Orion SkyQuest XX12g

Product Description

The Orion SkyQuest XX12g telescope is a powerful and elegant astronomical instrument designed for exceptional performance and stunning views of the night sky. SkyQuest XX12g employs a 12-inch (304.8 mm) aperture truss tube design, providing a rigid and stable structure that virtually eliminates flexure. Orion SkyQuest XX12g features a SynScan AZ GoTo system with a database of over 42,900 objects for accurate tracking and locating of celestial targets. SkyQuest XX12g uses a Dobsonian-style base made of water-resistant laminated wood and melamine, ensuring stability and ease of use. Portability is a key feature of the SkyQuest XX12g, with its collapsible design allowing for easy transport and storage.

The XX12g is designed for portability despite its large aperture. Its truss design and lightweight materials make it relatively easy to handle, transport, and set up at different locations. The telescope provides stunning views of deep-space objects, including nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. It has a limiting stellar magnitude of 14.7 and a resolution limit of 0.46 arcseconds. The Orion SkyQuest XX12g offers a balance of performance, portability, and ease of use, making it suitable for astronomers of all skill levels.

Should you buy Orion SkyQuest XX12g as your first telescope?

Orion SkyQuest XX12g is not recommended for beginners. Experienced astronomers suggest simpler, affordable models for first-time buyers. Dobsonian reflector telescopes offer easier use and maintenance for new astronomers. XX12g requires significant space and setup time. Complexity and cost overwhelm beginners.

Is Orion 8945 XX12g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope easy to use?

The Orion 8945 XX12g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope is remarkably easy to use for both beginners and serious astronomers. Setup and alignment are straightforward processes, taking only minutes to complete. The Go-To feature simplifies operation, allowing users to locate and track celestial objects effortlessly. The Dobsonian design enables easy navigation and maneuvering. High-tech computerized systems remain user-friendly, guiding astronomers through simple alignment with the night sky. Excellent optics deliver clear, sharp images of universal wonders. The telescope’s affordable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers and beginners. We recommend this telescope as an ideal starter scope for new astronomers, while its quality satisfies the needs of serious observers.

Should you buy Orion XX12g SkyQuest Go-To Dobsonian Reflector for kids?

The Orion XX12g SkyQuest Go-To Dobsonian Reflector is not recommended for young children due to its complexity and size. Older children (10+ years) with a serious interest in astronomy may benefit from this telescope. The XX12g offers high-quality optics with a 12-inch aperture and 1500mm focal length, providing clear views of celestial objects. Go-To functionality allows accurate tracking but requires technical expertise to set up and use. The telescope weighs 86 pounds and stands 63-90 inches tall, making it difficult for children to transport and set up without adult assistance. Priced around $1,500, the XX12g represents a significant investment. The telescope has a moderate to steep learning curve and requires regular maintenance. Parental involvement is necessary for setup, operation, and maintenance due to the telescope’s complexity.

What can you see with Orion XX12g Go-To Dobsonian Reflector Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with the Orion XX12g Go-To Dobsonian Reflector Telescope are listed below.

• Saturn with the Cassini Division
• Jupiter’s cloud bands
• Mars’ polar ice caps
• Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
• Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
• Sombrero Galaxy (M104)
• Orion Nebula (M42)
• Lagoon Nebula (M8)
• Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
• Messier objects (all 103)
• Herschel objects
• Globular cluster M13
• Globular cluster M22
• Open cluster M11
• Open cluster M35
• Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)
• North America Nebula (NGC 7000)
• Pluto

Should you buy Orion 12″ SkyQuest XX12g Go-To Truss Tube Dob to observe planets?

The Orion 12″ SkyQuest XX12g Go-To Truss Tube Dob is an excellent choice for observing planets. Its 12-inch aperture and 1500mm focal length provide powerful optics for high-magnification views up to 600x. The telescope’s GoTo tracking system and motorized drives ensure smooth and accurate tracking of planets and deep-space objects. Intelliscope technology assists in finding and tracking celestial bodies, making it easy to locate and observe planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. The advanced Dobsonian design offers stable viewing for extensive night sky exploration. The telescope remains an affordable option for both beginners and advanced astronomers, offering impressive views of planetary surfaces, rings, and moons.

Should you buy Orion SkyQuest XX12g Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope to observe galaxies?

The Orion SkyQuest XX12g Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope is an excellent choice for observing galaxies. Its 305mm aperture and 1500mm focal length provide powerful optical performance for viewing distant galaxies with great clarity. The telescope’s f/4.9 focal ratio and wide field of view allow observers to locate and resolve fine details in galaxy structures. Large optics bring out galaxies and deep sky objects with exceptional detail, making it suitable for serious observers and astronomy clubs. The telescope’s light gathering capacity of 2126x enables detailed views of faint galaxies, while its 0.46 arcsecond resolution limit reveals intricate celestial features. Astronomy events and star parties feature this telescope for its ability to deliver high-quality galaxy observations.

Should you buy Orion XX12g Go-To Truss Tube Dobsonian for astrophotography?

The Orion XX12g Go-To Truss Tube Dobsonian is not recommended for astrophotography. The telescope is designed primarily for visual astronomy. The Dobsonian mount lacks the precise tracking capability required for long-exposure astrophotography. Capturing high-quality deep-sky images is difficult due to these mount limitations. Planetary imaging might be possible, but with limitations. The telescope’s 305mm (12-inch) aperture and 2126x light-gathering power provide excellent optics for visual observation. The Go-To functionality is optimized for locating celestial objects, not for supporting astrophotography needs. Astrophotography requires specialized equipment such as equatorial mounts, autoguiders, and dedicated cameras. Astronomers interested in astrophotography should consider telescopes specifically designed for that purpose.

Is Orion SkyQuest XX12g Go-To Truss Dobsonian portable?

Orion XX12g offers limited portability despite its hefty 128-pound weight. Collapsible truss design allows disassembly into smaller sections. Tube length of 57.5 inches breaks down for convenient transport and storage. Portability requires effort and planning. XX12g’s 12-inch aperture balances size with optical power. Users must manage considerable weight during setup.