is an orion xt6 intelliscope with the object locator a good first telescope?

Answer 1

For a first telescope, you'd probably be fairly satisfied with this telescope.....BUT if you are planning on spending $350 on it, I'd say save $50 or $100 more dollars and buy a used Celestron C8 Schmidt Cassegrain with a motor drive for astrophotography.
Or if you're an unrefined aperture freak like me you'd buy a used 10" Meade Starfinder on an equatorial mount for that much.

Here are the pros and cons of new Intelliscope vs. used something else.

New Intelliscope pros:
1. 6" is a decent aperture to view planets, nebulas, and a few
deep space objects.
2. It has a navigation system which does make finding things
easier....a lot easier.
3. It's brand new, it's from a reputable company, and it's under
warrenty.
4. It has a good rating.

New Intelliscope cons:
1. It's a Dobsonian so you won't be able to do any timed
exposure astrophotography unless you buy a super expensive
equatorial platform or creatively rig something up and buy
expensive encoders.

2. 6" without the ability to advance into astrophotography might
leave you a bit bored in a few months.
3. It's expensive compared to a used one.

Used telescope pros:
1. You get more aperture for your buck.
2. You might be able to get something with accessories included.
3. You might be able to get something more versitile.
4. Most people take good care of their stuff.

Used telescope cons:
1. They might not have taken good care of their stuff.
2. Typically no warrenty or customer service support.
3. You might get conned buying online (but you probably won't)
4. Things sometimes break in shipping.
5. Shipping can be expensive.
6. You can't take it back if you don't like it.

So in short, if you like easy and are willing to spend the money then it's a decent beginner scope but if you're willing to dig your hands in you might be able to get something more advanced for the same price.

I forgot the thing you are probably waiting to hear. The intelliscope is NOT a rip you off worthless peice of department store telescope....it's an actual good honest telescope :-)

Answer 2

Sure. The object finder option may not be worth the money, but you have to decide that for yourself. I think it can be added later if you like. Actually, I think the classic 6 inch classic dob without any intelliscope is a better deal, but I am just old fashion that way.

Answer 3

I easily have the XT8 and that i think of it quite works super. of direction it easily relies upon on what your employing the telescope for. If it is a few thing like astrophotography I maximum actual would not %. a dobsonian. in case you like me and only desire to view each and every now and then, the telescope would desire to be only superb. As for the locator, its ok. i might lots quite have one that strikes with the earth and is motor pushed, yet that gets costly. I used a 4.5 inch for years and it labored only superb. i might provide it a 6-8 score.

Answer 4

Hi. As an amateur astronomer I would say yes, 150mm primary mirror and a convenient height. Skip the Barlow, spend as much as you can afford for a good eyepiece and have a blast!

Answer 5

good enough. a Celestron 8" is ideal. The old Questar 4.5 reflector is a perfect starter scope. Good luck finding one, the model I had was made in 1972.

Answer 6

LYK TOTLY YESSORZ!