Scope ok?

[azobidar]

Hey guys i'm new to the site.

started using a telescope recently, not a very good one, but it inspired me to get some kit.

the scope im thinking of buying is the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope | Orion Telescopes

could you give your opinions on this scope please. is it a good first telescope, my budget is £300 or $467,

would be interested in any other recommendations also,

thankyou for your time.

[rowan46]

welcome to sgl, where are you based if its the us get that one if its the uk that model seems to be a bit harder to scource and may cost a bit more. this one is basically the same scope made by the same firm under a different name Homepage - Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Dobsonian I hope this helps and as to if its any good I've never owned one of these but plenty of 200p owners rave about them and they can't all be wrong

[Peter Drew]

Hello "Az", welcome to SGL. I have an Orion XT8 and am very pleased with the optical and mechanical performance. As already mentioned, the 200P seems to share the same optics at less price, however the XT8 can benefit from the intellescope manual GOTO upgrade, I'm not sure whether this holds good for the 200P. Either scope would be a great starter scope.

[azobidar]

Hello and thanks for your replies,

i'am based in the UK

been trying to find a uk based retailer for the orion, but unsuccessful so far, i'll keep looking.

[John]

SCS Astro do them:

SCS Astro - Astronomical Telescopes & CCD Cameras | Celestron Telescope | Skywatcher Telescope

But they do seem to cost more than the equivalent Skywatcher scopes which have the same optics in them.

[TheBFG]

Also Telescope House Dobsonian Telescopes

Since i decided to get a scope i kept looking at this but never bit the bullet, if you do decide to get one please let us know what you think

[azobidar]

Hey thanks for all the tips, i finally (bit the bullet) and ordered my first half decent scope, well massive upgrade from the £30 scope i had from a crappy store, i ended up ordering Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Telescope , found a good price at Skywatcher*Skyliner 200P Telescope: Best Deals On Astronomical Telescopes, Eyepieces and Accessories - Skywatcher, Meade, William Optics, Bosma, Bresser, Celestron, Helios At Ace Cameras - Canon, Leica, Swarovski, Bushnell, Nikon, Avian & All Top Bra

can't wait for it to arrive, also ordered a 2x / 3x barlows and eye piece / filter set.

thanks again guys

[russ]

You have ordered a truly great scope. Enjoy

[umadog]

Good stuff! You'll see plenty with an 8". I used mine for years and years with the same 3 eyepieces. Good times!

[Nexus 6]

Congratulations on the new scope azo, hope you have plenty of clear nights to test it out!

Alan

[azobidar]

Hey thanks, recently downloaded Stellarium too, amazing program, so excited can hardly wait!