Orion Skyquest Dobsonian Telescope
Orion Skyquest telescope is one of the best valued product lines of reflector telescopes in the world. They provide real value not only are they incredibly sturdy, easy to use, cost effective, and perform beautifully, they are built to last a long time as well.
Skyquest telescopes are based on the dobsonian model. A dobsonian is a telescope that uses the Newtonian style of bouncing rays of light back into the scope from the tube. The mirror's width allows for varying amounts of photons depending on the telescope. The wider the mirror the more luminous the image becomes.
Newton was able to create a reflecting telescope that was much more powerful than the small tube used by Galileo, and this resulted in a revolution in telescope construction adhered to by Orion today.
If you still feel a little lost or overwhelmed on how to choose the right Orion Skyquest telescope, then all you have to do is read this review. This short but extensive guide of the Skyquest telescope series may serve as a guide for choosing and buying the best scope that fits your needs.
Are you a beginner or new to backyard astronomy, maybe your kids want to learn about the stars, then an Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian telescope would be a great choice. It's the best beginner dosbonian telescope. Its Newtonian reflector tube assembly features a big 4.5"(114mm) light-gathering mirror housed in an enameled steel tube. This mirror pulls in 260% more starlight than the lens of a 60mm refractor (the classic beginner telescope), bringing hundreds more objects boldly into view!
Kids now have a chance to gaze at the Moon’s craters and hop from star to star across the sky. Stargazing has never been this fun and easy for kids. User friendly models with simple point and view design make stargazing enjoyable for young children too.
Another Orion Skyquest telescope that you can enjoy, is more powerful than the XT4.5 it's the Orion XT6. The XT6 Classic Dobsonian comes with a 6” diameter f/8 parabolic mirror.
The Orion XT6 telescope collects nearly 80% more light. It comes with a stable mount, quick setup and is portable. Powerful, easy to use and affordable, the SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian telescope has the makings of a beautiful and lasting relationship between you, your family and the wonders of our universe.
Skyquest Telescopes
Still wanting more, then consider the Orion SkyQuest XT8. This dosbonian reflector lets you view the Moon and planets in greater detail and captures enough light to provide pleasing views of far off nebula's, galaxies and star clusters. With its 8” diameter reflector it’s no wonder that this telescope gets a 5 star review from those who buy it.
Solar system objects are bright and look good at about 200X, which this telescope can deliver on a good night. It also has an ultra-stable base that keeps the reflector optical tube perfectly balanced for point and view ease of use. Of course, it will be heavier than the XT6 but for an 8” dosbonian telescope it is incredibly light and easy to use.
Bigger is better. It’s no wonder that another powerful Skyquest telescope is stealing the limelight. With its 10” aperture reflector, the Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian will definitely allow you see to infinity and beyond. It has luminous tracker which absorbs almost all the light rays to give you the best view of all the night sky’s beauty such as nebula's, galaxies and star clusters and close-up views of more nearby targets like the Moon and planets. It’s like having the best of both the XT6 and the XT8.
The XT10 Dob reflector comes fully equipped for adventure right out of the box, whether you’re a beginner stargazer or are graduating to a larger, more capable telescope, it is heavier than the others but showing it off in public will definitely put you the limelight. Very easy to use with its simple point and view design, you will be happy with this “gentle giant”.
For all you computer controlled electronic telescope enthusiasts who love the Newtonian style, but want the GOTO technology there is the Skyquest Intelliscope XTI8, XTI10 and XTI12 inch models.
Whichever size Orion Skyquest telescope you buy, expect the best of the best. You can read what other happy users have to say about these Dobsonian telescopes.




















