The 4 Best Telescopes for Beginners of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter
This summer we'll be testing four new “smart” telescopes: the Seestar S50, Unistellar Odyssey line, Vaonis Vespera II, and Celestron Origin.
Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian
Although the large, 8-inch <anchor>Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian</anchor> telescope offered great views of faint galaxies and nebulae in our tests, its time-intensive setup and many moving parts made it feel less accessible and portable than our top pick. And though it offers a computer database of more than 14,000 objects, this telescope instructs you to position the scope manually instead of moving on a motorized system. This method has its pros and cons, but we’d like the accessibility of motorized mounts if we’re going for GPS functions.
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Amazon.com : Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope : Reflecting Telescopes : Electronics

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# Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope

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BrandOrionEye Piece Lens DescriptionPlosslObjective Lens Diameter203 MillimetersTelescope Mount DescriptionAltazimuth MountFocus TypeManual FocusPower SourcemanualFinderscopeReflexLens Coating DescriptionAluminum & Silicon DioxideField Of View1.02 DegreesGlobal Trade Identification Number00759270100186

# About this item

- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- Large Dobsonian reflector telescope with 8" aperture allows you to see faint deep-sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies, in addition to fantastic views of the Moon and planets
- Locating those faint deep-sky objects is simple with the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator - it includes more than 14,000 objects in its database, and points you right to each one
- Select the object you wish to view from the IntelliScope database, then simply follow the directional arrows displayed on the hand controller by moving the telescope until the object is right in the eyepiece field of view - it's easy!
- The ultra-stable Dobsonian telescope base keeps the reflector optical tube perfectly balanced for easy point-and-view use
- A precise Crayford focuser allows use of larger format 2" telescope eyepieces - the bright, wide-field view of the Andromeda galaxy in a low power 2" eyepiece is jaw-dropping!

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## Product Description

### From the Manufacturer

Large Dobsonian reflector telescope with 8" aperture allows you to see faint deep-sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies, in addition to fantastic views of the Moon and planets. Locating those faint deep-sky objects is simple with the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator - it includes more than 14,000 objects in its database, and points you right to each one. Select the object you wish to view from the IntelliScope database, then simply follow the directional arrows displayed on the hand controller by moving the telescope until the object is right in the eyepiece field of view - it's easy!. The ultra-stable Dobsonian telescope base keeps the reflector optical tube perfectly balanced for easy point-and-view use. A precise Crayford focuser allows use of larger format 2" telescope eyepieces - the bright, wide-field view of the Andromeda galaxy in a low power 2" eyepiece is jaw-dropping!

## Product information

Package Dimensions  3.8 x 2.1 x 2 inches  Item Weight  3.66 ounces  ASIN  B000P2ZPB2  Item model number  10018 Customer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars  Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  No  Date First Available  November 20, 2003  Manufacturer  Orion

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## Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars

4.1 out of 5

53 global ratings

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

### Customers say

Customers like the image quality, star finder, and quality of the telescope. They mention it produces phenomenal images, allows them to identify stars, planets, and other points of interest, and is a great telescope for a new astronomer. Customers are also happy with the value for money, light collecting capacity, and astronomy scope. However, some customers differ on the ease of assembly and size.

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Image qualityStar finderQualityValue for moneyLight collecting capacityAstronomy scopeEase of assemblySize

9 customers mention "Image quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the telescope. They mention it's a bargain beginner scope, produces phenomenal images, and shows Jupiter and four of its moons beautifully. Customers also say the telescope is very nice and well-made. They also mention they've been able to see the moon far better than they ever have.

"The telescope is very nice, and I'd recommend this edition of the XT8i over some of the others as it is dark in color..." Read more

"...There is even a filter for viewing the sun. Doing so without that filter is asking for blindness so don't try it...." Read more

"... Great images of Jupiter and four of its moons, also our Moon so far is mostly it.. have..." Read more

"...Had it out early before the electronic assembly. Views are great, love to look at the Trapezium a compact 4 star group in the famed Orion Nebula...." Read more

9 customers mention "Star finder"9 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the star finder. They mention it's awesome, great for new astronomers, and a nice upgrade from a small scope for a modest price. It allows them to identify stars, planets, and other points of interest. The object finder does an amazing job at locating objects.

"...The Intelliscope computer works well for finding objects in the sky...." Read more

"...It allows a person to identify stars, planets and other points of interest...." Read more

"...and the object finder does an amazing job at locating objects, very simple to use...." Read more

"...Comes with eye pieces and a manual collimater. Star finder is awesome! Once you get the hang of it...." Read more

7 customers mention "Quality"5 positive2 negative

Customers like the quality of the telescope. They mention it's high-quality at an affordable price, and the base is stable, allowing rotation of the scope.

"... High quality at an affordable price, not so big you can't move it around, and not so small that you'll be disappointed with the views...." Read more

"...All of the parts appear to be well made. I recommend getting the bag, a barlow and a moon filter." Read more

"...I'm very pleased with the operation, quality and features. Customer service was very helpful and they're available 24/7.Awesome scope...." Read more

"...together,(watch the video on their site as you do it) easy to use, well made (base could be a bit better then it is but it seems to work fine)Great..." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They say it's well worth the price.

"...High quality at an affordable price, not so big you can't move it around, and not so small that you'll be disappointed with the views...." Read more

"...The Zhummel seems like a much better value, and if you have absolutely no use for the intelliscope system, it probably is...." Read more

"...It is 100% worth the money, and from a terribly light-polluted area I find myself in, this scope collects enough light to see some deep sky objects..." Read more

" Best telescope for the bucks for a beginner or intermediate astronomer. This is definitely a telescope that I will use for a lifetime!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Light collecting capacity"4 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the light collecting capacity of the telescope. They mention it collects enough light to see some deep-sky objects and is an excellent light bucket for entry-level or intermediate level.

"...into my back yard, I took a look at the Orion Nebula, and was amazed at the blue glow and clear shape I was able to see...." Read more

"short review, this telescope does a great job of collecting light. and the object finder does an amazing job at locating objects, very simple to use...." Read more

" Excellent light bucket for entry/intermediate level. Your child will be the cock of the walk...." Read more

"...a terribly light-polluted area I find myself in, this scope collects enough light to see some deep sky objects with enough detail...." Read more

3 customers mention "Astronomy scope"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the astronomy scope. They say it's the best for beginners and an excellent beginner scope.

"...I think for the price this is a great started scope with some room to grow...." Read more

"By far this is the best beginners astronomy scope, did a lot of reading and I'm happy with the purchase. Many years of observing to look forward to!" Read more

" Excellent beginner scope..." Read more

11 customers mention "Ease of assembly"7 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the ease of assembly of the telescope. Some mention it's easy to put together and simple to use, while others say it has poor instructions and is complex.

"...Then I also learned the computerised object locator, which is pretty simple to use, but you may need the aid of a star chart until you learn the..." Read more

"...box of parts, now build your own telescope." And the instructions are very incomplete. Terminology is not accurate. Parts are not labeled...." Read more

"...Watch the video. Do this instead of what I did. The instructions were clear but the nomenclature of parts was not...." Read more

"...and the object finder does an amazing job at locating objects, very simple to use...." Read more

6 customers mention "Size"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the size of the telescope. Some mention it's portable, while others say it'll be heavier and bulkier.

"...This is one heavy unit. It's roughly 40+ pounds. I have a telescope dolly ordered but it was on back order...." Read more

"...High quality at an affordable price, not so big you can't move it around, and not so small that you'll be disappointed with the views...." Read more

"...the objects will be much brighter…that being said, the 10 is much heavier and bulkier, takes longer to cool down, requires more frequent collimation..." Read more

"It is a little bulky to move around.I built a small platform with casters to move it in and out of the house for viewing at night...." Read more

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5.0 out of 5 stars

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5 out of 5 stars

##### My New Favorite Hobby

Best telescope for the bucks for a beginner or intermediate astronomer. This is definitely a telescope that I will use for a lifetime! I have already had plenty of amazing experiences with this beauty.

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### Top reviews from the United States

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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2017

The telescope is very nice, and I'd recommend this edition of the XT8i over some of the others as it is dark in color (some editions are brighter which could not be desirable when viewing), its navigation knob helps make fine adjustments without the use of the rotational altitude/azimuth/declination knobs I was used to on my previous refractor telescope, and the finder scope that comes with this one is an improved one you'd have to pay for separately without this model. Ultimately it's up to you which features are important, though.

My perspective: my old/first telescope was a decent Celestron 60mm refractor. It seems higher quality than most other similar scopes that I've seen for sale, but I've also had it for 20 years so that could explain why. I was looking to upgrade to a larger aperture and considered everything from 6" to 12" primary lenses. In the end it came down to this XT8i and a 10" Zhumell. The Zhumell was similar in price with the larger aperture, and also has an electric cooling fan. However, I could always add one for virtually $0, just using an old computer fan and some electronic skills. The 8" seemed to be the best for me, living on the edge of Oklahoma City so I'm still in city lights, but not in the brightest part. The use of the IntelliScope locator won me over since it can be difficult to do star hopping with my experience level and having a lot of stars washed out by the light pollution.

First light: The first night I was able to bring this out into my back yard, I took a look at the Orion Nebula, and was amazed at the blue glow and clear shape I was able to see. I haven't ever seen this in my other telescope so it's hard to compare, but let me tell you, it was not disappointing. Then, a few nights ago I looked at Jupiter for the first time (it's been out of view through part of the winter), and can now compare before/after. Before I could see the planet, and two fuzzy dark bands. Now I can see the round body very clearly, those same bands, and I was able to make out the Great Red Spot quite easily. There's detail to be seen which wasn't discernible before, and that made me very happy. Then I also learned the computerised object locator, which is pretty simple to use, but you may need the aid of a star chart until you learn the constellations and stars better. But trust me, that won't be a problem because being able to find things will help increase enthusiasm.

Last word -- whether you are a brand new beginning astronomer or you have a little bit of experience like me, I think this is a good purchase. High quality at an affordable price, not so big you can't move it around, and not so small that you'll be disappointed with the views. I cannot wait to take this telescope out to the country!

15 people found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2010

My previous scope was an equatorial mounted 3" refractor. This 8" Intelliscope is much better. I wasn't sure how I would like the Dobson mount, but it works well. It is very smooth, especially if you have the scope level. It is a little less responsive when you are looking at objects that are almost straight up. The Intelliscope computer works well for finding objects in the sky. I have a small patch of light polluted sky for sky observing, so the stars I use for initial setup are not very far apart, but with careful setup I can locate what I want in the sky (provided it's in my patch). All of the parts appear to be well made. I recommend getting the bag, a barlow and a moon filter.

29 people found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2013

Background

I'm a complete newbie/novice. Torn between an XT8i and an XT10i, I was advised to get the 8 and get accessories. I was also advised that the difference between them were minimal unless I jumped to the XT12/12i. There is a GoTo version, by the way, that actually automatically tracks your target/point of interest (POI).

Assembly

Check the manufacturer's website, first. Watch the video. Do this instead of what I did. The instructions were clear but the nomenclature of parts was not. It took me about 2 hours to assemble it: the base, attaching the Intelliscope and attaching the scope to the base.

Construction

This is a high quality product. The base is stable, allowing rotation of the scope. It also accommodates for for a vertical adjustment. The scope, itself, is a high quality product. The Intelliscope appears somewhat flimsy but it is not a deal breaker.

This is one heavy unit. It's roughly 40+ pounds. I have a telescope dolly ordered but it was on back order. The dolly will allow me to push this behemoth around the house without rupturing a disc or causing a hernia.

Use

The Intelliscope requires tht the scope be perpendicular to the base/ground. I had a two coordinate level and I just wanted to confirm the position. The Intelliscope needs to be referenced with two stars of your choosing. It allows a person to identify stars, planets and other points of interest. It can direct you, manually, of course, or it can identify what is in your field of view. As you turn and tilt the scope, the reading shows how much rotation and tilt you have until the target is in the field of view. The main scope, itself, will need to have an adjustment but the POI should be in the immediate vicinity.

I replaced the factory finder scope with a 50 mm target scope. The precious reviews cast a negative opinion so I obliged with a higher powered one.

Two eyepieces, a 25 mm and 10 mm, come in the box. Image quality is great. Detail with my accessory kit gives me a lot of functionality over the basic factory configuration. There is even a filter for viewing the sun. Doing so without that filter is asking for blindness so don't try it.

Accompanying purchases

I opted for the eyepiece and filter kit to give me additional flexibility. I ordered a carrying bag for travel, and the finder scope and dolly, as I previously mentioned. The entire set with everything reached about $1000.

Summary

I'm very pleased with the operation, quality and features. Customer service was very helpful and they're available 24/7.

Awesome scope. Highly recommend.

24 people found this helpful

### Top reviews from other countries



Tony Stuckless

_5.0 out of 5 stars_Great telescope.

Reviewed in Canada on June 1, 2020

Very well made and a pleasure to use. Everything's in excellent condition. Love the intelliscope feature. The scope moves effortlessly.



Amazon Customer

_5.0 out of 5 stars_Great buy. If you love astronomy, just right. But transporting is difficult.

Reviewed in India on February 29, 2020

Great product. See the planets easily. Stars, etc all are great for viewing. Very good quality.

One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer

_5.0 out of 5 stars_Missing items pertaining to the electronics controller and sensors.

Reviewed in Germany on February 2, 2020

Well packaged!

One person found this helpful
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Wes

_5.0 out of 5 stars_Fantastic product

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2019

This is my second telescope after years ago acquiring a rather cheap scope. No issues whatsoever, delivery was early, no damages, easy to set up (along with the YouTube videos by orion how to set up the telescope). Now I am quickly learning my way round the night sky with the support of the intelliscope device if I need it. I reckon this is a great telescope for those just learning like me but also believe that this scope will fair me well for the years to come as there are extras to buy (filters, lens etc).

3 people found this helpful
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micko

_5.0 out of 5 stars_Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 7, 2017

Had a problem with the intelliscope but Orion are sorting me out, they were very helpful. An excellent scope, completely satisfied with my purchase, and Orion did sort out the minor problem I had with the intelliscope.

One person found this helpful
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