Orion SkyQuest XT10g

Product Description

The Orion SkyQuest XT10g telescope is a Newtonian reflector telescope with a 10-inch (254 mm) aperture and 1200 mm focal length. Orion SkyQuest XT10g features a parabolic primary mirror, Crayford focuser with 2-inch adapter, and two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10 mm and 20 mm). Orion SkyQuest XT10g includes a fully assembled Dobson-style rocker base mount with DC servo motor and encoders for tracking celestial objects. Orion SkyQuest XT10g has a removable secondary mirror and center-marked primary mirror for easier alignment. Orion SkyQuest XT10g’s optical tube is constructed of steel, offering smooth fine adjustment for the focuser and suitability for viewing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects.

The SkyQuest XT10g comes with a 2-inch Crayford-style aluminum focuser for precise adjustments. A red dot finder projects red rings onto the sky to aid in locating celestial objects. The telescope includes two eyepieces (10mm and 28mm) and an illuminated reticle eyepiece for accurate alignment. Its parabolic mirror is center-marked to ensure optimal collimation and performance.

The computerized system of the XT10g enables GoTo functionality for automatic object finding and tracking. Users can adjust the slew rate, which reaches up to 3.4°/sec for efficient object location. The telescope excels at deep-space viewing and astrophotography due to its large aperture and fast focal ratio. The SkyQuest XT10g weighs 34kg, making it a substantial instrument. Its dimensions measure 134x63x28cm, establishing a significant presence in observatories or backyards.

Should you buy Orion SkyQuest XT10g as your first telescope?

The Orion SkyQuest XT10g is an excellent choice for a first telescope. It offers a generous 254mm aperture for detailed views of deep space objects. The GoTo capabilities and SynScan computerized system make tracking celestial objects easy for beginners. A database of over 42,000 objects allows users to quickly locate and observe various celestial bodies. The telescope provides excellent quality views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Planets and the moon are also visible with impressive detail. The Dobsonian design ensures stability and ease of use. The XT10g is highly portable at 34kg, making it suitable for observing trips. An affordable price tag makes it accessible for budget-conscious buyers. The telescope includes useful accessories like a 2″ Crayford-style focuser, 9x50mm finderscope, and 2x Barlow lens. Some users have reported issues with the laser finder, but it is easily replaceable or upgradable.

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

Orion 8945 Go-To Dobsonian Reflector Telescope offers exceptional ease of use for beginners and new stargazers. Go-To feature enables effortless celestial object finding with a 42,000-object database. Automatic location feature assists amateurs learning the night sky. Telescope allows universe exploration without complicated setup. Simplicity makes it ideal for novice astronomers and casual stargazers interested in cosmic discovery.

Should you buy Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT10g for kids?

The Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT10g is recommended for kids who are serious about astronomy and stargazing. Adult supervision is required due to the telescope’s complexity and need for proper handling. The telescope is family-friendly and suitable for children interested in astronomy. Children can enjoy observing the moon, planets, and deep space objects with its 254mm aperture and computerized system. The stable mount offers smooth and precise movements for easy object tracking. The motorized system allows for automatic tracking of celestial objects, enabling kids to focus on observing rather than manual adjustments. The telescope provides hours of fun and educational experiences for children with proper guidance.

What can you see with Orion XT10g SkyQuest Reflector Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with Orion XT10g SkyQuest Reflector Telescope are listed below.

• Moon’s craters and mountains
• Mars’ dark markings and polar ice caps
• Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons
• Saturn’s rings
• Orion Nebula
• Pleiades star cluster
• Andromeda Galaxy

Should you buy Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope to observe planets?

The Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope is highly suitable for observing planets. Its large 254mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capabilities, resulting in bright and detailed planetary images. The telescope’s tracking capability keeps planets centered in the eyepiece for extended observation periods. Go-To function assists in quickly locating and efficiently tracking planets, maximizing observing time. Dobsonian mount ensures smooth and stable movement, crucial for clear planetary views. Experienced astronomers recommend the Orion XT10g for its versatility and ease of use in planetary observation. The telescope delivers excellent views of planets and deep-space objects. Minor focuser problems exist, making it less ideal for imaging purposes. The telescope weighs 34kg, allowing moderate portability for transportation to different observation locations.

Should you buy Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope to observe galaxies?

Yes, astronomers should buy the Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope to observe galaxies. The XT10g offers a massive 254mm (10-inch) aperture, ideal for deep-space observation and collecting significant amounts of light from distant objects. Its Dobsonian design provides a lower-cost alternative while maintaining exceptional performance for viewing galaxies and deep-sky objects. The Go-To function, powered by computerized controls and DC servo motors, allows easy location and tracking of faint galaxies. The telescope’s long focal length of 1200mm delivers detailed views of galaxies and nebulae. The XT10g weighs 34kg, offering moderate portability for observing from different locations. Astronomers of all levels benefit from the XT10g’s features and affordability, making it an excellent investment for deep-sky observation.

Should you buy Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope for astrophotography?

The Orion XT10g Go-To Dobsonian Telescope is not ideal for astrophotography despite its impressive features. Dobsonian telescopes specialize in deep space observation rather than imaging. The telescope’s massive 254mm aperture and great optics provide excellent views of celestial objects. Go-to accuracy and tracking capabilities impress users. However, the telescope’s design lacks suitability for capturing high-quality images. Astrophotographers face challenges such as image stability issues, precise tracking difficulties, and the absence of a sturdy, vibration-free platform. The single-arm fork mount and potential mirror shift further complicate long-exposure photography. Users must invest in additional equipment like camera adapters, autoguiders, and focal reducers to achieve optimal results. Refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes offer better astrophotography performance for serious imagers.

Is Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT10g Computerized Telescope portable?

The Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT10g Computerized Telescope offers moderate portability. The telescope weighs 34kg and measures 134x63x28cm, making it transportable but not highly portable. It fits easily in a car, especially larger vehicles or SUVs. The telescope is designed for on-the-go use with an adjustable tripod height range of 63-90cm, allowing setup on various surfaces. Users report smooth and accurate tracking, though the altitude motor can be noisy during operation. The telescope’s size and weight make it suitable for transport to different observing locations, dark-sky sites, or star parties, but require some effort to move.