’ on the central bolt between the upper and lower baseplates.

The tube is constructed of rolled metal with a black enamel finish. It is painted flat black on the inside. The end caps are cast aluminum, making for a very nice looking product. The tube has what Orion calls a navigation knob at the top. It is quite convenient for positioning the scope, especially when tracking a planet. The dust cap (included) fits snugly atop the tube and a shower cap keeps dust out.

The XT8i includes a computerized system that uses a set of guide arrows that show you which direction to move the scope to quickly center an object. Once the object is centered, you must move the scope by hand to keep the object centered.

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Intelliscope is a good first telescope for individuals who are new to astronomy, and an ideal choice for experienced users who want a scope that is sizable yet easily portable.

This telescope is available for purchase at Telescope.com.

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