Review on Explore The Night Skies With The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope by Darin Brooks

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 into the backyard, but I don't think I'd want to use it if I had to constantly pack it in the car to use it. As for carrying it, it's not too bad, but I lift weights and it may be a bit easier for me than most. My 8 year old definitely would not be able to carry it out herself.Luckily, November 8th was a clear night and by the time I assembled it, made the necessary adjustments, and let it sit outside to acclimate to the cool temp, the moon was not out. So we were able to see the bands of Jupiter and the four Galilean Moons and it was very exciting for both of us. We also checked out the Orion Nebula. My daughter was absolutely hooked from the beginning.I am very happy with the product and I feel it is a good investment for a young aspiring astronomer. WE both look forward to many nights spent learning the night sky (and days checking out the sun when I buy an appropriate filter).Also, let me add. I have never owned a telescope or even used one before setting this one up. So if I can do it, anyone can.