Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope by Orion
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Our Price: $239.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Digital camera Review: Excellent for beginners, fine for many experienced users
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great scope for beginning astronomy--and beyond. It is sturdy and simple to operate. It has enough light-gathering power (more important than magnification) to reveal dim star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies and good enough optics to show you the surface of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Affordable as this scope is, there is no reason to give so much as a glance at the trashy 60mm refractors with exaggerated magnification claims that litter the market.
Some advice on selection. Dobsonians come in a range of sizes; the bigger the instrument, the more you will see. A long-focus 114mm (4 ½") like this one is a fine instrument, especially for children and others whose ability to carry large objects is limited. A teen or able-bodied adult should consider going up to a 150-200mm (6-8") scope. Bigger Dobsonians (250-300mm and above) are too heavy and bulky for some people.
Some advice on use. Viewing through a telescope is less like playing a CD and more like playing a guitar. Finding objects takes a little bit of practice. To simplify it, I would suggest supplementing the finder supplied with this scope with a "red-dot" finder to aid in initial pointing. You will also need to buy a star atlas (Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is the best available), a red flashlight to read it without blowing out your badly-needed night vision, and a guidebook to lead you to interesting objects. These investments will greatly add to your enjoyment.
What more can I say? This is the kind of scope that experienced observers have been trying to steer novices towards for decades. Although, I recommend that you do your homework before buying any scope--learn the sky and get to know experienced stargazers who can advise you--when it comes time to purchase, this scope is a fine choice.
For more advice, see my encyclopedic guide here on Amazon, "So you want to buy a telescope."
Digital camera Review: Fantastic telescope!
Summary: 5 Stars
Performs as advertised, easy to assemble and use, great price, a great start for someone new to backyard astronomy.Digital camera Review: Great all-around starter scope
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this scope almost a year ago as my first scope and love it. It is easy to use and easily portable. At < 20 lbs it is easily carried in one hand using the handle. It gives good views of the moon and planets, particularly if you add a Barlow lense to double the power of the provided eyepieces, but is also big enough (at 4.5") to begin to show the beauty of the deep-sky objects (galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, etc). I have viewed most of the Messier deep-sky list already. Because it is not on a tripod, it is also easy for kids to view through the eyepiece because they do not need to get on a step ladder. Now that I am sure that I will really be into astronomy as a hobby, I am ready to move on to a larger telescope, but I will keep this one and give it to my kids so they can start to enjoy the night sky.Digital camera Review: Great beginner scope for the price.
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading reviews of different telescopes over multiple websites and astronomy magazines, I decided to check out the Orion line of telescopes. I had some initial questions regarding the differences between this and the 6" aperture so I called Orion's direct service line. They were extremely helpful and polite. The 4.5" was a better decision for me based on the cost, size and reviews.
It arrived here in Italy in short time and I put it together right away. It took about 30 minutes to put together from base to focuser. I noticed right away that the base was very sturdy. Heavy bolts and screws hold it together and the base material seems well sealed and strong. Movement of the base and body is free flowing but holds steady when in position for viewing. The quality of viewing is excellent. I set mine up on a short table in my front yard or I bring out a folding chair for seated viewing and it's perfectly comfortable for long hours of watching the night sky.
I highly recommend this to anyone on a budget and is looking to get into amateur astronomy. Of course, if you have the money to spend, I suggest a larger aperture such as the 6" 8" or 10" Dobsonians. Larger aperture is always better. However, overall this product is definitely a "best buy" for the price.
Digital camera Review: Great starter Scope
Summary: 4 Stars
It took a bit longer to assemble this than the Orion people said it would, but it was worth the time involved. I was pleased to learn how rugged this telescope is. I started out looking at the craters of the moon. I learned more about bodies in motion that night than in any physics course. Ms. Luna doesen't stay still for anyone. This is a very good starter scope.