One feature that often affects the power of a telescope is the weight. Not directly, of course, but the rule of thumb is that the more power a telescope has, the heavier you can expect it to be. This unit is about 40 pounds, which means that it is light enough to take with you when you travel.Quick Summary:

Whether you are an amateur astrologist or a seasoned astrophotographer, the Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is a powerful device that you can share with your entire family. The telescope is easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to maintain. It has a great level of magnification that can even be modified to a larger scale. Looking at the stars, the moon, the planets, and other celestial aspects of the sky has never been easier, so if you if you are interested in the wonders of our universe, the SkyQuest XT8 is the perfect option for you and it cost less than $500Selecting a Quality TelescopeStargazing is an activity that both adults and children enjoy. Using a telescope to see into the great unknown is a way to expand our world and see further than you can with your eyes alone. Perhaps stars are your interest, or maybe you want to see the moon at a higher magnification. Whatever your celestial interest, you most likely need a telescope to see it clearly. You have the telescope that your parents purchased for you when you were a child, but that simply does not have the power to see as far into the galaxy as you desire. You need more magnification in your telescope, but your budget is limited.What is the best telescope under $500 that you can purchase for your exploration? I have found the Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope to be the best option in this price range, and it is perfect for an amateur or a long time enthusiast. There are several reasons that this telescope stands out from the rest; let’s take a look at a few of them.Optical FeaturesThis device comes with an eight-inch aperture, which means that it allows a lot of light to reach the lens. In fact, this telescope allows 73 percent more light through than most of the six-inch telescopes on the market. As a result of this large size,

will not be an issue while you are gazing at the stars; as a result, you will easily be able to see the stars in any location, even busy, illuminated cities. The large aperture also means that the image will be brighter and crisper than with smaller options.MagnificationThe SkyQuest XT8 comes with a 35-millimeter eyepiece that results in a magnification power of at least 48x. This level of magnification brings the celestial world into your backyard. You will be able to look closely at the rings of Saturn, you can explore the gas mist that surrounds Jupiter, or maybe you want to look at a crater on the moon. Space is full of colorful nebulas and mystical galaxies that fill your imagination with questions about what exists there. This telescope gives you a first-hand glimpse into the unknown and magnifies it so that you can see a clear image of the uncertainties that lie beyond our planet.If you are a seasoned stargazer who needs more magnification, a 1.25 inch, and a 2-inch eyepiece are also compatible with this telescope. They do not come with the purchase of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Telescope, but if other galaxies interest you, it may be worth the additional cost.StabilityHaving a stable telescope is important for image quality to be clear and detailed, so this device comes with a Dobsonian base that is very easy to assemble. With this base properly set up, your telescope will be stable in no time. Having a sturdy telescope is especially important if you are an individual who enjoys taking photos of the images you see.AlignmentThis telescope uses the Ez Finder II sight, which is an Orion-exclusive model. It does not come with all of the bells and whistles of a laser dot precision finder, but it also does not come with the large price tag. If you are a beginner who has not perfected the art of aligning your telescope, then this system will be easy for you to angle the telescope at an area of the sky that you wish to view and adjust the sight so that it produces a beautiful image.MaintenanceThis telescope does not require much maintenance, but since it is a reflecting telescope, there are mirrors in the interior of the device that will require adjustment from time to time. Any time you move the telescope, there is a chance that the mirrors can slip out of place. In addition, the temperature can cause the actual metal of the device to contract and expand, which means that if you do not want to minimize the number of times the mirrors need to be adjusted, then the telescope cannot be kept in a damp or a humid space.Additional StatisticsOne feature that often affects the power of a telescope is the weight. Not directly, of course, but the rule of thumb is that the more power a telescope has, the heavier you can expect it to be. This unit is about 40 pounds, which means that it is light enough to take with you when you travel. In fact, it was designed to be separated into two parts to make traveling an easier prospect. The optical tube is 48 inches in length and it weighs about 20 pounds, and the base is approximately 19 inches and it weighs 20 pounds as well. A lens cover is included to prevent scratches during travel, but still be cautious of damaging the telescope because it only comes with a one year warranty.Included SoftwareThe SkyQuest XT8 Telescope comes with two software packages to improve your stargazing experience. The first is , which is a special planetarium imagery that brings the night sky to life. This software from Imaginova is highly praised as a great accessory to help you learn about what can be found in the depths of space. Another software program that is included is a SkyTheater DVD, which is another great tool that you can use to enhance your viewing experience.Additional AccessoriesEverything that you need to stargaze comes in the packaging, but there are other accessories that could improve your experience. We have already discussed the lens options to increase your magnification, but you may need a case to carry the telescope in, especially if you plan to travel with it because a case will be the main layer of protection that will keep the telescope from becoming damaged.You may also want to consider purchasing filters to change the way that you see the celestial objects that you are looking at. Some filters are great for reducing light pollution, while others increase the contrast of the nebulas in the sky. Using a filter is completely optional, but it could be worth purchasing if it enhances your experience.The final accessory that you may want to consider is a guide to the objects that you can view in this galaxy and beyond. A star chart can be a cherished item that a novice star gazer could be lost without. Perhaps you will be able to locate something amazing in the sky simply because you had the information at your fingertips that told you where to look. Product CategoriesRelated Products: OtherShare this Page