Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
by Orion

List Price: $219.95
Category: Digital Camera
See more digital camera details and other models

(Click here)

Digital product summary information

• 114mm aperture and 910mm focal length for views of lunar craters, planets, nebulas, and galaxies
• Sturdy Dobsonian mount and handy grip knob allow for effortless maneuvering
• Includes 2 eyepieces, finder scope, focuser, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
• One-year limited warranty

• Orion DualBeam LED Astro Flashlight
• Orion LaserMate Deluxe Laser Collimator
• Orion Magnitude Mat

Digital camera reviews of Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

Digital camera Review: Great beginner scope for the price.
Summary: 5 Stars

Summary of Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

Your money buys you a lot in this case. Included are a good-quality 4.5" f/8 primary mirror, two eyepieces, a finder, and a CD-ROM with a stripped-down version of The Sky, a software guide to the sky. The scope comes in two cartons. One contains the optical tube, and the other is a flat-packed box containing the base, which you assemble yourself. Orion includes all the hardware and tools you need, and the instructions are well written. Allocate about 30 minutes to assemble and align everything.

See a detailed view of the XT4.5's features

There are a couple of cost-cutting measures. The primary mirror is spherical, not parabolic (this is not likely to affect the views, however). Also, the focuser is plastic. While I've never seen one break, plastic focusers are by nature less robust than metal ones. Finally (and this may be the most serious concern of all), the scope is a little short for an adult. The eyepiece is only 3 feet off the ground, which may force you to stoop over (hint: try sitting on a short chair or stool while observing). On the other hand, the height is ideal for a child, and as a result, I heartily recommend this telescope for children.

Under the stars, the XT4.5 exhibits excellent performance. Once properly collimated (aligned), the optics give clear, sharp, contrasty views. I've spent enjoyable nights using these telescopes, both as a teaching tool and by myself. Jupiter's cloud band and four moons are no problem to see, nor are Saturn's rings. The Orion Nebula is a glowing fan of green gas, with a quartet of tiny stars at its core. Under dark skies (and with some diligence) the XT4.5 can even pull in some of the fainter deep sky objects, like the brighter galaxies in the Virgo Cluster.

Despite the fact that I have a garage full of expensive telescopes, I never feel compromised with any of Orion's XT scopes. As recently as a few years ago, the old adage regarding telescopes was that you must spend at least $300 to avoid buying junk. While this is still mostly true, Orion's little XT4.5 breaks the price barrier in a big way. As long as you can deal with the short eyepiece height, it's a great starter scope.

Pros:

• Very good optical and mechanical performance
• Fully accessorized
• Great value

• Short eyepiece height
• Plastic focuser

Optics

• Used Photo & Camera