Reddit Reddit reviews Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

We found 42 Reddit comments about Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separatelyA large aperture Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope at a very affordable price!8" diameter reflector optics lets you view the Moon and planets in close up detail, and has enough light grasp to pull in pleasing views of faint nebulas, galaxies and star clustersA perfect Dobsonian telescope that can last a lifetime for the beginning astronomy enthusiast or whole familyThe ultra-stable Dobsonian base keeps the reflector optical tube perfectly balanced for point-and-view ease of useIncludes a 2" Crayford focuser that accepts 1.25" and 2" telescope eyepieces, a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, Starry Night software, and more!
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42 Reddit comments about Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope:

u/heliosxx · 13 pointsr/BuyItForLife

I've made two recommendations before. I am not an astronomer, amateur or pro. I have been interested and have found some information about it, that's where these come from.
First order of business. Bigger hole is better. Always. Get the biggest diameter scope you can get. With that in mind these two have been suggested as great starters:
The Astroscan a good review from Dan's Data. It used to be cheaper, and normally was recommended before the next one, but now they're pretty close in price, but that one is still smaller and more portable.
The Orion Dobsonian XT8 Though really any 8" telescope would be good, but at 350$ for a well reviewed major name brand one is very nice.
Oh, and two more things, 1. get a book from somewhere. It's really important to know what's worth looking at, when and where. 2. find and speak with an astronomy club. They often have viewing events where you go and look through their setup scopes. That'll get you recommendations, perhaps second hand eq, and at the very least an idea of what you're getting into.
Edit: Wow, thanks generous stranger!

u/KuloDiamond · 9 pointsr/space
u/yopeasants · 7 pointsr/space

Firstly, I don't recommend getting a telescope in that price range with photography in mind. You will be sorely disappointed-- to begin getting respectable photographs, it requires several thousand in equipment. There's nothing stopping you from just holding your phone up to the eyepiece and snapping a photo, but the results aren't going to be anything spectacular unless you're willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money.

That being said, the Orion Dobsonians are fantastic telescopes available at that price point. With your budget, you could get the Orion XT8 for $390 and still have some money left over for a Sun filter. It would get you amazing views of the Moon and planets (along with some nebulae and galaxies depending on light pollution).

u/Zaemz · 6 pointsr/Astronomy

To be entirely honest with you, you should go for a light bucket. If you don't mind paying juuuuust a bit extra, I would go with an 8" Dobsonian. I've read in multiple places that it's the best bang for buck. You should start out, as heptapod said, with just a pair of binoculars and learn the sky. You can find many sky maps online and if you subscribe to Astronomy magazine, they supply you with a good amount. You can find an 8" Dob on Amazon from Orion for $329, which is a great deal. The larger the diameter of the telescope, the more light you'll be able to gather from the cosmos. There's many different things to check out when grabbing a telescope.

Check it: http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1266821888&sr=1-1

Look throughout some guides: http://findascope.com/
and others. I'm saving up for a 12" Dob. I'm also joining the local Astronomy club at the museum (The Neville Museum's Astronomical Society) which isn't a bad idea and you should look into as well. Good luck, and congrats on getting into an amazing field!

u/Grays42 · 5 pointsr/Astronomy

Get an 8" classic dobsonian from any major manufacturer. I'd recommend this one.

A few reasons:

  • You can start seeing many DSOs at 6"-8", although you'll be mostly restricted to the Messier list. Most of the 12th magnitude or higher galaxies will be out of reach except in extremely dark skies, but there's a ton of other objects to see at 8".

  • A classic dob (no electronics) is fun, and teaches you how to star hop. Finding an object is as much of the hobby as viewing it, and digital setting circles or GOTO functionality ruins half of the hobby. You can do the automated stuff later when you're more familiar with the sky.

  • 8" is about the point where aperture-to-value peaks for most manufacturers, and it's a very manageable size. (Can easily fit into the back seat of a car.)

    More questions can be directed to the "beginners" guides over at the side-bar, under "Looking for your first telescope?". A lot of us are biased toward dobs because of the value and ease of use. If you want to go for a tripod refractor, that's fine, but in my opinion you won't get much out of them other than planets, the moon, and some star clusters or globulars. Aperture is cheap for dobs.

    If an 8" dob is out of reach in price, get a mini-dob or a good pair of binoculars. Don't get a Walmart telescope, those are garbage.
u/Broan13 · 5 pointsr/askscience

for 350 bucks you can get an 8 inch dobsonian (very easy to use and to take with you places.)

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/tags-on-product/B001DDW9V6

u/matthewrozon · 4 pointsr/telescopes

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6

This seems to be the starting point for a lot of people. simple to use, lots of room to upgrade, decent sized aperture. It's what I have and it gets my vote

u/schorhr · 3 pointsr/telescopes

Hello & this :-)

The 5" table tops are neat entry level telescopes that already show a lot. Especially the AWB Onesky is very portable due to it's collapsible design. It has a few quirks, but nothing that can't be dealt with. The Mini 130 and z130 have contrast benefits due to the closed tube and secondary mirror holder.

There's also the xt4.5, at least for it's "2nd"/used/refurbished price (link) it's an alternative (a bit less aperture but benefits due to the aperture ratio -> smaller obstruction, easier to reach higher magnification, not as low to the ground...).

For $300-$305 you can get a 6" dobsonian, which has less compromises (the long focal length results in a "relaxed" aperture ratio of f/8 -> smaller obstruction, no visible coma, easier to make good mirrrors). The XT6 was available as refurbished/used/"2nd" for $225 once in a while.

I just checked Amazon, and while it's recommended to buy from a telescope store, there are some warehouse-deals (shipping returns, used returns...).

Sky-Watcher 8" for $266!

xt8 for $350

6" for $230!


 

4


It depends on the size you had in mind (4). See the Size links.

3


A dobsonian will be the more sturdy choice. Most sets in this price-range are on a mount/tripod that's a bit too weak, as the next more rigid one would increase the set's price drastically. Focusing and tracking can be tedious.

2


What to expect in different telescope aperture sizes

5


The 8" is the best bang for the buck. Under dark skies, it can show the spiral structure of galaxies and details in nebulae otherwise invisible in smaller telescope. It somewhat fits into the average car (back-seat...) and can be carried by one person short-distance.

 

> eyepieces

Most telescopes come with very basic accessories. One or two eyepieces would help him get the most out of his telescope. The choice of eyepieces strongly depends on the telescope you choose. Don't get an eyepiece kit (overpriced, mediocre at best).

For the 130mm table-tops, a 3.2 or 4mm HR Planetary ($35 china, $50 US) or at least a "Barlow" that doubles magnification is required to observe the planets due to the telescope's short focal length.

For the 6" or 8" dobsonian a 6mm "gold-line" is nice and cheap ($18 Aliexpress, $25 ebay, $35 @ Amazon, e.g. "gosky").


130mm telescope and magnification

130mm and maximum magnification, barlows

6" dobsonian vs 5" dobsonian


 

A telescope can be a great gift, but it's also difficult to meet the expectations of someone else. A visit to an astronomy club or stargazing party is always a good idea - before buying anything ;-) Perhaps as gift with a "1 telescope" coupon ;-)

Does he have binoculars by the way?


Clear skies!

u/der_physik · 3 pointsr/askastronomy

I've owned about a dozen telescopes and the best beginner telescope is by far the Orion skyquest, 8 inch. You can find them used on craigslist for half the price. https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491667181&sr=8-1&keywords=orion+skyquest+xt8

u/HenryV1598 · 3 pointsr/telescopes

Did you read the note at the top? (https://www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/2f0goy/for_anyone_posting_what_telescope_should_i_get/)

Personal opinion: in this range you should be able to find an 8" Dobsonian telescope like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464104931&sr=8-1&keywords=dobsonian+telescope

It comes with a couple basic eyepieces. And maybe a gift membership to a local astronomy club. Where are you located?

u/rhennigan · 2 pointsr/Astronomy

According to the OP this was taken with an XT8, which is a very modestly priced telescope: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DDW9V6/

u/boogiemantm · 2 pointsr/Astronomy

Dobsonian is a type of mount - which is of the style: Alt-azimuth opposed to the other popular style: Equatorial
You can read about the differences here: http://science.howstuffworks.com/telescope5.htm

In short, Dobsonian style mounts are designed to be stable and easy to use but they're not ideal for long term tracking of objects in the sky for the use in say astrophotography. I would recommend this type for a beginner just because I find it easier to understand and use. It is also one of the cheaper solutions. Most Equatorial style mounts with a good telescope will cost you a good deal more than $300.

As for the 6" mirror. It's really quite simple. The bigger the mirror, the more light it collects and the better the image will be. Besides overall quality of the telescope, location, pollution, etc.. bigger is ALWAYS better. 6" is a good starting point. the XT8 (8" version) of the same maker is also a good choice, but would cost you a bit more than $300 - coming in at around $350 + accessories / shipping.

Take a look at these pictures: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B001DDW9V6/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1

Taken from a XT8. they will give you an idea of what you'll be able to see with these telescopes.

u/acangiano · 2 pointsr/Astronomy

> I am looking for a really good telescope that is between 100 to 150 dollars...200 would be pushing it. Does anyone have any good recommendations?

There is no "really good" telescope within your budget. An 8" Dobsonian would be ideal but it costs $330. Stretching your budget a little you could get a 4.5" one for $230.

u/russell_m · 2 pointsr/askastronomy

If you feel like reading on your own, over at /r/astrophotography we have a pretty comprehensive Wiki geared toward helping you figure out which scope works for you. Keep in mind though it's with imaging in mind and not just basic observing.

Orion is a quality manufacturer, their gear is used pretty widely across the board with amateurs and enthusiasts for observation and astrophotography.

The first thing you need to do is have real expectations, all the cool space shots you see are always done with long exposures, usually stacked. This means that your camera sensor is opened up to accept a a lot of photons over a longer period of time, the resulting image ends up in way more detail and contrast than you would get with just viewing through the eyepiece. If you scroll down toward the bottom of this you'll see some comparisons of what you can expect to see.

If you don't plan on imaging, you essentially want the largest aperture scope you can afford, this will be a reflector like the one you linked. However I would look for a Dobsonian mount instead of a equatorial (tripod mount). You can get an 8" Reflector for just about $400. But this is a big footprint scope, heavier and not totally easy to tote around frequently. This is kind of a catch-22 because the way you will get the most out of this scope is to bring it to the darkest area possible, up into the mountains like you mentioned would be ideal.

A couple good examples would be either M31 (Andromeda) or M42 (Orion Nebula) both large and fairly distinct objects, M42 is actually the closest Nebula to us and that's one of the reasons it's so widely photographed and viewed. Andromeda with a 8' Reflector at a dark site would yield you something like this. On the other hand, an image from user /u/kindark with a less powerful scope but multiple stacked exposures was able to produce this. The former is more what you can expect to actually see.

u/Millertime19420 · 2 pointsr/telescope

Well depending on how much they want for that telescope, you won’t want for much - it’s a nice piece of equipment with good clarity/contrast and intense magnification capabilities; your planetary view will be insane with the right eye pieces. If the other sub you’re referring to is r/astrophotography, they’re probably right - I haven’t looked too deep into AP on their level quite yet.

That being said, you don’t need an incredibly expensive telescope to get started, and astrophotography can be done on many levels. If you want to be able look at the Orion Nebula, but maybe be able to photograph Jupiter with a cell phone mounted to the eyepiece (after enjoying laying your own eyes on it, of course), this can be done for much less.

Hope this helps; reflectors are “cheap” (because they’re easy to make), if you aren’t sure about spending that much money to start out I definitely recommend going that route - either a dobsonian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xf5wCbC5CSXBS

Or if you’d rather the computerized “GoTo” scene (which requires calibration by “marking” 2 or 3 stars in the sky so the scope knows where you are): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZY9KOTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0i5wCb6HWP53C

Both of those were just examples, obviously you can spend what you want on what you will. I don’t disagree with other people on buying “anywhere but amazon”, but I can’t be a hypocrite ;I got my $100 special (celestron astromaster 70AZ refractor... which I love lol) on amazon and it’s great for searching what’s out there. Unfortunately they also tend to have the best price.

u/vlmodcon · 2 pointsr/reddit.com

I would say the best way to start in observing is to buy a simple Dobsonian telescope and a couple of Star catalogues. What you're looking for is the ability to gather a lot of light, not necesarilly magnification. Something like this will reveal many, many things:

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310480268&sr=8-1

Once you learn, and find you really enjoy it, then you might look at more expensive scopes or astrophotography. But the first fun...and it is fun, is to simply use your own eyes and hands to control a simple scope that gathers a lot of light. Good luck. If you have other questions please write me.

u/ieGod · 2 pointsr/space

Personally I'd get a dobsonian; more bang for your buck, but equatorial tracking can be pretty expensive with them. Without modifications though, you could get a sweet 8" scope for not very much.

u/themarinebiologist · 2 pointsr/Astronomy

Thanks for posting back. Is this the telescope that you were talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6

Anything you can tell me about it would be helpful. My dad has wanted a telescope for years and I really want to find the perfect one. Thanks!

u/The_Dead_See · 2 pointsr/Astronomy

Imo, save up another $100 so you're in the $400 range and get an 8" dobsonian such as the Zhumell Z8, Orion Xt8, or Skywatcher 8.

Then you've got a big aperture scope in the dob that will show you some deep sky targets and clearer brighter views of the planets etc. and you can turn your 70mm EQ into your portable grab n go scope.

The next investment would be in better eyepieces, but the good news is any 1.25" eyepieces you buy will fit in both your old and new scopes.

u/I_love_aminals · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I actually was just saying that I need a new wallet because mine is falling apart! I would love the normal sized wallet.

A telescope of course!

How were you able to volunteer in Thailand? I got into Peace Corps. So I wanted to know how other people's experiences volunteering abroad are.

u/holyshiznoly · 1 pointr/Astronomy

Okay gonna [order the XT8].(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DDW9V6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

And this as advised by another redditor, anything else I need besides maybe a case?

u/Tomallama · 1 pointr/Astronomy

I've heard from a lot of other people as well to start with an 8". I think I'll take everyones advice on that I saw one like the 10" you sent me, but an 8" instead.

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-XT8-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369432158&sr=1-1&keywords=orion+skyquest+xt8

Also, for $30 more they have this option which to me sounds like it might be worth it?

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope-Beginner/dp/B003ZDEUS2/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369432158&sr=1-2&keywords=orion+skyquest+xt8

It seems like it's cheap enough to do what I want and I still have leftover money to get some accessories with it. Filters and such? I'm not sure of everything that I would need.

u/SwiglordGreg · 1 pointr/spaceporn

This is taken from my Samsung Galaxy S6 camera through an [Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope] (https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6)

u/Cannon190 · 1 pointr/telescopes

Is orion xt8 similar to z8?
The prices are almost identical.

u/LtChestnut · 1 pointr/telescopes

None of those are Dobsonians. Dobsonians are relfectors (Which is what they are) and a Dobsonian mount. Many people recommend the XT8. I personally have the skywatcher 6 inch dob
https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6

u/tripped144 · 1 pointr/telescopes

XT8

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=D6DJI7P4OQ1D&keywords=xt8+telescope&qid=1575050736&sprefix=xt8+tel%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3

Here's the XT8 plus (come's with better focuser and some extra things.

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07KWKKN5C/ref=sr_1_4?crid=D6DJI7P4OQ1D&keywords=xt8+telescope&qid=1575050736&sprefix=xt8+tel%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-4

This is the Apertura AD8. It's pretty much the most recommended if you can afford it. It's the right size between being able to handle/portability (it's still huge though) and being able to see things. It's the one I wound up getting for my son/me. It comes with all the bells and whistles except some upgraded eyepieces, which you should get with any telescope you buy. I didn't want to put myself in the position of every time I pull out my telescope I would think "What if I had gotten the AD8..."

https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-ad8-8inch-dobsonian-telescope-ad8

If you get the 6" in a light-polluted area, you'll wonder "What would this look like under some really dark skies??" If you get the 6" in a really dark sky area, you'll wonder "what would this look like with an 8"??"

u/styliek · 1 pointr/telescopes

Hi,

So I have been convinced not to go for the motorized telescope(as much as I like little motors going purr)

This has been recommended

http://www.amazon.co.uk/WATCHER-SKYLINER-PARABOLIC-DOBSONIAN-TELESCOPE/dp/B00B0GV1N8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449523596&sr=8-2&keywords=sky-watcher+8

and it beats this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orion-SkyQuest-Classic-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1449673307&sr=8-18-spons&keywords=dobsonian+telescope&psc=1

Both are comfortably under budget, should I pick one or are there other Dobsonians around the €700 budget ?

Thanks

u/neon_overload · 1 pointr/aww

According to this, it's an Orion xt8 $350 and it's great for looking at the moon.

u/Slugywug · 1 pointr/Astronomy

Imho it looks vastly overpriced for what it is - the standard 650mm FL celestron tube with a computer mount.

Better would be this

Or maybe a dobsonian


Also allow some room to buy some eyepieces

Check out the links in the side bar.

u/weeniehut · 1 pointr/telescopes

So right now I'm deciding between these three telescopes, including the ones you recommended (thanks!).

http://www.amazon.com/Vixen-39951-A70Lf-Telescope-Porta/dp/B0027VSSU4

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-8944-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9UW

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6

Do you think that these are reasonable deals and prices?

u/I_Has_Internets · 1 pointr/space

You and others should look into buying a telescope and driving out to some dark skies to do some of your own observing. An 8" dobsonian like an Orion XT8 is affordable and allows you to see a lot of cool stuff. Join a local astronomy club too.

u/Transill · 1 pointr/space

Check out Orion's 8 inch dobsonian reflector telescope. Its on wheels so you can roll it in and out of your home easily and they have a sale every year before xmas for around 3-400 bucks. I have their astro 90mm refractor and love it for its price and portability. One day ill grab that dobsonian too.

Edit: link for the telescope

u/OdySea · 1 pointr/Astronomy

What budget are we talking here? On virtually every astronomy sub/site you'll find this little beauty being recommended.

u/NV5E · 1 pointr/telescopes

If you're locked into purchasing from Amazon, you have these options for an 8" dob:
$355
https://www.amazon.com/SkyWatcher-S11610-Traditional-Dobsonian-8-Inch/dp/B00Z4G3PRK/

$390 but out of stock until August 4th:
https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6/

u/Marcus_Maximus · 0 pointsr/telescopes

Thanks for the detailed response! Your other posts on this subreddit have been super helpful for me with researching and starting out! :)

> How much for each? Where are you from? No local offers?

It's 600$ for the XT8 and 630$ for the SkyWatcher, so around 200$ in shipping for each. I'm from Lebanon and sadly there's no local offers. The only scopes sold here are Celestrons, and they're priced quite high mostly due to their electronics.

Another poster mentioned that the SkyWatcher is pretty much the same as the AD8, does it have the same optics, construction, etc?

> About the mirror review: Got a link? That sounds odd.

The 'fatal flaw' comes from the 4th paragraph of 1st review on the amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Orion-8945-SkyQuest-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B001DDW9V6

I did some searching on Cloudy Nights, but there doesn't seem to be anything on it. The reviewer might be mistaken.

As for astigmatism, I don't mind having to take my glasses off and on. However, I think I read about people who have certain diopter values (unsure of mine and almost have no knowledge of eyepieces, exit pupil, etc.) who can't really see well through eyepieces without glasses.

I'm not really concerned about myself when it comes to observing with or without glasses as I'll probably be fine, but I'd like my mom to look through this scope as well. She has worst astigmatism than me, so I'd rather err on the side of caution and go with at least some eye relief if possible.

You mentioned high magnification helps for viewing without glasses, so wouldn't a barlow be worth it in that case? The only thing I know about them comes from this video from the stickied post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpF1_Q5yPsk&list=PLLM5fRxAaC_cx-7xgBfGHGAi9d144AoRZ&index=5

He mentions they're a worthwhile investment since they can essentially double the amount of eyepieces you own. Also, would they offer good eye relief?

>Else, you'd have to try if you can live with ~13-15mm eye-relief (e.g. the $20-$40 gold-line, HR Planetary clones) or if you need eyepieces with 20mm ($80-$130+++) eye-relief.

13-15mm eye relief doesn't sound bad for those prices. Do you recommend any specific ones for planetary viewing, as well as clusters and some DSOs in case I get the SkyWatcher?

>Finder's included, but a Telrad is great for DSO if you have a dark sky and can see enough stars.

I'm in a Bortle 7 zone and will be doing most if not all my observing there so the sky isn't very dark. From what I've read, the SkyWatcher's finder is serviceable. Do you have any experience with it?