Orion Shorttube 80

My 6-Month Journey with This Versatile Refractor: An Honest, In-Depth Review

As an amateur astronomer and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve spent the last six months putting the Orion ShortTube 80 through its paces, and I’m excited to share my comprehensive experience with this fascinating piece of equipment. Whether you’re considering your first telescope or looking to add a portable option to your collection, this detailed review will help you make an informed decision.

First Impressions and Basic Specifications

When I first unboxed my ShortTube 80, I was immediately struck by its compact size and solid build quality. This 80mm aperture refractor telescope brings a perfect balance of portability and performance that’s hard to find in other models. With a focal length of 400mm and a focal ratio of f/5, it’s designed to be both versatile and user-friendly.

The telescope arrived well-packaged, and I remember thinking how its midnight blue finish gave it a professional appearance. At just under 3 pounds for the optical tube assembly, it felt substantial without being cumbersome. This lightweight design would prove to be one of its greatest assets during my testing period.

Setting Up: A Breeze Even for Beginners

One of the first things that impressed me about the ShortTube 80 was its straightforward setup process. The optical tube comes with a mounting block that’s compatible with various mounting systems. While the telescope doesn’t include a mount (something to keep in mind when budgeting), I found it works excellently with both alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts.

I primarily used it with a sturdy camera tripod using the included ¼-20 adapter, which proved more than adequate for most viewing situations. The entire setup process typically takes me less than five minutes – a huge advantage when you’re trying to catch those fleeting astronomical events or when setting up for impromptu viewing sessions.

Optical Performance: Surprising Clarity and Versatility

Let me be clear about something – while the 80mm aperture might seem modest compared to larger telescopes, the optical quality of the ShortTube 80 is impressive. The achromatic doublet lens design delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration, especially when viewing brighter objects.

During my testing, I’ve observed:

Lunar Observations

• Incredible detail of crater formations
• Sharp contrast along the terminator line
• Excellent clarity during different lunar phases

Planetary Viewing

• Jupiter’s main cloud bands and Galilean moons
• Saturn’s rings and larger moons
• Mars’s polar caps during favorable positions
• Venus’s phases with reasonable clarity

Deep Sky Objects

• The Pleiades cluster appears stunning with excellent contrast
• Andromeda Galaxy shows good detail in dark sky conditions
• Various double stars split cleanly
• Brighter nebulae like Orion Nebula show good structure

Daytime Performance: An Unexpected Bonus

One aspect that really sets the ShortTube 80 apart is its excellent performance as a spotting scope. I’ve used it for:

• Bird watching (the clarity is remarkable)
• Nature observation
• Marine viewing
• Landscape photography

The short focal length and wide field of view make it perfect for these applications, and the image quality rivals dedicated spotting scopes costing much more.

Astrophotography Capabilities

While not primarily designed for deep-sky astrophotography, the ShortTube 80 has surprised me with its capabilities in this area. I’ve successfully used it for:

• Lunar photography (outstanding results)
• Planetary imaging (decent results with proper equipment)
• Wide-field astrophotography of larger objects
• Landscape astrophotography

The fast f/5 focal ratio makes it particularly suitable for capturing larger deep sky objects and star fields. However, you’ll need a sturdy mount and proper tracking for longer exposures.

Portability and Travel

One of the strongest selling points of the ShortTube 80 is its exceptional portability. The compact size has allowed me to:

• Pack it in carry-on luggage for flights
• Take it on hiking trips
• Store it easily in small spaces
• Set up quickly for impromptu viewing sessions

The robust construction has held up well during travel, and the optical alignment has remained stable despite regular movement and transport.

Performance in Different Viewing Conditions

Living in an area with varying levels of light pollution, I’ve tested the ShortTube 80 under different conditions:

Urban Settings

• Moon and planets show well
• Brighter deep sky objects visible
• Some loss of contrast expected
• Still useful for casual viewing

Dark Sky Sites

• Dramatic improvement in deep sky views
• Better contrast and detail
• Wide field views particularly impressive
• More faint objects become visible

Included Accessories and Recommended Additions

The basic package includes:

• 25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece
• 6×30 finder scope
• Mounting rings
• Dovetail mounting plate

I recommend adding:

• Additional eyepieces (particularly a 9mm and 15mm)
• A good diagonal
• A Barlow lens for higher magnification
• A moon filter
• A sturdy mount if you don’t already have one

Cost Considerations and Value

With a price point typically around $200-300 (as of my last check), the ShortTube 80 represents excellent value for money. The versatility alone makes it worth the investment, as you’re essentially getting:

• A capable astronomical telescope
• A high-quality spotting scope
• A potential astrophotography platform
• A portable travel scope

Long-Term Durability and Maintenance

After six months of regular use, I can attest to the telescope’s durability. The optical tube has maintained its collimation, and the mechanical parts show minimal wear. Regular maintenance is simple:

• Keeping the lens clean with proper optical cleaning supplies
• Protecting from moisture and dust
• Storing in a cool, dry place
• Regular checking of mounting screws

Comparison with Similar Telescopes

When compared to other small refractors in its class, the ShortTube 80 stands out for:

• Better build quality than many competitors
• Superior optical performance in its price range
• More versatile mounting options
• Better value for money considering its capabilities

Who Should Buy the ShortTube 80?

This telescope is perfect for:

• Beginners looking for a quality first telescope
• Experienced astronomers wanting a portable second scope
• Nature observers needing a versatile instrument
• Travel enthusiasts who want a compact scope
• Photography enthusiasts interested in both terrestrial and astronomical imaging

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After extensive use, I can confidently say the Orion ShortTube 80 exceeds expectations for its size and price point. While it won’t replace a larger telescope for serious deep-sky observation, it excels as a versatile, portable instrument that can serve multiple purposes.

The optical quality, ease of use, and durability make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced observers. Its greatest strengths lie in its portability, versatility, and value for money.

Tips for New Owners

1. Start with lower magnifications and work your way up
2. Invest in a stable mounting solution
3. Consider purchasing additional eyepieces
4. Practice focusing during daylight hours
5. Join local astronomy groups to learn more observing techniques

Remember that while the ShortTube 80 is an excellent instrument, it has its limitations. Understanding these will help you make the most of its capabilities and enjoy years of satisfying observations, whether you’re studying the moon’s craters or watching birds in a distant field.

This telescope has become one of my most frequently used pieces of equipment, and I suspect it will continue to be a favorite in my collection for years to come. Whether you’re just starting your astronomical journey or looking for a capable grab-and-go scope, the Orion ShortTube 80 deserves serious consideration.