SkyQuest Orion XT8 Review:

Orion XT8 classic telescope isn’t just great bang for the buck, Orion XT8 classic telescope combines powerful parabolic optics with the ultimate in mechanical stability. The Orion XT8 SkyQuest classic telescope 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, 6×30 finder scope, two 1.25″ Sirius Plossl eyepieces, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and hard dust cap.

The Orion XT8 classic telescope (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. Orion XT8 classic telescope 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 Orion XT8 classic telescope’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 Orion XT8 classic telescope Intelliscope, I recommend the slightly smaller XT6, which is also a great deal for the price.

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

Orion XT8 User Said:

Orion delivered on all they promised. I have enjoyed many nights of wonder and entertainment for myself and my family. This easy to use Orion XT8 classic telescope 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.
—– By Jon J. Gordon

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