Orion’s SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian is an ideal telescope for both lunar and deeper-space viewing, and delivers remarkable performance for a reasonable price. Its ease of assembly, clear views, and portability appeal to both novice astronomers with high expectations, and pros who want something more portable without sacrificing quality.
Orion is a leader in the commercial manufacture of Dobsonian telescopes—once the realm of innovative amateur telescope builders. The same qualities that made the design work for the amateurs—lower cost of manufacture and portability—make it a scope that delivers excellent value.
John Dobson, himself an amateur, aspired to build telescopes that were manageable, affordable, and portable. He didn't exactly invent these scopes– he incorporated several existing design elements to form what we know today as the Dobsonian. Those elements include a cool, cannon-like alt-azimuth mount for easy maneuverability. They are also large—essentially "light buckets," which are perfect for capturing deep sky views.
The Orion SkyQuest's cylindrical, black enameled body conceals a 4.5 inch f/8 primary mirror. Two eyepieces (magnification 36x and 91x) are included, as well as tutorial software on navigating the night sky. A 4.5 inch aperture and 900mm focal length offer the viewer crisp glimpses of familiar celestial objects and some galaxies. One quick mod suggestion: pop in a slightly more advanced eyepiece and bring the experience up a whole level. But even fresh out of the box, this instrument delivers more than competing models, especially for the price. Novices should not be deterred by technical details– this scope’s best quality is its user-friendly nature.
Buy a SkyQuest XT4.5 now from our friends at Orion Telescopes.
Measuring in at just under 20 pounds and standing 3 feet tall, the 4.5 is wonderfully portable. Leave it assembled in the guest room or garage– carrying it into the backyard or out to the car is far from strenuous. Stand it on a table to meet an adult’s gaze, or leave it low for astronomy-enthused kids.
Assembly is also a breeze. Instructions are clear and concise, which is great, because Orion includes all the tools and hardware you’ll need. Construction takes about half an hour. Once the bolts are tightened and the optics are aligned, you’re ready to start stargazing.
Users reliably report the texture of moon craters is easily captured and, through the 4.5’s eyepiece, the lunar landscape never looked so good. Saturn’s rings and clouds are also within the scope’s reach. Some have even reported that, in prime conditions, the 4.5 can offer glimpses of the brighter galaxies in the Virgo cluster (about 50 light-years away).
Overall, if you’re searching for an outstanding introduction to amateur astronomy or simply a legitimate, transportable telescope, Orion’s SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian will do more than satisfy.
