Description
Embark on a celestial journey with the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit, a remarkable instrument that marries the simplicity of design with sophisticated functionality. This telescope kit is not just an optical device; it’s a gateway to the cosmos, designed for stargazers who demand quality and ease of use.
Optical Excellence: At the heart of the XT8 lies an 8-inch (203mm) diameter parabolic primary mirror, which captures 78% more light than a 6-inch mirror. This significant increase in light grasp allows you to discern dust lanes in nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular star clusters, and reveal subtle structures in faint galaxies. The mirror is center-marked at the factory for precise collimation and mounted in a cast-aluminum support cell that ensures maximum ventilation, keeping your views sharp and clear.
Ease of Use: The SkyQuest XT8 is designed for ease, with a point-and-view style that eliminates the need for counterweights, gears, clutches, or polar alignment. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, you’ll find the XT8’s setup to be straightforward and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the experience of observing rather than the intricacies of equipment.
Stable and Smooth: A sturdy Dobsonian base supports the telescope, providing a vibration-free viewing experience even at high powers. It features smooth manual tracking of celestial objects, making it a breeze to follow the night sky’s wonders as they march across the heavens.
Accessories Galore: The XT8 comes with an array of accessories to enhance your stargazing sessions. A precision 2″ Crayford focuser with a 1.25″ adapter accommodates a wide range of eyepieces. The included 25mm Plossl eyepiece offers 49x magnification, and the Orion Shorty 2x Barlow lens doubles that power. You’ll also receive Orion’s MoonMap 260, DeepMap 600, and a Telescope Observer’s Guide to help you navigate the night sky. A RedBeam Mini flashlight and a smartphone photo adapter are also included, allowing you to take pictures through the telescope’s eyepiece.
Astronomical Adventure: With the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit, the universe is at your fingertips. From the craters of the Moon to the rings of Saturn, this telescope brings the mysteries of space closer to home. It’s an investment in countless nights filled with wonder, a companion for your journey among the stars.
Whether you’re observing from your backyard or a dark sky site, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit is your ticket to exploring the vastness of space, offering an immersive experience that will captivate you and your family for years to come.
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit Specifications:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Best for viewing | Lunar & planetary |
User level | Beginner |
Optical design | Reflector |
Front-end outside tube diameter | 10.15 in. |
Optical diameter | 205mm |
Focal length | 1219mm |
Focal ratio | f/5.9 |
Optics type | Parabolic |
Glass material | Soda-lime plate |
Eyepieces | Plossl 25.0mm (1.25″) |
Magnification with included eyepieces | 49x |
Resolving power | 0.56 arc*sec |
Lowest useful magnification | 29x |
Highest useful magnification | 300x |
Highest theoretical magnification | 300x |
Limiting stellar magnitude | 14.0 |
Optical quality | Diffraction limited |
Finder scope | Reflex sight |
Focuser | 2″ Crayford |
Secondary mirror obstruction | 46mm |
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter | 22% |
Secondary mirror obstruction by area | 5% |
Mirror coatings/over-coatings | Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide |
Mount type | Dobsonian |
Astro-imaging capability | Simple moon shots |
Computerized compatibility | Not compatible |
Bearing material | PTFE and UHMW bearings |
Tube material | Steel |
Tripod material | Wood |
Length of optical tube | 45.5 in. |
Weight, optical tube | 19.6 lbs. |
Weight, mount/tripod | 18.7 lbs. |
Weight, fully assembled | 39.1 lbs. |
Focuser height at zenith | 45 in. |
Additional included accessories | Shorty 2x Barlow, MoonMap 260, DeepMap 600, RedBeam Mini LED flashlight, Observer’s Guide, Smartphone photo adapter |
Other features | CorrecTension tube balance system, Carry handle on base, Center mark on primary mirror for collimation |
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