![]() When you’re actually using it, you choose the apparent size of an object by combining it with eyepieces of different focal lengths. It’s also blue instead of black and, unsurprisingly, costs a little more.Īny telescope’s maximum useful magnification is mainly determined by its aperture size. The Plus version of each has a bracket for spare eyepieces on the stand and a couple of extra accessories, weighs somewhat less, and doesn’t require a screwdriver for collimation. While we’re mainly talking about Orion’s classic and well-loved SkyQuest XT range of telescopes here, we should also mention that an updated design is now available. What it sacrifices to achieve this is compactness: measuring about 50 inches from head to toe, this isn’t a telescope you can easily sling into a car’s trunk. In other words, this kind of telescope is as elementary as can be and, in a striking example of the KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly) principle, actually outperforms many more costly scopes. Instead of a tripod, the resultant over-sized tube is set on the tried-and-tested Dobsonian mount – a simple hinge on a rotating base, with very few mechanical parts. With the SkyQuest XT, a simple Newtonian reflector layout was chosen over a “light-folding” catadioptric design (most telescopes that are called reflectors are really catadioptrics and use a combination of both lenses and mirrors). ![]() Even a fantastic scope will be a disappointment to use if it’s on an inferior mount.įor both mount and tube, simplicity is sometimes the best policy. When you can’t see the night sky as clearly as you need to find objects, let push-to help you out.OptCorp The Orion SkyQuest XT Range: Superb in All Ways Except Oneĭesigning and manufacturing a telescope with a wide aperture and good optical performance is difficult enough, but it turns out that this is only half the battle. It’s also an excellent telescope for those who are viewing from light polluted areas not only because of its large 203 mm aperture but also because of its push-to. Even though the Intelliscope is telling you where to point, not all the hard work is done for you as you still need to slew, so you will be able to learn more than a thing or two on your own. If you don’t know the night sky, are tired of star hopping, don’t want to pull out the charts, or you can’t see the stars you need to star hop, you’ll need assisted tech. Why pay more for this tech? It’s cheaper than GoTo, and on a Dobsonian mount, you have guaranteed mount stability for excellent viewing. That is a nice feature to have since you can use the scope with or without the Intelliscope – not all GoTos allow this type of capability. You must manually move the scope in place. The display will provide directional arrows to tell you how to move your scope into position to see the desired object. You can try your hand at seeking out any of the 14,000+ objects within its database and the XT8i is very accurate. What is the Intelliscope computerized system? It’s the computer-assisted tech in the form of a hand controller that provides an object database, coordinates, digital setting circles, and more. No more lugging along a deep cycle battery – the XT8i doesn’t need it. The locating accuracy of the Intelliscope is impressive, and with its navigation knob, slewing up/down, left/right is easy to get the tube in position. ![]() You can crank up the magnification up to a usable 300x to see the separation of individual stars – just check out M92! Another good example of a clean split is the Double Double – attach a Barlow and see how neat they twinkle at over 200x magnification. Its optical quality is excellent as you home in globular clusters. ![]() More lunar and planetary detail is brought into sight, contrast and resolution allows for clearer and better-quality views, and with computer assistance, you’ll be able to find objects you couldn’t find alone. It’s 203 mm (8”) aperture gathers a ton of light that brings out faint objects that would otherwise be invisible in a smaller scope. The SkyQuest XT8i is such a reliable and high-performing telescope that it is easily many an owner’s primary scope for everything from planets to double stars, clusters, nebulae, and more.
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