Orion Xt6 Review

A variant of Galileo’s original telescope, the Orion Xt6 is a Dobsonian-style telescope that can gather and focus up to 260 percent more light than the original piece. Combining the two types of telescope technology, the Orion Xt6 is a must-have for every astronomy aficionado. Unlike other entry-level reflector telescopes, the Orion Xt6 is built to last a lifetime and is suited both for amateurs and professionals. In our Orion Xt6 review, we’ll cover the specs, pro and cons and customer reviews.

Compared to its distant brother the X4.5 model, the Orion Xt6, also known as the SkyQuest is capable of gathering 80 percent more light using its large primary mirror. Orion Xt6 SkyQuest offers crisp images of the moons of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Earth’s moon. Furthermore, due to its high-quality optics, you will also be able to spot deep-sky objects, provided that the finder scope is correctly calibrated.

Orion Xt6 Review – Product Description

The Orion Xt6 was designed to serve amateur and professional stargazers. For $300, this entry-level telescope is a great opportunity to decide whether you want to turn astronomy into something more than a hobby. The Orion Xt6 SkyQuest was created to serve its users no matter the weather conditions. With a 150mm aperture, it ensures an optimal field of view, even under bright city light conditions.

The wide aperture, doubled by the telescope’s 1200 mm focal length, offers a prime view of any nebulae on the night’s sky. This Dobsonian-style telescope comes equipped with two Plossl eyepieces, which offers a maximum combined theoretical magnification of 300x. Separately, the Plossl eyepieces can offer a maximum magnification factor of 48x.

Calibrating the telescope is easy thanks to the EZ Finder II finder scope. Just point the scope in the direction of a non-moving object, then use the small turn wheels in order to calibrate it correctly.

Other Features and Specs:

• Dobsonian-style mount: this signature mount lets user maneuver the scope in any direction, without using complex levers. Just point the telescope in the right direction by using your hands. It would also be a good idea to bring a small stool with you for increased comfort;
• Optical quality: Diffraction limited;
• Focuser: 1.25-inch Rack-and-pinion style;
• Decreased chromatic aberration thanks to the low thermal expansion glass enriched with borosilicate;
• Estimate focal ratio: f/8.0;
• Telescope style: Newtonian Reflector;
• Additional coating: Aluminum and Silicon Dioxide;
• Tubbing: steel finishing;
• Wooden-based tripod;
• Total Weight: 34.4 pounds;
• Bearings: PTFE & UHMW;
• CorrecTension system included.

(Click image to see more pictures on Amazon)

What’s in the Box?

Upon purchasing the Orion Xt6 SkyQuest, here’s what you’ll find in the box:

• The Orion SkyQuest Xt6 Dobsonian-style Telescope Tube;
• One 25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece;
• EZ Finder II finder scope;
• Collimation cap;
• Metallic spring coils;
• Two hexagonal keys;
• Pull loops;
• Washers;
• Phillips screws;
• Round-knobbed screws;
• Left and right panel;
• Plastic feet;
• Starry Night software;
• Nuts;
• T-nut;
• Handle;
• Wooden screws for feet attachment;
• Base plates (Top+Ground);
• Rubber bumpers;
• Hexagonal-head bolts;
• Lock nut;
• Dust cap.

Pros and Cons for the Orion Xt6 SkyQuest

Pros:

• Has a sturdy construction.
• The Dobsonian-style mount makes tracking easy.
• The telescope can be easily calibrate using the available finder scope.
• Easy to assemble.
• Dedicated to both beginners and professional;
• Light gathering percentage is high;
• Attractive price.

Cons:

• Lacks the magnification factor of a more professional telescope;
• Hard to carry around;
• Is heavy;
• This telescope is not suited for high-definition photography;

Customer Reviews

According to the customer review section on Amazon, the product is very popular among amateurs and pros, having received a 4.3/5 star rating. In their reviews, most of the users stated that the Orion Xt6SkyQuest is a great starting tool for those who are into stargazing.

Most of the customers who have already bought the product said that they will definitely recommend the Orion Xt6to a friend or a family member while other said that this is the perfect gift for someone who is an astronomy aficionado.

On the same comment section, we can even see a few impressions regarding the telescope’s focusing power. Most of the customers said that on a clear night they were able to make out the Orion nebulae or the Milky way without any problem.

Furthermore, all users said that Jupiter, Saturn or the Moon never looked so stunning under a view scope. Apart from these positive feedbacks, there were other users who stated that this telescope is a poor choice for a beginner.

(Click image to see more pictures on Amazon)

Where to Get It

You can find the Orion XT6 on Amazon for $299.99 on Amazon including free standard shipping.

Our Verdict

Even though Dobsonian telescope are hard to maneuver, and they’re sometimes prone to chromatic aberrations, the Orion Xt6 manages to rise above the situations. The Xt6 series is designed for both beginners and professionals, so if you are new to the field and want a good and reliable eyepiece under $300, then the Orion Xt6 is the answer. As far as details are concerned, if the telescope is collimated correctly, it offers beautiful images of the Moon’s surface, Jupiter’s moon, Saturn’s rings, as well as the Orion nebulae.

(See more product details and prices on Amazon)