If you are a budding astrologer or an enthusiast of the night sky, then you probably already know that one of the essential pieces of equipment in understanding the celestial realm is a good telescope. A quality Orion telescope can show stars and planets with incredible clarity and provide deeper insights into our universe. Whether you are just starting out or have been studying for years, this blog post will guide you through choosing the best Orion telescopes to meet your astronomy needs.
List of 7 Best Orion Telescopes
Orion Telescopes is a company that produces high-quality telescopes and related accessories for amateur and professional astronomers. They are known for their wide range of telescopes, from small and portable models to large, advanced systems. Here is a list of some best Orion telescopes.
[affiliatable id=’172235′]Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope
The Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope is the perfect tool for anyone who loves stargazing. With its 5.1″ aperture reflector telescope, you can gather an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon, as well as brighter galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters. The compact optical tube design allows for easy portability, while the fast f/5 focal ratio provides a pleasing wide-field performance that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The included sturdy equatorial telescope mount and adjustable tripod allow for manual slow-motion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky. To top it off, this completely assembled telescope only weighs 28 lbs., making transportation effortless.
Not to mention, this telescope also comes with two 1.25″ Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a smartphone camera adapter, DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260, a collimation cap, and more everything you need to turn your backyard into a personal planetarium. Get ready to explore the stars with the Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope today.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Optical Tube Length | 24 Inches |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 130 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Equatorial Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 24″D x 24″W x 51″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 24.2 Pounds |
- 5.1″ aperture reflector telescope for great views of planets.
- Compact optical tube design for easy portability.
- Sturdy equatorial mount and adjustable tripod.
- Heavy weight.
Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Introducing the Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope. This telescope is perfect for the beginning astronomy enthusiast or the entire family, offering a large aperture and a lifetime of use at an affordable price. The 8″ diameter reflector optics provide breathtaking views of the Moon and planets in close-up detail while also allowing you to easily observe faint nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters.
Plus, its ultra-stable Dobsonian base keeps the reflector tube perfectly balanced for easy point-and-view use. The package includes a 2″ Crayford focuser that accepts both 1.25″ and 2″ telescope eyepieces, as well as a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, Starry Night software, and more.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 203 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 19.25″D x 19.25″W x 49″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
- Large aperture reflector telescope at an affordable price.
- View the Moon and planets in close-up detail.
- Ultra-stable Dobsonian base for easy use.
- Assembly required.
Orion 6 Inch f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope
Another best Orion telescope is the Orion 6 Inch f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope is a fast and efficient telescope perfect for bright, high-resolution results. It features a precise 2″ dual-speed (10:1) linear-bearing Crayford focuser that lies 7″ back in the optical tube to block stray light and boost contrast. To ensure durability, an Orion-exclusive steel reinforcement plate lies under the focuser to prevent flexure when heavy imaging gear is attached.
Despite its impressive capabilities, it remains compact with a length of 22.5″ and a light weight of 12.7 lb when assembled. This telescope is also loaded with amazing extras including two heavy-duty hinged tube rings, an 8×50 finder scope, a dovetail mounting bar, a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece (1.25″), and an EZ Finder II reflex sight – all included to get you started right away.
Whether you are a professional or amateur astronomer, this telescope will provide you with years of excellent performance for even the most demanding tasks.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Model Name | 6-inch f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 150 Millimeters |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 12.7 Pounds |
- 6” aperture for bright and high-resolution images.
- Compact 22.5” length and light 12.7 lb. assembled weight.
- Bulky equipment.
Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Experience the night sky like never before with the Orion Skyline 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope. This fully loaded telescope offers incredible features and an impressive set of accessories to ensure a premium stargazing experience. With two adjustable altitude trunnions and azimuth roller bearings, you can enjoy silky-smooth motion as you explore the heavens. The preloaded 8×50 right-angle finder scope makes it easy to locate celestial objects in no time.
For more detailed viewings, the telescope also includes a precision 2″ Crayford focuser with dual-speed adjustment control and 10:1 fine-focus. To help keep your instrument cool while observing, a cooling fan is also included in the package.
Finally, an eyepiece rack and dust covers are provided to help keep your setup clean and organized. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a seasoned veteran, this 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope will make your astronomical observations captivating.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Eye Piece Lens | Erfle |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 50 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 54 Pounds |
- Smooth, precise telescope motion.
- Dual-speed adjustment control.
- Includes 8×50 finder scope, fan, eyepiece rack, etc.
- Large and bulky.
Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is a perfect choice for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts. With an expansive 4.5″ aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio, this telescope is designed to provide bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets as well as wide-field celestial objects such as star clusters and nebulas.
The low-profile swivel base comes pre-assembled and provides smooth altazimuth motion for easy manual targeting and tracking of celestial objects, while the 20mm (22.5x power) and 10mm (for 45x power) four-element eyepieces make it easy to view different sights in the night sky.
Additionally, the telescope includes an EZ Finder II aiming device, eyepiece rack, glare-reducing Moon filter, and Orion’s Moon Map 260. Coming in at just 10.9 lbs when fully assembled, it’s also extremely portable and stands only 21″ tall when aimed at the zenith leaving you with more time for observing instead of struggling with setup.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Optical Tube Length | 18 Inches |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 114 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 23.5″D x 18.5″W x 25″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 13 Pounds |
- 4.5″ aperture for bright and detailed views of celestial objects.
- The Low-profile swivel base provides smooth motion for easy manual targeting.
- Includes 8×50 finder scope, fan, eyepiece rack, etc.
- Large and bulky.
Orion 09565 EON 130mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
The Orion 09565 EON 130mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is a premium product that offers unbeatable value. With a large 130mm (5.1 inches) aperture, this triplet ED apochromatic features three-lens ED optics and a moderately fast f/7.0 focal ratio which work together to provide superb visual and astrophotographic performance for any level of enthusiast.
The huge 3-inch dual-speed (11:1) Crayford focuser provides precise focus control for sharp images and crisp visual observations. It is also beautifully constructed with fully multi-coated lens elements to impress the most discerning apo aficionado. To keep your telescope safe, it comes with two split-clamp tube rings and a triple-latch hard case for protection during transport and storage.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own an incredible piece of equipment at such a remarkable price get the Orion 09565 EON 130mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope today.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Optical Tube Length | 32 Inches |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 130 Millimeters |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Solar Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 22.5 Pounds |
- Three ED lenses for a crisp, clear image.
- 2″ dual-speed Crayford focuser for precise focus control.
- Fully multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast.
- Expensive.
Orion GiantView BT-100 Binocular Telescope
Introducing the Orion GiantView BT-100 Binocular Telescope to spectacular views of the night sky and daytime scenes from a whole new perspective. This awesome binocular telescope features huge 100mm objective lenses with a 28mm field stop diameter for incredibly bright, immersive views.
An included pair of 18mm eyepieces provide 31x views out of the box and you can add additional 1.25″ eyepiece pairs (sold separately) for even more magnification options. This telescope is nitrogen purged, has a comfortable 45-degree eyepiece orientation, and individual eyepiece focusers so you can enjoy clear, detailed images every time. Plus, it is remarkably lightweight at only 14.5 pounds.
Take your stargazing and birdwatching adventures to the next level with the Orion GiantView BT-100 Binocular Telescope.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 100 Millimeters |
| Color | White |
| Model Name | BT-100 Binocular Telescope |
| Binocular Prism | Porro Prism |
- 100 mm objective lenses provide brighter and more immersive views.
- Eyepieces provide multiple magnification options.
- Enjoy a premium viewing experience with sharp and clear details.
- Costly.
Buying Guide for Best Orion Telescopes
In this buying guide, we shall explore the factors to consider when choosing the best Orion telescope.
Aperture size:
The aperture size is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a telescope. The aperture size determines how much light the telescope can collect, which affects the telescope’s ability to see faint objects. Orion telescopes offer various aperture sizes from 60mm to over 300mm. A larger aperture size means better image quality and resolution. However, bear in mind that a larger aperture also means a more substantial and more expensive telescope.
Type of Telescope:
There are three primary types of telescopes: refractor, reflector, and compound. Refractor telescopes have a lens at the front, while a reflector telescope has a mirror at the back. Compound telescopes use both lenses and mirrors. Refractor telescopes are ideal for observing the planets, while reflector telescopes are suitable for observing deep-sky objects. Compound telescopes are suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observing, making them the most versatile of the three.
Mount:
The type of mount you choose can affect your observing experience. Orion telescopes offer two types of mounts: alt-azimuth and equatorial. Alt-azimuth mounts move the telescope up/down (altitude) and left/right (azimuth), making them simpler to use but less ideal for deep-sky observations. Equatorial mounts follow the earth’s rotation, making them better suited for deep-sky observing.
Accessories:
Accessories such as eyepieces and filters can enhance your observing experience. Orion offers a wide range of eyepieces, filters, and other accessories. Additionally, some telescopes come with built-in accessories like finderscopes and motor drives, which can make your observing experience easier and more enjoyable.
Price:
Orion telescopes cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Your budget will dictate which telescope you buy. Still, it’s worth remembering that a more expensive telescope will generally have a larger aperture size, higher magnification, and better image quality. Remember that as your observing experience evolves, you may need a more capable telescope, so it’s worth considering a telescope that can grow with you.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best Orion telescope requires careful consideration of several factors, including aperture size, type of telescope, mount, accessories, and price. It’s important to do your research and choose a telescope that is appropriate for your observing needs and budget. With the right telescope in hand, you can embark on incredible journeys of exploration and discovery of the vast universe.
FAQs for Best Orion Telescopes
What makes Orion Telescopes the best in the market?
Orion telescopes are renowned for their excellent optical performance, rugged build quality, and ease of use, making them the go-to choice for both beginner and advanced astronomers. They have been in the business for more than 45 years, and their expertise shows in each scope they produce.
What types of Orion Telescopes are suitable for beginners?
Orion Telescopes offer a variety of models perfect for beginners. Some popular models include the StarBlast 4.5, which is great for observing the moon and planets, and the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian, which provides a larger aperture and more light-gathering power.
What factors should I consider when purchasing an Orion Telescope?
When purchasing an Orion Telescope, you should consider the aperture size, focal length, mount type, and ease of use. It is recommended to choose a telescope with a larger aperture, as it provides more light-gathering power and enhances the quality of images.
What is the difference between a Dobsonian and GoTo mount for Orion Telescopes?
The Dobsonian is a manual mount that is easy to set up and use. It is great for beginners and provides a stable platform for observing the sky. On the other hand, GoTo mounts are computer-driven mounts that are more advanced and require more setup time. They are ideal for experienced astronomers who want complete control over their viewing experience.
How can I care for my Orion Telescope to ensure it lasts a long time?
To ensure your Orion Telescope lasts a long time, you should regularly clean the lenses and mirrors, store them in a dry and cool place, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures. Additionally, avoid using any harsh chemicals on the optics, as this can damage the coatings and affect their performance.