Which out of these two telescopes should I get?

[garay002]

I finally have enough money($400) to get a telescope. I noticed that the Orion telescope store is in Cupertino, about 40 miles from here, so I will be driving there next Saturday. My question is, which telescope should I get: the Orion Skyquest XT8 classic or the Orion Skyquest XT6 Intelliscope? They both cost the same...but I am also interested in the lower powered telescope because it's motorized. I am a beginner, never owned a telescope before. I like the idea of the telescope finding stuff for me, but I am a bit worried because I think that the XT6 isn't capable of viewing things that are possible on the XT8. I will be going in a week, so help me make my decision. Also, please recommend me some accessories/eyepieces that I should pick up while I am there.<br /><br />Sorry for making another "which should I get" thread, you guys are probably tired of these threads <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> .

 

[joshbe]

I think the XT6 would be easier to carry, if you need to drive or walk someplace to use it. otherwise, i'd go with the XT8.

 

[garay002]

Thanks for the reply!<br /><br />Anyone else? <br /><br />EDIT: I decided to go with the XT8. I'll grab a stargazer book if the store carries them.<br /><br />Now...which eyepieces do you guys recommend? I was thinking about a moon filter. Are those any good? Also, will a 2x Barlow lens make my scope more powerful?

 

[joshbe]

Alright, heres what I think. Yes, get a moon filter. Also, get one of Orions Nebula filters (Oxygen III) and a Light polution filter if you need one (Ultra block). Eyepices:<br />If I am correct it comes with A Sirius Plossl 25mm and 10mm. Now get something in the lower mag. range. A 32mm is a good bet. If you want, I would reccomend a 2x Barlow. You could also get a higher mag. eyepice if you wish. Now, we come to the splurging. Get one GOOD QUALITY low to medium magnification widefield or panoptic eyepiece. Make sure it has sufficient eye relief. I have a Nagler 12mm widefield Type 2, which are not for sale anymore. But, I understand that the XT8 is compatible with 2" eyepieces. The Meade ultrawides, Lanthanum Ultrawides, and Nagler panoptics are a good bet. You may also want to get color filters to enhance planets. I personally don't have any, but I wish I did. Remember, this all depends on your spending limit (If you have one )<br />Happy Shopping!<br />

 

[garay002]

hmmm...I only have about $150 to spend on accessories, which isn't very much money. I want all of those eyepieces but I can only get a few. Right now, I'm kinda leaning toward the 2x Barlow, the moon filter, a 32 mm plossl eyepiece, and the a 20mm wide view eyepiece. Is this a good choice? Or should I substitute one of the eyepieces for a high magnification plossl eyepiece to go along with the barlow? I wish I had enough for the color filters or the Nebula filter...but I guess that will have to wait.<br /><br /> I didn't know that this hobby can get so expensive <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> .

 

[bbrock]

The XT6 Intelescope is NOT motorized. There is no tracking feature on eather XT8 or XT6. These are not Go-To, but rather Push-To Scopes. The Intellescope have sensors that tell you when you have pushed them into the correct position. Then you need to continue pushing them --- Like any other Dobsonian Scope -- to keep up with the object you are viewing. <br /><br />I strongly suggest going with the 8" scope. For the simple reason you can always upgrade to an Equatorial Mount later. ((((((( Always go with the largest aperature you can afford and transprot. )))))))))).<br /><br />Clear Skies<br />Bill

 

[joshbe]

If your going to get a high powered planetary eyepice, the Nagler radians are the best choice. Get nothing below 4.5mm. It buys you nothing but blur. Otherwise, your idea sounds good.<br />You think its expensive? my allowance is $6 a week.<br />ugggh.... <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" />

 

[garay002]

I got the XT8 along with the shorty barlow lens and the moon filter. Overall, I'm really enjoying the scope. It seemed to me like it was a bad night for viewing because of the full moon... I couldn't really see that many stars. I have a question though. I noticed that in the user submitted pictures, people with 6" telescopes take excellent pictures of the Andromeda galaxy and stuff like that. Since I have the 8" I was expecting to see similar things, but I didn't find anything but bright dots. Is it all in the eyepieces maybe? And I found that the weaker eyepiece (25mm) was much more enjoyable than the 10mm that was also provided with my telescope. The 10mm made things harder to see. I may have to take another trip to the Orion store to pick up a 32mm plossl eyepiece.

 

[joshbe]

It all depends on light pollution. Also, the eye cant pick up the same images as CCDs or film. the nebula and galaxies just look like blobs. I, for one, have still not seen a nebula, galaxy, or cluster. This is because I live 5 minutes from Nashville!!!

 

[garay002]

I've had it for 2 weeks, and I am really enjoying it. Now I think I want to go for those extra eyepieces and filters. I took some pics of the moon last night, and I'm satisfied with the results. It wasn't a very good camera (2MP Olympus) and I had no special attachment for the camera. I just held it up to the eyepiece and took these photos:<br /><br />http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/garay002/P1010026.jpg<br /><br />http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/garay002/P1010019.jpg<br /><br />http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/garay002/P1010024.jpg<br /><br />http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/garay002/P1010023.jpg<br /><br />Here's one I tried taking of Saturn (10mm piece):<br /><br />http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/garay002/P1010005.jpg<br /><br />Didn't come out too good but oh well.

 

[joshbe]

You know, those pictures are pretty good! man, I wish I had a camera! oh, well... Anyway, good luck with your eyepice shopping!