Orion SkyQuest XT10 IntelliScope with Object Locator and Bon
by Orion
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: OrionProduct features:
- Locate more than 14,000 celestial objects with pushbutton ease with included controller!
- 254mm aperture and 1200mm focal length for glorius views of the moon, planets, galaxies and nebulas
- Exquisite optics allow you to reach stars as faint as magnitude 15
- Includes Crayford-style focuser, two eyepieces, finder scope, and FREE Starry Night software
- Bonus FREE Accessories: 9x50 right-angle finder, LaserMate collimator and holster for object locator
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Orion SkyQuest XT10 IntelliScope with Object Locator and Bon
Customer Review: Excellent First Telescope - Orion XT10
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm new to astronomy. Having never looked through a telescope at the heavens even once, I recognized that an investment in a first telescope was fraught with opportunity for disappointment. So, I did a fairly intensive review of what pros and experienced amateurs had to say about scopes. The conclusions of most seemed to point in the same direction -- a Dobsonian mounted reflector provided the most value for the money. The only downside, from my perspective, was that Dobsonian mounts and motorized targeting systems are mutually exclusive. This precludes the user from astrophotography. However, virtually all agreed that newbies should avoid astrophotography like the plague because the complexities would most certainly scare amateurs away from astronomy altogether. The other consistent advice is that aperture is king. Put more money into aperture than anything else.
The Orion SkyQuest telescope seemed to be reputable and, to my delight, came with a computer-assisted targeting system -- not motorized, but assisted. Essentially, the way that it is supposed to work is that you align the scope to a bright star, Sirius for example, then tell the computer to note it's location. Then you do the same for another bright star. Once aligned, you can key a stellar object into the computer, M42 for example, and it will guide you as you rotate the base and tilt the tube manually. Neat, huh?
I have to admit, however, that I was initially I underwhelmed by what I saw through the scope. This is for two reasons. First, I was able to find M42 nicely through the scope with a clear image filling the Sirius Plossl 10mm viewfinder that came standard with the scope. However, it was pretty much a monochrome experience. A sort of greenish gray. After doing some more research, I learned that the bright colors you see in photographs are not perceptible to the human eye. The colorful images you see in astronomy magazines are achieved through various astrophotographic techniques. Second, the two eyepieces provided in the base package provide limited magnification and field of view. While M42 filled the field of view with the 10mm eyepiece, Saturn was still quite small. I could make out the rings, but no other details. So, Lesson One is be prepared to invest in additional eyepieces. By the way, much of the advice I found on the web noted that investment in additional eyepieces was almost a certainty. I'm planning to go to a local astronomy club and seek advice before buying more eyepieces. My main question is whether to opt for a 2 inch or stick with the standard 1 1/4 inch. The Orion SkyQuest supports both.
I tried, only briefly, to get the computerized object locator to work and didn't have much luck. I'm not ready to blame Orion quite yet as I think my experience may have been due to user error or improper installation.
The 10 inch XT10 is quite large and difficult to maneuver by yourself. Weight is not the main issue, it is just awkward to lift and navigate through your home and in and out of your vehicle. I have a Ford Expedition and have enough room with part of the rear and middle seat sections folded down to load it without disassembling it. One strong person can do it alone, but two is much better. I'm afraid that the size and transportability of the larger XT12 would have resulted in fewer trips to dark sky locations. Lession Two, be sure that your vehicle will accomodate this scope before you buy it.
All things considered, I am very satisfied with the performance of the XT10 scope itself, but not ready to recommend the Computerized Object Locator just yet. This is clearly a good scope for beginners and excellent value for the money.
Description of Orion SkyQuest XT10 IntelliScope with Object Locator and Bon
This remarkable scope combines powerful 254mm-diameter reflector optics with point-and-view simplicity in one nicely portable package. And with included Computerized Object Locator, even the first-time stargazer can pinpoint the location of 14,000+ celestial wonders stored in the IntelliScope's databank. It's like having your own personal tour guide to the universe! The optical tube houses an 10" (254mm) parabolic mirror and rides on our state-of-the-art Dobsonian base, equipped with springless CorrecTension friction control for smooth movement and always-perfect tube balance. Comes complete with a 2" Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter, two Sirius Plossl eyepieces, finder scope, eyepiece rack, nav knob, carrying handle, quick-collimation cap, and snap-on dust cap. Includes BONUS ACCESSORY PACK with a 9x50 right-angle finder scope, LaserMate collimator, and holster for the object locator, all FREE!Reflectors
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