is the SkyQuest XT6 IntelliScope with Object Locator a good telescope?

Question

im a beginer and never had a telescope before

Answer 1

Well, it really depends. If you are going to occasionally look at the bigger or brighter objects out there for fun, it is a good, inexpensive scope. I'm sure it's a well-made scope, and I'm not putting it down quality-wise, but you may want to either spend more money and get a larger scope or even a different design (depending on what you want to do).

Here are the negatives:

The 6 inch mirror is actually a little small for Dobsonians - it doesn't have a lot of light-gathering power, so faint objects won't be impressive.

You will have to manually slew to objects, even with the object locator. Pinpointing and tracking an object that is moving across the sky is difficult. "Go-to" telescopes make finding and tracking objects simple, but of course they tend to be more expensive for the same size mirror.

If you want to do astrophotography, it is going to be problematic. Many of the most interesting objects in the sky really don't look like much through the eyepeice of even a large telescope, but they look great in long exposures or image "stacks" that CCD cameras can take. Dobsonians don't work well for astrophotography because they're not really made for automatically tracking stars.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but I remember when I bought my 10" Schmitt-Cass telescope, I was surprised at how faint many objects still appeared, and I'm glad I have the option of taking pictures with it - it's a fun hobby.

Answer 2

Yes, the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Intelliscope is a good telescope. In my personal opinion, it'd be worth it to forgo the object locator and buy the Orion SkyQuest XT8 without the object locator. It's a larger telescope and will allow you to see a lot more.

With a little bit of time and practise, a pair of 7x50 binoculars, and a sky chart program and book, you will quickly learn how to find things. Objects that you can't see with the naked eye can be tricky at first to find but once you find them the first time it's easier to find them the second time.

If you really want a big hulking telescope for the same price, you can get a 10" Zhummell Dobsonian at http://www.buytelescopes.com

An 8" telescope will collect 1.8 times more light than a 6" telescope, and a 10" telescope will collect 1.5 times more light than an 8" and 2.7 times more light than a 6". This is significant and means the difference between being able to see a few galaxies and being able to see a lot of galaxies.

Answer 3

I actually have the XT8 and that i imagine it truly works large. for sure it truly relies upon on what your using the telescope for. If that's something like astrophotography I extra than likely would not %. a dobsonian. in case you want me and in basic terms favor to view each so often, the telescope must be in basic terms wonderful. As for the locator, its ok. i ought to a lot somewhat have one which strikes with the earth and is motor pushed, yet that receives intense priced. I used a 4.5 inch for years and it worked in basic terms wonderful. i ought to provide it a 6-8 score.

Answer 4

A 6" dobsonian is an excellent starter 'scope. I've never used this specific model, but if it's well made it should be good.

Answer 5

any good quality dob is a good telescope!
if think you should buy at least an 8 inch dob

Answer 6

I never used one, but I have seen it being used, and it looks good for a beginner to me. Not bad for an advanced user either.