Orion SkyQuest XT8, Classic 8" Dobsonian Telescope Kit, with Eyepiece, 2" Crayford-Style Focuser, Finder & Software

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope combines powerful optics with the ultimate in mechanical simplicity and stability. It features a precision 8" (203mm) parabolic primary mirror, center-marked at the factory for precise collimation and mounted in a cast-aluminum support cell that provides maximum ventilation. The mirror pulls in 73% more light than a 6", enough to tease out dust lanes in nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular clusters and reveal subtle structure in elusive galaxies.

The 46" long enameled steel tube glides on its sturdy Dobsonian base. A gentle push or pull on the navigation knob puts you right in the observing pocket. The CorrecTension spring system applies just the right amount of friction on the altitude bearings to ensure proper tube balance. The SkyQuest XT8 now features an upgraded 2" Crayford-style focuser that accepts both 1.25" and 2" accessories. The XT8 comes with a Sirius Plossl 25mm eyepiece (48x), an EZ Finder II reflex sight, an Orion quick-collimation cap and a snap-on dust cover.