8 inch telescopes – an overview, guide, and explanation

Astronomers use telescopes to observe the universe. There are many different types of telescopes. The best telescopes can magnify and focus on objects too far away from us to be seen with the naked eye. Telescopes come in different sizes, shapes, and capabilities. 8inch Telescopes are the best telescopes because they are portable and lightweight. The 8inch telescopes are very good at viewing and imaging objects of any size. They are also a great way to observe the night sky. They can be used by anyone who wants to view the night sky without breaking the bank.

Some Things To Look For When Purchasing This Size Telescope

• A 2″ focuser is recommended for this telescope. Most telescopes of this size will come standard with a 2″ Crayford style focuser. It is important to look for a telescope with a 2″ focuser because it will hold the lens as close to the eyepiece as possible.
• The portability of this telescope is also a factor. This can be a huge advantage when you want to take it on your next camping trip. Heavy telescopes are not very portable. A fork mount is a good choice if the weight of transport, setup, and use is an important factor. A Dobsonian is cheaper, but it is not as portable.
• Track records of manufacturers are also important. If a manufacturer has a good track record with 8″ telescopes, they should be able to produce a good product. Reputable manufacturers will have their telescopes tested by independent third parties.

Options When It Comes To Choosing An 8inch Telescope

The optics are the most important part of the telescope. The optics are what make the telescope able to see and observe objects. You can get a Newtonian (lower price) or Cassegrain (better performance) scope with folded optics.

1. The Newtonian

If your budget is tight, but you still want the light-gathering power of an 8″ telescope, a Newtonian telescope can be purchased. The Newtonian scope has a mirror and lens system mounted in a tube. The optical tube assembly is mounted on a rotating fork mount that holds it in place while it is being used. The mirror reflects the image to the eyepiece. This telescope is less expensive and easier to set up than an equatorial mount.

2. The Cassegrain

A Cassegrain telescope has a more complex and a better performing optical system than the Newtonian. The mirror and lens system are built into the optical tube assembly. The mirror is mounted in a holder attached to the optical tube assembly. The optical tube assembly is mounted on a mount that holds it in place while using. This telescope can be more expensive but offers better performance than a Newtonian telescope. Accessories can be added to a Cassegrain telescope to make it more suitable for your observing needs.

About the Mounts

1. Newtonian Optics

You have two choices when it comes to mounts for a Newtonian telescope. The first is a simple fork mount called a Dobsonian mount. This is the most popular and is very simple to use. It can be used for both visual and photographic observing. An equatorial mount will give you better tracking. An equatorial mount costs more but is more accurate. The option of automatic object finding and object tracking will make your observing more enjoyable.

2. Cassegrain Optics

This Optical Tube Assembly mounts a convex lens and a concave mirror inside the tube. It is designed to work with a telescope mount. You can choose between a traditional Equatorial mount or another fork mount type. These mounts will track objects in the sky and keep them in view.

8″ Telescopes, Mounts, And Configurations

Dobsonian Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

This is a cheaper upgrade from the 6″ dob. It is a great telescope and can be found at most stores. The XT8 is a high-quality telescope with an 8″ aperture and high-quality optics. A 2″ focuser is a good addition to the telescope. It has a variable altitude mount, which allows for automatic tracking of objects in the sky. This mount can instantly find objects in view and track them through the night. It is a great telescope for daytime and nighttime stargazing. It is a good choice for both visual and astrophotography.

2. MEADE 0805-05-02 Lightbridge Truss Tube Dobsonian

With a Lightbridge truss tube set up, it is lighter and more compact. This makes it a better choice for travel and easier to transport. It is a very high-quality telescope that provides excellent views of the universe.

Equatorial Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Meade LXD75 SN-8AT 8″ 812mm f/4.0 Schmidt-Newtonian Telescope, Motorized German-Type Equatorial Mount with UHTC Coatings, Autostar Computerized Hand Controller, Autostar Suite Software, 8×50 Finderscope & Tripod

For pinpointing stellar images, this telescope is one of the best. It is a high-quality telescope with an 8″ aperture and high-quality optics. The mount can instantly find objects in view and track them through the night. This telescope’s wide field of view allows you to see more objects at once. This telescope also comes with a motorized German-type equatorial mount. This makes it easier to track objects. It has an autostar computerized hand controller, making it easy to use. The autostar suite software allows you to set up the telescope and find objects in the sky. Schmidt-Newtonian optics are mounted in machined aluminum cells. This allows for sharper images. The UHTC coatings help reduce reflections and increase the telescope’s light-gathering power. A closed tube significantly helps keep the optics clean and clear. Premium-grade Pyrex mirrors are used in this telescope. This helps reduce the effects of thermal expansion, which helps keep the optics clear. The corrector Lens fully corrects for spherical aberration and coma. The erecting wedge allows the telescope to be used as a reflector. This is great for observing planets, nebulae, and star clusters.

Fork Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope w/ Fork Arm Mount and 40,000 + Object Database – Demo Model

This portable and affordable 8-inch telescope is a great addition to any amateur astronomer’s collection. This telescope provides high-quality images of the night sky and features a fork arm mount, which lets you move the telescope from location to location with ease. The included 40,000+ astronomical object database allows you to easily find objects for viewing in your local area and beyond. The NexStar 8 SE Telescope is easy to use and comes with a 15×50 finder scope that features a red dot reticle for quick alignment of celestial objects. Celestron’s reputation for quality optics and performance is built on decades of experience in the optical telescope market. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious astronomer, the NexStar 8 SE Telescope will allow hours of viewing pleasure. Polar caps and spot dust storms on Mars are visible in this 8-inch telescope.

2. Meade LX90-ACF 8

The Meade 8″ LX90-ACF Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical system provides a maximum light-gathering power of 900 times for an object at the center of the field of view. This telescope is a great choice for observing, imaging and astrophotography. The optical system provides high performance with a wide field, sharp images, and a low level of coma and astigmatism. The LX90-ACF is good for visual observers, astrophotographers, and educators who want to learn more about the universe. It comes with a tripod mount, which allows easy portability. The technologically superior optical design provides a high-quality image with a wide field of view. It also provides a high brightness level with exceptional contrast, sharpness and resolution.

The sky is the limit once you have a telescope. With a little bit of research, you can find your way to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Telescopes bring a whole new level of wonder and a new way to explore the most glorious things in the universe. There are some great telescopes that you can buy for under $100 or less. You can find all sorts of things for your telescope out there, like filters and solar filters, and you can even get some great binoculars that will let you see things that maybe you wouldn’t be able to see with your telescope alone.

What is a 8-inch telescope?

An 8-inch telescope is a powerful optical instrument designed for observing celestial objects with exceptional detail and clarity. With over 800 times the light-gathering power compared to the naked eye, an 8-inch telescope can discern objects as close as 1.16 arcseconds apart, making it ideal for observing planets, stars, galaxies, and deep-sky objects. The aperture of an 8-inch telescope, which is the diameter of its objective, plays a crucial role in its performance by allowing more light to enter the telescope, resulting in brighter and clearer images. The gathering ability of an 8-inch telescope is significantly greater than the naked eye, making it suitable for observing double stars and revealing previously undetected binaries. The focal length of an 8-inch telescope can be calculated by multiplying the focal ratio by the aperture diameter, influencing factors such as field of view, magnification, and image brightness. The tripod of an 8-inch telescope provides stability and support for precise and steady observations of celestial objects in the night sky. Eyepieces in an 8-inch telescope offer varying levels of magnification, clarity, and field of view, allowing astronomers to adjust their observations accordingly. The average weight of an 8-inch telescope is around 50 pounds, making it portable and easy to transport to different observation sites. The field of view of an 8-inch telescope can range from approximately 9.2 degrees to a specific value calculated based on the telescope’s focal length and eyepiece being used, providing astronomers with a wide perspective of the night sky. The azimuth of an 8-inch telescope facilitates horizontal movement and tracking of celestial objects, aiding in their observation. The price range for an 8-inch telescope typically falls between $500 and $4000, offering a range of options for astronomers with different budgets. The most common mount used for an 8-inch telescope is the German equatorial mount, specifically the Losmandy GM8, providing stability and precision during observations. In conclusion, an 8-inch telescope is a versatile and powerful instrument that combines advanced optical design with innovative features to deliver exceptional performance in observing a wide range of celestial objects.

What is a 8-inch refractor telescope?

An 8-inch refractor telescope is a powerful optical instrument that excels in providing sharp and detailed images of celestial objects. It boasts an excellent light-gathering ability, thanks to its significant aperture size of 8 inches, which allows for the observation of faint objects in the night sky with impressive resolution and image quality. The telescope’s objective lens plays a crucial role in gathering and focusing light from celestial sources, contributing to its impressive resolution and image quality.

In terms of cost, an 8-inch refractor telescope typically falls within the price range of $500 to $2000, making it an accessible option for astronomy enthusiasts. The telescope’s focal length, which is approximately 1200mm, enables high magnification capabilities of up to 250x, offering detailed views of distant objects.

The telescope is equipped with eyepieces that determine magnification and field of view, enhancing the observer’s viewing experience. Its tripod provides stability and support, allowing for precise adjustments during observations. Additionally, the telescope features a star diagonal that facilitates comfortable viewing by redirecting the light path.

The tube of an 8-inch refractor telescope houses the optics, protecting them and contributing to the telescope’s performance. The telescope’s 6 feet length and 50-pound weight make it a manageable yet powerful instrument for astronomical observations. It utilizes a quality achromatic or apochromatic lens to minimize chromatic aberration and produce corrected images.

With a focal ratio of f/6, the 8-inch refractor telescope strikes a balance between light-gathering capacity and field of view, making it a versatile instrument for various observation purposes. It is typically mounted on an equatorial or azimuth mount, allowing for precise tracking of celestial objects.

What is a 8-inch reflector telescope?

An 8-inch reflector telescope is a type of reflecting telescope that uses a combination of curved mirrors to reflect light and form an image. The primary mirror of an 8-inch reflector telescope has a diameter of 8 inches, providing significant light-gathering ability. This feature allows for the observation of faint objects not visible to the naked eye, making it suitable for observing celestial objects such as Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, Galilean moons, faint objects, deep-sky objects, and star clusters.

The gathering ability of an 8-inch reflector telescope is significantly better than smaller telescopes, making it a good choice for observing celestial objects. This ability depends on the specific design and type of reflector telescope, with the aperture being a significant factor. The aperture in an 8-inch reflector telescope determines the amount of light collected and the level of detail that can be resolved in celestial objects, ultimately enhancing the viewing experience for astronomers.

The focal length of an 8-inch reflector telescope can range from 800mm to 1220mm, with the ideal focal ratio being around f/6 to f/8. The optical design of an 8-inch reflector telescope is focused on gathering and focusing light using mirrors, providing better light-gathering power and resolution for viewing celestial objects.

The tube of an 8-inch reflector telescope is typically made of metal and/or glass, with a Schmidt corrector plate to correct for spherical aberration. The mirrors of an 8-inch reflector telescope are coated with an anti-reflective coating to enhance their performance.

An 8-inch reflector telescope can be portable due to its compact size, lightweight materials, and features like portable mounts or bases that make it easier to transport and set up in different locations. The average weight of an 8-inch reflector telescope is typically around 20-30 pounds.

The field of view for an 8-inch reflector telescope can vary depending on the specific model and eyepiece used, but it is typically around 9.2 degrees. The maximum magnification of an 8-inch reflector telescope is approximately 400x, with the magnification power varying depending on the focal length of the objective and eyepiece.

A Dobsonian-style mount is recommended for an 8-inch reflector telescope, providing stability and ease of use. The secondary mirror in an 8-inch reflector telescope redirects the light gathered by the primary mirror towards the eyepiece or camera, allowing for viewing or capturing of the image.

What can you see with a 8-inch telescope?

With an 8-inch telescope, you can observe the planets of our solar system in great detail, including the rings of Saturn, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, and the ice caps on Mars. You can also see deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. For example, you can observe the Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and the Hercules Globular Cluster. An 8-inch telescope can also reveal details on the Moon’s surface, such as craters, mountains, and valleys, providing a stunning view of our natural satellite.

Types and Technical Specifications of 8-inch telescopes

Types (Optical Design)

Newtonian: Example: Meade 8″ f/4 LX85 Astrograph Reflector Optical Tube, Meade 8″ f/4 LX85 Astrograph Reflector Telescope, Starfield f/4 Imaging Newtonian – 8″, Celestron Starsense Explorer 8″ Dobsonian Smartphone Telescope, Orion 8″ f/4 Newtonian Reflector Astrograph, TPO 8″ f/4 Newtonian Reflecting OTA Telescope.

Cassegrain: Example: Meade 8″ f/10 LX85 ACF Telescope with Mount and Tripod, Meade 8″ f/10 LX85 ACF Optical Tube Assembly.

RASA: Example: Celestron RASA 8″ Telescope w/ AVX Mount Bundle – CE-12032, Celestron CGX 8-Inch RASA Telescope Package, Celestron RASA 8″ Telescope w/ Computerized CGEM-II Mount Bundle – CE-12020, Celestron RASA 8″ f/2 OTA.

Modified SCT: Example:Meade LX200-ACF 8″ f/10 Telescope – without Tripod, Celestron CGX 800 EdgeHD Telescope Bundle – CE-12055, Celestron NexStar Evolution 8″ EdgeHD with StarSense, Celestron 8″ EdgeHD Advanced VX Telescope Bundle – CE-12031, Meade 8″ LX200-ACF f/10 OTA Only w/ UHTC, Meade 8″ ACF LX90 Telescope, Celestron CPC Deluxe 800 EdgeHD Telescope.

Ritchey Chretien: Example: Orion 8″ f/8 Ritchey Chretien Reflecting OTA Telescope, TPO 8″ f/8 Ritchey Chretien Steel Astrograph with TPO 2″ Focuser, iOptron Photron 200 RC OTA,TPO 8″ Carbon Fiber f/8 Ritchey Chretien Reflecting OTA Telescope.

Dobsonian: Example: Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit, Sky-Watcher Classic 200P f/5.9 Dobsonian Telescope, Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P f/5.9 8″ Dobsonian, Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope, Sky-Watcher 8″ GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope.

SCT: Example: Celestron CGEM II· 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope – CE- 12010, Celestron CGX 800 Computerized Telescope, Celestron Advanced VX 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Bundle – CE-12026, Celestron CPC 800 GPS (XLT) Computerized Telescope Bundle – CE-11073-XLT, Celestron C· 8 -A XLT CGE Optical Tube Assembly, Celestron NexStar Evolution 8″ Computerized Telescope, Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope.

Dall Kirkham: Example: Takahashi Mewlon-210 f/11.5 Dall Kirkham Reflecting OTA Telescope.

Technical Specifications

Aperture: 8-inch (203 mm)

Focal Length: 800-2415 mm 

Focal ratio: f/4-f/11.5

Highest Magnification: 300-480

Light Gathering Power: 816-900x

Price: 570-5,000$

Images taken with 8-inch telescopes

Examples of 8-inch telescopes

• Meade 8″ f/4 LX85 Astrograph Reflector Optical Tube
• Meade 8″ f/10 LX85 ACF Telescope with Mount and Tripod
• Meade 8″ f/4 LX85 Astrograph Reflector Telescope
• Starfield f/4 Imaging Newtonian – 8″
• Celestron RASA 8″ Telescope w/ AVX Mount Bundle – CE-12032
• Celestron CGX 8-Inch RASA Telescope Package
• Celestron RASA 8″ f/2 OTA
• Meade LX200-ACF 8″ f/10 Telescope – without Tripod
• Orion 8″ f/8 Ritchey Chretien Reflecting OTA Telescope
• Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit
• Celestron CGEM-II 800 EdgeHD Telescope – CE-12017
• Celestron CGEM II· 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope – CE- 12010
• Celestron CGX 800 Computerized Telescope
• Celestron CGX 800 EdgeHD Telescope Bundle – CE-12055
• Celestron NexStar Evolution 8″ EdgeHD with StarSense
• Sky-Watcher Classic 200P f/5.9 Dobsonian Telescope
• TPO 8″ f/8 Ritchey Chretien Steel Astrograph with TPO 2″ Focuser
• Celestron 8″ EdgeHD Advanced VX Telescope Bundle – CE-12031
• Celestron Advanced VX 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Bundle – CE-12026
• Sky-Watcher Flextube 200P f/5.9 8″ Dobsonian Telescope
• SKU : SW-S11700
• Celestron CPC 800 GPS (XLT) Computerized Telescope Bundle – CE-11073-XLT
• Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
• Meade 8″ f/10 LX85 ACF Optical Tube Assembly
• Celestron Starsense Explorer 8″ Dobsonian Smartphone Telescope
• Orion 8″ f/4 Newtonian Reflector Astrograph
• iOptron Photron 200 RC OTA
• Sky-Watcher 8″ GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope
• TPO 8″ Carbon Fiber f/8 Ritchey Chretien Reflecting OTA Telescope
• Takahashi Mewlon-210 f/11.5 Dall Kirkham Reflecting OTA Telescope
• Celestron C· 8 -A XLT CGE Optical Tube Assembly
• Meade 8″ LX200-ACF f/10 OTA Only w/ UHTC
• TPO 8″ f/4 Newtonian Reflecting OTA Telescope
• Meade 8″ ACF LX90 Telescope
• Celestron CPC Deluxe 800 EdgeHD Telescope
• Celestron NexStar Evolution 8″ Computerized Telescope
• Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

How do 8-inch telescopes compare to other size telescopes

8-inch vs 9.25-inch telescope

8-inch telescopes provide a focal length of 800-2415 mm with a focal ratio of f/4-f/11.5. In contrast, 9.25-inch telescopes vary from  2350-2500 mm in focal length with a focal ratio of f/10. However, the price of the 9.25-inch scope is three times that of the 8-inch scope. Moreover, 9.25-inch telescopes provide 406-555x highest magnification, which is 300-480x in the case of 8-inch telescopes.

8-inch vs 10-inch telescope

8-inch telescopes have less aperture than the 10-inch telescopes. They offer a focal ratio of f/3.9-f/10 whereas the 8-inch telescopes provide  f/4-f/11.5. Besides, 8-inch telescopes offer a focal length of 800-2415 mm whereas the 10-inch telescopes vary from 1000-2500 mm in focal lengths.

8-inch vs 11-inch telescopes

8-inch telescope has less aperture than the 11-inch telescopes. They offer a focal ratio of  f/4-f/11.5 whereas the 11-inch telescopes vary from f/2.2-f/10. Besides, 11-inch telescopes offer a focal length of 620-2800 mm whereas the 8-inch telescopes start from 800 mm to 2415 mm mm in focal lengths. Moreover, 8-inch telescopes provide 300-480x the highest magnification, whereas 11-inch telescopes can magnify up to 558-558.8x..

8-inch vs 12-inch telescope

8-inch telescopes provide focal lengths of 800-2415 mm (f/4-f/11.5), while 12-inch telescopes vary in focal lengths from 1200-1525 mm (f/3.93- f/5). 8-inch telescopes provide the highest magnification of 300-480x, whereas 12-inch telescopes can magnify 600x.