Orion Xt8 Telescope

Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing The Orion XT8

The Orion XT8 telescope is one of the most popular beginner telescopes on the market. With its 8-inch aperture and affordable price point, it offers great views of the night sky for budding astronomers. But what exactly does this telescope offer? And is it the right choice for your needs? This detailed buying guide has everything you need to know before purchasing the Orion XT8 telescope.

Overview of the Orion XT8’s Features

The Orion XT8 telescope has a number of excellent features that make it a great value buy. Here are some of the most notable:

• 8-inch aperture – This large aperture gathers over 78% more light than a 6-inch telescope, providing brighter, clearer images. It allows you to see faint deep sky objects.
• 1200mm focal length – This gives the XT8 a focal ratio of f/5, striking a balance between magnification power and wide field of view.
• Parabolic primary mirror – This minimized coma and provides sharper images, especially at the edges of the field of view.
• Premium 25mm eyepiece – The 2-inch focuser accepts 2″ eyepieces like the included Orion DeepView 25mm for ultra-wide views.
• Easy collimation – The XT8 uses a center-dot primary mirror holder for easy optical alignment.
• Stable base – The pre-assembled base keeps the tube steady and balanced.

So in summary, the XT8 offers excellent light-gathering ability, sharp optics, and useful accessories in an affordable package.

How Quick and Easy is Set Up?

One of the Orion XT8 telescope’s biggest selling points is that it is relatively straightforward to put together. The base comes pre-assembled, so you don’t have to worry about complicated hardware or instructions.

Here are the basic assembly steps:

• Attach the telescope tube to the base with the included hardware
• Insert the chrome steel tube rings around the telescope tube
• Add the 9×50 finder scope and bracket to the main tube
• Insert the eyepiece into the focuser

The entire assembly process should take less than an hour for most people. The manual provides reasonably clear directions. No special tools are required beyond the included hex key.

This makes the XT8 a nice option for beginners who don’t want to fuss with elaborate setup. More advanced users will appreciate being able to get out under the night sky quickly too.

Where to Buy the Orion XT8 Online

The Orion XT8 is sold through a variety of online and in-person retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy it online:

• Direct from Orion’s website – Orion offers free shipping on the XT8, along with its standard warranty and customer service.
• Amazon – The XT8 is eligible for Amazon Prime shipping and can be found at a competitive price.
• High Point Scientific – An authorized Orion dealer with excellent customer service and support.
• OPT Telescopes – A specialty astronomy retailer with competitive XT8 pricing and bundles.
• ** eBay** – Individual sellers frequently list new and used XT8 telescopes on eBay.

Wherever you choose to buy, be sure to shop around for the best price. Various promotions and sales can bring the cost down.

Orion XT8 Telescope Price Range

The Orion XT8 normally sells for around $439 to $469 from most major retailers.

This price can fluctuate based on:

• Sales and promotions – The XT8 will sometimes be discounted below its MSRP.
• Accessories – Some retailers sell the scope bundled with accessories like eyepiece kits.
• Shipping costs – Where you buy from can impact how much you pay for delivery.

You can often find the XT8 priced under $400 during sales events like Black Friday. Additional accessories will raise the price but provide more value.

Given its specs and performance, the XT8 provides excellent value for money. It outpaces similarly priced small beginner scopes.

Reviews of the Orion XT8’s Performance

The Orion XT8 is very well regarded in the amateur astronomy community. Here is an overview of some of the most common positives mentioned in reviews:

• Provides bright, clear views due to its 8-inch aperture and quality optics.
• Capable of seeing intricate lunar craters and Jupiter’s cloud bands when conditions permit.
• Easy to transport and set up thanks to its manageable size.
• Smooth motion controls make it easy to track objects across the night sky.
• Offers great deep sky performance on galaxies, star clusters and nebulae for its price point.
• Stable base keeps the telescope firmly planted during viewing sessions.
• An excellent starter instrument to learn and grow into.

There are a few minor downsides noted, like the basic mount that doesn’t track objects automatically. But overall most agree the XT8 punches far above its weight.

Aperture Size and Details

The key specification of the Orion XT8 is its 8-inch (203mm) aperture. This refers to the diameter of the primary mirror at the base of the telescope.

A larger aperture like this is preferable for two main reasons:

• It collects more ambient light from celestial objects.
• It can resolve finer details on the Moon, planets and stars.

The 8-inch mirror gives the XT8 a nice boost over smaller entry-level scopes that often start around 3 to 4 inches. This substantial light-gathering area really makes faint nebulae, galaxies and star clusters pop under dark skies.

But the aperture is just part of the equation. The XT8 also benefits from quality parabolic optics, rigid construction and an intelligently-designed mount.

Portability of the Orion XT8

The Orion XT8 straddles the line between portable and full-sized when it comes to transport and setup. Here are some key factors to consider about its portability:

• Tube weight – The aluminum optical tube weighs in at 38 lbs (17 kg). Manageable for most people to lift and move.
• Base dimensions – The assembled base has a 39″ x 18″ footprint, so it takes up some space in a car.
• Breaks down – The optical tube, base and accessories pack into two compact units for transport.
• Carry handle – The built-in handle on the tube allows you to grab and go. The base lifts out separately.
• Setup time – Only about 60 minutes to assemble everything for viewing.

While not a compact grab-and-go scope, the XT8’s smart assembly and component weights allow it to be portable enough for camping, group star parties or jaunts to your dark sky site.

Included Accessories

The Orion XT8 comes with a decent selection of accessories to get started observing right out of the box:

• 9×50 finder scope – This small high-power scoping makes pointing the main telescope much easier. Attaches to the side.
• 25mm deep view eyepiece – A large 2” eyepiece that provides wide, immersive views with a 50 degree apparent field of view. Gives a 48x magnification.
• 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece – For higher 120x magnification views of planets and lunar craters.
• Collimation cap – Used to help align the mirrors for peak optical performance.
• Dust cover – The vinyl cover helps keep the optics clean.
• Star map – A basic star chart to learn the night sky.

While not an exhaustive kit, these accessories provide the essentials for magnification options, finder pointing and collimation. More eyepieces can be added later.

Ease of Use for Beginners

The Orion XT8 is frequently recommended as a beginner telescope, and for good reason. Here are some of the factors that make it well-suited for newcomers to astronomy:

• Large aperture shows impressive views even with modest experience.
• Reflector telescope design is straightforward to understand.
• Computerized tracking not required to find objects.
• Manual altitude-azimuth mount is simple to operate.
• Easy-to-reach control knobs on the frame.
• Quick setup time means you spend less time fiddling with equipment.
• Instructions provide clear guidance for assembly and use.
• Durable build quality can withstand newbie mistakes.

While a complete novice may benefit from a tabletop scope to start, the Orion XT8 represents an excellent next step up. It will keep providing stunning views as your skills advance.

How Does the Orion XT8 Compare to Other Telescopes?

The Orion XT8 is a strong performer compared to similarly priced beginner telescopes from other brands like Celestron and Meade. Here’s a quick rundown of how it stacks up against some comparable options:

• Performs better than smaller entry-level scopes like the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ ($200-300). More light gathering ability and sharper optics.
• Compares well to the Celestron AstroMaster 8″ Newtonian ($350-400). Nearly identical specs but the XT8 has smoother motions.
• Holds its own against the Zhumell Z8 ($399-450). The Z8 adds a 2-speed focuser but has similar optics.
• Is more affordable than computerized models like the Meade StarNavigator NG 102mm ($450-550). You sacrifice automated tracking for better manual controls.

Overall the Orion XT8 hits a sweet spot between performance, features and affordability in the beginner telescope market. Shoppers should closely compare warranties and accessories though.

Focal Length Details

The focal length of a telescope determines its magnification power. The Orion XT8 has a focal length of 1200mm with its stock eyepieces.

Specifically, the focal length pairs with the eyepiece focal length to affect magnification. The 25mm eyepiece gives 48x, while the 10mm raises that to 120x.

This 1200mm focal length results in a focal ratio of f/5. This makes the XT8 well-suited for mid-level magnification. With quality eyepiece upgrades, useful magnifications of 200x-300x are achievable.

The XT8 strikes an excellent balance between magnification muscle and wide field scanning for deep sky viewing. Many beginners will find its magnification range very satisfying.

Astrophotography Capabilities

While the Orion XT8 was not designed specifically for astrophotography, it can still be used for simple deep sky imaging. Here are its key capabilities and limitations:

On the plus side:

• Excellent light gathering for long exposure images.
• Attach a camera directly to the rear cell.
• Large central obstruction minimally affects images.
• Equatorial telescope platforms available for counteracting field rotation.

However, there are some drawbacks:

• Manual tracking requires an auto-guider and patience.
• No built-in autoguiding or polar alignment scopes.
• Unmotorized alt-az mount not ideal for long exposure tracking.

For its price point, the XT8 can capture pleasing wide field images of large nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, especially using fast film or digital ISO settings. But it does require DIY ingenuity. More serious deep sky photography requires a motorized equatorial mount.

Maintenance Tips

The Orion XT8 requires only basic periodic maintenance to keep it in great shape. Here are some upkeep recommendations:

• Let the optics acclimate to ambient temperature before observing to prevent dew.
• Collimate the mirrors every few months to maximize resolution.
• Clean optical surfaces using proper lens brushing techniques and approved solutions.
• Verify screws and connections are snug, but be cautious not to overtighten.
• Consider cycling eyepieces to prevent uneven dust buildup in focuser.
• Replace finder scope batteries as needed.
• Wash dust cover periodically with soap and water, allow to air dry.
• Store indoors or in a secure area when not in use to prevent damage.

With some basic preventive care, an Orion XT8 can deliver years of delightful stargazing. Establish a regular routine to keep your telescope ship-shape.

Which Celestial Objects are Best Suited for Viewing?

With its 8-inch aperture, the Orion XT8 is able to provide pleasing views of a wide variety of celestial objects:

Moon – Crisp details on craters and maria. Can make out features as small as 1 mile wide.

Planets – Makes Jupiter’s belts and Great Red Spot apparent. Resolves Saturn’s famous rings and surface cloud bands.

Bright nebulae – M42 Orion Nebula shows vivid shape and colors. Spot filament details in nebulae.

Open clusters – Hundreds of stars visible in sparkling groups like the Pleiades and Beehive Cluster.

Diffuse nebulae – Glimpse proper shape and contrast in nebulae like the Orion Nebula.

Galaxies – Visible core details and structure in Andromeda, Whirlpool and other brighter galaxies.

Globular clusters – Thousands of resolvable pinpoint stars in tight globulars like M13.

So in essence, the XT8 has the power to study craters, cloud bands, clusters, multiple stars, nebula details and more in our own Milky Way galaxy, as well as the brightest and largest structures beyond.

Performance on Planets

The Orion XT8 can provide very satisfying views of planets in our solar system like Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Here’s what you can expect:

• Jupiter – Disk shows tan, white and reddish ammonia cloud bands. The 4 brightest moons are visible as tiny star-like points of light.
• Saturn – The ring system is evident with the Cassini Division appearing at times as a dark gap in the rings. The most obvious moons also show up.
• Mars – During close approaches, some albedo features like Syrtis Major may be apparent on the red disc. Polar ice caps visible when tilted.
• Venus – Though small, the crescent phase is observable when illuminated only in part.
• Uranus & Neptune – Their small blue-green discs are just at the detection limit from suburban sites. Not much detail.

With experience and optimal conditions, surprising planetary details can be teased out of the XT8. These views will only improve as you add higher magnification eyepieces down the road.

Available Variants

Orion produces two main variations of the XT8 Dobsonian telescope:

• SkyQuest XT8 – The standard manual version with basic accessories like a 25mm eyepiece and collimation cap.
• SkyQuest XT8i – An “IntelliScope” computerized model that adds push-to navigation of 14,000 objects. Requires 8 AA batteries.

The choice mainly depends on budget and desire for computer assistance. The manual XT8 provides virtually identical views for $100+ less. But the push-to system on the XT8i helps novice users locate objects in the sky.

Beyond these two models, various retailer bundles add accessories like Barlow lenses, moon filters or carrying cases. Orion themselves offer the XT8 Plus bundle with some upgraded accessories.

Durability and Construction

The Orion XT8 is a well-built telescope that can hold up to regular use, transport and minor bumps along the way. Here are some signs of its durability:

• Steel pier and legs provide a stable, vibration-free base that resists flexing.
• Pre-assembled base eliminates fiddly hardware that can break.
• Aluminum optical tube is lightweight while resisting tube flexure.
• Mirrors are mounted directly to tube structure for greater rigidity.
• Powder-coated finish protects surfaces from scratching.
• Metal focuser draws smoothly without wobble.
• Helical focuser knobs maintain precise feel over years of use.
• Thick dust cover protects optics when stored or traveling.

While not indestructible, the XT8 holds collimation well and doesn’t require constant tweaking after a bump or jostle. Just use care when transporting and assemble on a flat surface.

Included Manufacturer’s Warranty

The Orion XT8 telescope comes backed by Orion’s standard 1-year limited warranty. This warrants the product against defects in materials or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Notably, the warranty covers:

• Flaws in optical components like mirrors, lenses, and prisms.
• Defects in the mechanical structure, bases, and mounts.
• Electronic components in IntelliScope computerized models.

In the event of a covered defect, Orion will repair or replace the product at their discretion. You may need to pay shipping costs for a warranty claim.

This is on par with the warranty coverage from other major telescope brands like Celestron and Meade. As with any optic device, inspect your telescope carefully upon arrival before observing.

Does It Include a Sturdy Mount?

The Orion XT8 comes with a solid Dobsonian base that provides stable support for visual observation.

Key features of the dob mount include:

• Altitude-azimuth manual mount requires moving along two axes by hand to track objects.
• Pre-assembled steel base with phosphate finish resists corrosion.
• Teflon altitude bearings allow smooth vertical motion.
• Adjustable steel ground plate with rubber feet helps balance on uneven ground.
• Thick wooden altitude platform gives rigidity and supports the weight.
• No counterweights needed – balanced optical tube design.

While not motorized, the smart dobsonian mount design provides easy manual control and a sturdy foundation for the 8-inch reflector. This works well for visual use by beginners and experts alike.

Collimating the XT8 for Proper Alignment

“Collimating” refers to the process of aligning the mirrors inside your telescope to ensure optimized performance. Collimation allows the telescope to focus incoming light properly.

The Orion XT8 uses a straightforward collimation process:

• Start by letting your telescope acclimate to outside temperature to avoid mirror shift.
• Remove the eyepiece and place the collimating cap over the focuser.
• Use collimating knobs under the primary mirror holder to center the reflections.
• Similarly adjust the secondary mirror so reflections are concentric.
• Iteratively fine-tune both mirrors until properly aligned.
• Remove cap, replace eyepiece and enjoy optimized views!

Expect to spend 5-10 minutes collimating when needed. It makes a huge difference on crisp high-magnification planetary and lunar views.

Conclusion

The Orion XT8 telescope combines quality optics, intuitive manual controls, and excellent light-gathering capacity in one affordable package. It performs admirably on targets ranging from lunar craters to distant galaxies and nebulae. The dobsonian mount provides steady views at an entry-level price matched by few competitors.

While not compact or automated, the Orion XT8 represents an outstanding starter scope for beginners. With its generous 8-inch aperture and rugged design, it has staying power to provide enjoyment for years as your skills advance. Just be sure to shop around for the best deals with included accessories. Clear skies await with this telescope!