Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Telescope

5/5.0

Pros:

Optics are excellent for the price, design is simple enough for even casual observers.

Cons:

Heavy and difficult for single person to transport. No serious astrophotography.

Review: Excellent overall mid level telescope with an excellent price. If you are looking for a step up from a beginner scope, you can't go wrong with this.

5/5.0

Pros:

Great light grasp, clarity, ease of use. Quick setup.

Cons:

Heavy and bulky. Dobsonian mount lacks the precision of an equitorial.

Review: Great amateur scope. More light grasp than any refractor for a fraction of the cost. Easy to setup.

5/5.0

Pros:

Large Aperature, Sturdy Mount, Ease of setup and use. Price was right.

Cons:

Lack of tracking, Mount can't be set up directly on grass.

Review: I highly recommend this telescope for the beginner. It affords the aperature needed to view Deep Sky Objects as well as planets.

5/5.0

Pros:

Correct-Tension system, Ease of operation, performance

Cons:

A bit bulky, but what do you expect for an 8" scope!

Review: This is the top of the line in 8" dobsonian scopes. If you're in the market for a big dob, this is the only way to go.

5/5.0

Pros:

Well made, great optics, beautiful views, incredibly inexpensive.

Cons:

Physical size, weight

Review: A fantastic deal for a first telescope. It's got the performance, the price is right, and it's built to last. The XT8 is a classic design for learning the sky.