Make no mistake; the Orion SkyQuest XT8i is a serious telescope. This wonderful piece of advanced technology is based on a massive 203 mm aperture Dobsonian Reflector style telescope which uses computerized tracking technology to keep you perfectly focused on whatever object you choose. You will have no trouble viewing the Moon like you have never seen it before, not only will you be able to see our moon, but you will be able to see the moons around our neighboring planets!
Beyond that, you will be amazed at the deep sky objects that will be accessible to you such as distant galaxies, stars, and even the wondrous nebulae that will shock and surprise you. Locating those deep sky objects will be no trouble at all with this superb computerized telescope with a massive 203 mm aperture for incredible magnification powers.
Although this Orion XT8i reflector telescope is an advanced instrument, the associated technology is designed to make the user’s life much easier. For this reason, the device, although designed for more experienced astronomers, can actually be used by beginners, who will advance much more quickly by using this technology.
The Orion Intelliscope object locator makes it a simple task to choose an object from the database, and simply let the computerized locator direct the telescope onto the target. Even an amateur astronomer can select and observe the most distant of celestial objects with complete ease, and simply enjoy studying the stars instead of studying the instruction manual. Even experienced stargazers will enjoy having these advanced features.
How big is the Orion XT8 telescope?
The Orion XT8i is certainly no lightweight device, but fortunately it comes on a specially designed mounting base that not only has a computerized control system, but also comes with a sturdy mounting base to keep the device steady and avoids vibration when you are trying to focus right in on target. The mounting base has a smooth tracking action, and automatically keeps the telescope on the target, so you don’t have to keep making adjustments, and you don’t get those annoying bumps every time you need to move the knobs.
How do you set the Computer Controller?
The only time you need to touch the telescope is to set the computer in motion. Even then, you can use the remote hand controller which does not cause any bumps or vibration to pass through the telescope. You simply choose the object that you wish to view from the database, and sit back while the automatic drive system locks onto the target for you.
Now that makes life for astronomers very easy – no matter whether a beginner or vastly experienced. The only choice you have to make is which eyepiece you want to attach – such as the incredible 50 mm telescope eyepiece. This is a stunning feature which will let you see bright and clear images of the Andromeda galaxy which is nothing short of spectacular, and once you have been there, you will never look back!
How Powerful is the Orion XT8i?
The power of the Orion SkyQuest XT8i Intelliscope is more than enough for any astronomer to locate and lock onto the distant galaxies and nebulae. With a 203 mm aperture, the reflecting mirror can pick up enough light to provide images of even faint star clusters, nebulae, and all of the planets except for Pluto. Put that together with an 8mm eyepiece, and Saturn and Jupiter become amazing sights, that you will want to explore even further. I recommend that you look closely at upgrading the eyepieces when you can afford them, as it is a rule of thumb with telescopes that half of the telescope’s power comes from the size of the aperture optics, and the other half comes from the power and precision of the eyepiece. The two included eyepieces are fine to get started, but once you look farther into the deeper sky, you may want to add some additional magnification.
What are the best features of the Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope?
- The XT8i is a very large telescope – the 203 mm aperture allows you to see fantastic views of the Moon and planets, and even the moons of those planets!
- as well as those far away objects such as elusive nebulae and distant galaxies
- Locating those very faint objects is much easier with the Orion XT8i
- Simply use the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator which allows you to navigate to any target object of your choice
- All you have to do is choose an object form the database, and the computer will drive the automated telescope mount onto the target
- You don’t have to tune the knobs or even the telescope at all so you don’t get those annoying bumps to spoil the view
- The superb mounting base is vibration free
Where can I buy an Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Computerised Telescope?
So I think there is an opportunity here not to be missed. The Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope offers some serious magnification power, and professional standard computer automation. These combined features add up to a high level of capability in terms of telescope, all at quite a reasonable price, for those of us who are amateurs by profession, but take ourselves seriously in our hobbies. Some would advise that you can go with a serious 200 mm aperture telescope and add a few precision eyepieces, to get almost as good performance as a 250 mm telescope without the additional expense. The choice is yours to make, but I strongly recommend you take a closer look at the SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope.
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