Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope Review

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope Feature

• 203mm aperture and 1200mm focal length allow you to reach deep into space for jaw-dropping images
• The ultra-stable Dobsonian base keeps the tube perfectly balanced for point-and-view ease of use
• Includes two eyepieces, finder scope, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
• One-year limited warranty

The Orion XT series (available in 4.5", 6", 8", and 10") includes some of my favorite entry-level telescopes, and I recommend this one, the 8", most of all. It’s well-made, has very good optics, is relatively cheap, isn't too big or too small, and has a nice look. It features an 8" mirror that gathers enough light to do serious work. The mount is a simple alt-az ("altitude-azimuth," a fancy term that simply means "up-down-left-right") design. There is no automated tracking mechanism. When the object in your field of view starts to go out of sight, you simply push to scope along to re-center it. This may sound inconvenient, but the axes are very smooth and responsive to the touch. To maintain tension, the altitude axis ("up-down") uses an innovative spring system. The springs also allow one hardy and ambitious individual to pick up and move it with one hand (the scope weighs 42 lbs.)

A 6X30 finder scope is included to help you get oriented, as well as two eyepieces: a 25 mm Plossl (49X) and a 10 mm Plossl (121X). While these eyepieces are of decent quality, the dedicated observer will eventually want to upgrade to better eyepieces like one of Orion’s own Ultrascopics. Regardless of eyepiece though, this scope will let you easily see Saturn’s rings (this is something you do not want to miss, trust me), Jupiter and its four moons, dozens of named craters on the moon, and hundreds of star clusters, galaxies (wait until you see the Andromeda Galaxy) and nebulae. It'll keep you busy for years.

Yes, you could go to the mall and get one of those cheap little computer-controlled gizmo telescopes. The problem is, those cute little scopes won't do any one thing well, and they don't gather enough light (the XT8’s 8" mirror gathers eight to ten times as much light as those little 2"-3" scopes). If you've got a new-found interest in astronomy and want an entry-level telescope, you need look no further--although I should also point out that Orion has an excellent upgraded version of the scope called the "Intelliscope" which features the ability to locate thousands of objects by hand using a separately sold paddle-style controller. And if you can't swing the price of the XT8 Intelliscope, I recommend the slightly smaller XT6, which is also a great deal for the price. --Ed Ting

Pros

• Great scope for the price
• At 8", the mirror is big enough to do serious work
• Includes two perfectly serviceable eyepieces
• Easy re-centering of objects
• Enough viewing power to keep you occupied for years

Cons

• No automated tracking mechanism
• The serious sky watcher may need to eventually upgrade to a better eyepiece
• A not very portable 42 pounds

Our classic XT8 isn't just great bang for the buck, it's a veritable explosion of telescope value. It combines powerful parabolic optics with the ultimate in mechanical stability. The SkyQuest XT8 features an 8" parabolic primary mirror that will tease out detail in nebulas, resolve stars in globular clusters, and reveal subtle structure in galaxies. The enameled steel optical tube sports a 2" aluminum rack-and-pinion focuser that accepts both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces. The tube moves effortlessly on Teflon/UHMW bearings for point-and-view simplicity. Comes complete with navigation knob, 6x30 finder scope, two 1.25" Sirius Plossl eyepieces, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and hard dust cap.

Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope

Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope Review

Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope Feature

• This clever push-to computerized Dobsonian reflector telescope can lead you to more than 14,000 celestial objects with its included IntelliScope Object Locator
• Big 10" (254mm) aperture reflector telescope gathers loads of light for bright views of nebulas, galaxies, star clusters, and close-up study of the Moon and planets
• Stable support provided by the wooden Dobsonian telescope base and CorrecTension adjustment knobs keep the telescope optical tube balanced in any viewing position
• Simple Dobsonian point-and-view ease of use plus IntelliScope smarts equals a reflector telescope for a lifetime
• Includes 2" Crayford focuser, two 1.25" Sirius Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 9x50 right-angle correct-image finder scope, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and Starry Night software

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.

Toysmith 3-D Mirascope

Toysmith 3-D Mirascope Review

Toysmith 3-D Mirascope Feature

• This super-cool toy creates a realistic 3D Holographic image from small objects, for hours of family fun.
• Projects amazing three-dimensional images using two concave mirrors

Instant Illusion Maker -- Creates 3-D hologram images to trick your eyes and your family and friends. The images look completely real and solid, but when you try to touch it, your finger appears to go right through it. -- The 3-D Mirascope consists of two parabolic mirrors that are facing each other - the top mirror has a hole in the center where the hologram effect takes place. Simply set an object in the bottom of the parabolic mirror, and it is suddenly projected as a solid object in the opening of the top mirror. Objects can be easily changed and the same incredible effect will be projected. Includes the mirascope, frog figurine, instructions, and information about holograms. -- Recommended ages 8 and up.

3-D MIRASCOPE by Toysmith®

3-D MIRASCOPE by Toysmith® Review

3-D MIRASCOPE by Toysmith® Feature

• This super-cool toy creates a realistic 3D Holographic image from small objects, for hours of family fun.
• Projects amazing three-dimensional images using two concave mirrors

Instant Illusion Maker -- Creates 3-D hologram images to trick your eyes and your family and friends. The images look completely real and solid, but when you try to touch it, your finger appears to go right through it. -- The 3-D Mirascope consists of two parabolic mirrors that are facing each other - the top mirror has a hole in the center where the hologram effect takes place. Simply set an object in the bottom of the parabolic mirror, and it is suddenly projected as a solid object in the opening of the top mirror. Objects can be easily changed and the same incredible effect will be projected. Includes the mirascope, frog figurine, instructions, and information about holograms. -- Recommended ages 8 and up.

Ignition Series Solar Cooking Science

Ignition Series Solar Cooking Science Review

Ignition Series Solar Cooking Science Feature

• Construct a parabolic solar cooker
• Heat water or melt chocolate
• Learn about solar thermal energy
• New
• Sparking a lifelong love of science

The Solar Cooking Science Kit from Thames and Kosmos is part of the Ignition Series. Includes 14 interlocking foil pieces, small cooking container, rod, wooden clothes pins, rubber bands and12 page manual. Food items not included. Package measures approx. 8.5"L x 4.5"W.

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope Review

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope Feature

• Compact 4.5-inch (113-mm) f/4 Newtonian reflector, comes ready to use
• Only 25 inches tall, it makes a great "grab-and-go" telescope for impromptu observation sessions
• With a tabletop altitude-azimuth mount, 6- and 17-mm Explorer II 1.25-inch eyepieces

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector TelescopeLaunch a lifetime of stargazing with this compact, ready-to-use telescopeTop-notch optics show you the moon, the planets, the stars and moreScope comes fully assembled so you can go from box to backyard in minutesHigh-quality optics, point-and-view ease of use, remarkable portability, all for less than 0Your ticket to space-tourism without the zero-G nauseaMaybe it's because many of us started out with those frustrating little department store refractors, but at Orion we strive to offer quality telescopes for beginners that are easy to use and will inspire their natural inclination to explore.The Orion StarBlast is one such telescope. Pint-sized in stature, it's a real reflecting telescope that's super-simple to use and yet manufactured with the kind of quality you'd expect in more expensive models.The Orion StarBlast is a point-and-view telescope that swivels smoothly on its sturdy, low-profile base. No complicated setup is required. In fact, it comes pre-assembled and ready for action right out of the box! Just carry it outdoors by its built-in handle, place it on the ground or on a picnic bench, and let the fun begin!Inside the StarBlast's 18"-long steel tube are real, quality telescope optics, including a 114mm (4.5") parabolic mirror. With the two Explorer II telescope eyepieces, upcoming skywatchers will see spectacular views of the Moon's craters, the planets, star clusters, and lots of other exotic space stuff. Aiming the Orion StarBlast is easy with the EZ Finder II "red dot" finder scope. The package also includes an eyepiece rack and a snap-on dust cap.The Orion StarBlast will not only give beginners hour after hour of fun, but will also nurture their interest in the night sky. One-year limited warranty. This item cannot be shipped internationally due to its size and weight.

Orion AstroView 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Orion AstroView 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope Review

Orion AstroView 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope Feature

• Versatile 6" reflector telescope and sturdy equatorial (EQ) mount and tripod excels at all-around night-sky performance
• 6" (150mm) aperture and 750mm focal length Newtonian reflector optics provides pleasing views of a rich variety of celestial objects from the close-by Moon to distant galaxies and cloudy nebulas
• Includes sturdy adjustable-height aluminum tripod and equatorial mount for precise slow-motion manual tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky
• Includes 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" telescope eyepieces which provide 30x and 75x views respectively for a variety of magnification right out of the box
• Also includes a 6x30 finder scope, 1.25" rack & pinion focuser, polar alignment scope, collimation cap, Starry Night astronomy software, and more!

If you're ready to graduate from a small scope or want your first scope to have more light-gathering power than typical starter scopes, step up to the AstroView 6. Its 150mm parabolic mirror has a focal length of 750mm (f/5), so it offers generous wide-field views of deep-sky objects when used with the included 25mm Plossl. For lunar and planetary study, use the 10mm Plossl (also included). The AstroView's EQ-3 equatorial mount features manual slow motion controls, which allow you to center and track objects in the viewing field. An optional single- or dual-axis EQ-3 DC drive is also available for electronic guiding. Built in to the equatorial head is a polar-alignment scope for precise orientation on celestial north or south. The mount couples to a sturdy adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray. Includes 6x30 finder, rack-and-pinion focuser, and four-vane adjustable secondary mirror support.