Explore The Night Skies With The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Review

I wanted to get a good "bang for my buck" starter scope, and I kept seeing the XT8 and I've read the reviews of it and was impressed so I bought it. The Telescope Arrived around a week later and I carried it inside, I noticed there was a big hole in the box, that's not good so I snapped some pictures of the box and took the telescope out, there was a giant dent in it, oh boy I thought. I snapped some pictures of the dent as well and figured I might as well try it before I contact customer…

I have always been interested in astronomy since I was young and my parents bought me one of those department store scopes. It was pretty horrible, couldn't even make out the moon. Recently I have regained interest and after doing several days of research, all the sources pointed to this scope. I live in Northern Las Vegas so light pollution, smog, and the hot air currents degrade visibility a lot. I was hesitant but an hour drive will get you to the middle of the desert where it is pitch…

Ordered this, a 13% moon filter, and 3x barlow. Took longer to unpack and take inventory of the parts than it did to put it together. Easy instructions and certainly well protected for shipping. Mount is easy to swing but not easy enough to get free wheeling.Main mirror needed slight adjustment which took about 2 minutes to fix. Alignment with spotting scope was equally as easy. Overall, did not have any problems or any issues that weren't easily addressed by the instructions.Did my first test…

I have played the research game for months before finally deciding on this as my first scope. I started with a planisphere and my own two eyes, learning constellations. My next step was to use binoculars to start getting a better glimpse of the sky. I was hooked and knew that I was ready to spend money on a scope that I would use over and over again. That's important, make sure you are really hooked in this pastime before spending money on

I can tell you this telescope is great. assembly was easy and parts were prefabbed to excellent quality standards. the finder works okay but I would like a 90 degree viewer finder so I dont have to bend down and stick my head to the scope. Know that you are not done spending money! Look up eyepiece prices they are ASTRONOMICAL! I bought used and new ones on eBay for a reasonable prices $25-$50 each for cheapest ones you will at least want to buy a 15 mm and a 40 mm and a 2x Barlow eyepiece…

Hello,Everything arrived in excellent condition and putting the base together was very easy using the youtube videos; Last night was cloudy at first and then it cleared up around 1am, beautiful views of the moon and later on I got my first glimpse of Jupiter, had to wake the wife up for that one. Have I mentioned how this thing looks like a canon or rocket launcher?so I researched for a couple of weeks before buying; I bought the following accessories:1)Telrad and 4 inch riser held on with…

This is a great telescope for newer telescope users. I bought this to upgrade from a Meade 4.5 telescope and I'm very impressed with the quality. I also bought an Orion eye piece kit that has five lenses, a 2x barlow, and color filters and I've been able to view our moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus (recommend a filter due to the brightness), and dozens of Messier objects that I've never seen before. I attached some photos, but they aren't as clear as they really appear in the lense as I was…

I did a lot of research into which telescope to get. I own one by Coleman wich was decent but it did not give me the views of the planets like I wanted regardless of lens piece. This one however has not disapointed me! I can see the rings around Saturn easily! The finder scope helps you find the planets and stars dead on! I am very happy with purchasing this telescope. The only thing I will say is that it is heavy and not ideal for moving around your yard. I have a lot of trees so I tend to…

Bought this for my daughter's 8th birthday as she has shown a big interest in space.I ordered it on November 7th and it was delivered on the 8th. Excellent!Assembly is required (of the base, not the scope) and it took about an hour to put it all together from opening the box to ready to use.It is a bit heavy and takes up space. Do not buy this if you have limited space for storage or if you will constantly have to drive somewhere to use it. I have ample storage room and only need to carry it…

This telescope is awesome. However, I wish it came with a better finder scope. The one provided is a cheap plastic red dot sight. I will be ordering a better finder scope. Other than that I highly recommend this scope. My first night out I could see jupiter and it's moons very well. I could make out the cloud bands and red spot as well. I cannot wait to see the moon and Saturn.

For the price, its a steal! Got it for my 8 y/o and myself. I know its a Dobsonian base, but wouldn't it be great if there be an upgrade to motorize the mount? The fun part in amateur Astronomy is "hunting" down those gems up there (aka star hopping), thats why we didnt opt for the GoTo systems. My son spots the initial star with the reflex sight, saves my back and neck. We're waiting for our Telrad to arrive next week. A lot of times its frustrating but once you find the target its a…

This is my first telescope and it’s been very impressive so far.I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great telescope at a very affordable price