Unpacking the Names and Features of Orion SkyQuest Series
Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes are a popular line of products among astronomy enthusiasts. This series, which includes both solid-tube and truss design Newtonian optical tubes, has been a go-to choice for many stargazers.
The SkyQuest XT GoTo series, based on the same Dobsonian mounts, offers a variety of models such as the XT8G, XT10G, XT12G, XX12G, XX14G, and XX16G. The XT8i, XT10i, XT12i, XX12i, and XX14i are part of the Orion SkyQuest XT Intelliscope series, which features computer-assisted mounts. The XT8i, in particular, is a well-loved model within the Intelliscope series.
The optical characteristics of the XT8, XT8i, and XT8G remain the same across all models within their respective sizes, with the exception of the mount and accessory packages. The XX models in the Intelliscope series are truss tube designs.
Interestingly, the base of the Orion SkyQuest XT Intelliscope series does not incorporate motors, requiring manual tracking with computer guidance. This series does not require an external power supply to drive the mount, making it a convenient choice for many users. The handset in the series shows the position of the optical tube and guides the user to find their target, making navigation easier.
The manual mounts in the Orion SkyQuest series, referred to as the Classic Dobsonian series, include the XT4.5, XT6, XT8, and XT10 models. Many members of the narrator's astronomy club own or have owned Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes, testifying to their popularity.
Unfortunately, many of these scopes were forced to be discontinued partially or fully by 2021-22, following Orion's acquisition of Meade. The reasons for this discontinuation are not clear, but industry speculation suggests possible reasons such as product line consolidation to avoid overlap, shifts in company strategy, or supply chain changes. For accurate details on this topic, it is recommended to check official announcements from Orion or Meade, press releases around the acquisition period, or reputable astronomy news sources.
Despite the discontinuation of some models, the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes continue to be a favourite among astronomy enthusiasts, offering a blend of affordability, performance, and ease of use that is hard to beat.
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- The XT8i, XT10i, XT12i, XX12i, and XX14i models in the Orion SkyQuest XT Intelliscope series feature computer-assisted mounts, yet the base does not incorporate motors, requiring manual tracking with computer guidance.
- The SkyQuest XT GoTo series, which consists of the XT8G, XT10G, XT12G, XX12G, XX14G, and XX16G, is based on the same Dobsonian mounts as the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes, a popular line of products among astronomy enthusiasts.
- The manual mounts in the Orion SkyQuest series, known as the Classic Dobsonian series, include the XT4.5, XT6, XT8, and XT10 models, and many members of the narrator's astronomy club own or have owned these telescopes, demonstrating their ongoing popularity.
