cruzeiro1's Full Review: Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian (480 x 203mm) Telesco...
A few years back, Sky & Telescope magazine compared all the major models of 8" dobsonian telescopes and the Orion SkyQuest XT8 was the hands-down winner. I had been in the market for a new telescope and had considered getting the Meade 8". After the review, I decided on the Orion. I have not been disappointed. It arrived in two boxes, one with the tube and one with the unassembled base. I set it up and waited for night to fall. Until this time, I had been using a Meade 4.5" reflector for my night-time viewing. After letting the scope cool down to ambient temperature, I plopped in an eyepiece and aligned the finder scope to a distant light on top of a radio antenna. I turned the scope towards M13 and I actually gasped when I saw what the Orion could do for me. The scope was so easy to move on the teflon pads yet the Correct-Tension spring system held it in place once I had it where I wanted it. The focuser was a dream come true! It was much easier to attain a sharp focus with the Orion than it had been with the Meade. I turned it towards some double stars (Albireo being my favorite) and the fun began! After a few hours and several deep-sky objects later, I took the scope inside and wrote in my observing journal that I loved my XT8!!!
The only drawback to the scope is obviously it's size. It's a large, heavy telescope. But when you get aperture fever and invest in a light-bucket, you can only expect that it's going to be cumbersome. However, that's the price you pay for breathtaking views of the solar system and beyond.
Because of the size, I wouldn't recommend this telescope to a beginner. They'll get frustrated (as we all do) and realize it's easier to watch TV than lug the scope outside. Seasoned veterans know better and this scope will provide enjoyment for years to come.
I'm a member of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society and I've used this scope for some afocal astrophotography. To see some of my pictures, direct your browser to: http://planet.state.ut.us/slas/brandonn/brandonn.html
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