For stargazers who are ready to take their enjoyment of the night sky to the next level, the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian is truly the ideal telescope. Although this top-of-the-line high-tech telescope is made for serious astronomers, it is still remarkably easy to use, which also makes it a great choice of telescope for use in schools and other educational settings.
Stunning Views
With the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian, you can take in many sights in the night sky. The telescope provides stunning views of the moon, planets, stars and nebulae, and it has a large 12-inch aperture that lets in a high degree of light to provide very bright images. Its focal ratio of f/4.9 means that the telescope can adapt quickly to keep images very clear and detailed.
Orion GoTo technology
The Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian comes with Orion GoTo technology, which makes it easier to find items in the night sky. The locations of more than 42,000 celestial objects are pre-programmed in the system. To find one, you simply use the included controller to enter in the name and press a button. Then, the telescope searches it out and automatically tracks it. While other telescopes feature similar technologies, few are able to respond as quickly to target a desired object or to track it as accurately. Starry Night educational software is also included to provide information about the objects that one can target with this advanced telescope.
Convenient Collapsible Portability
Although the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian is a hefty telescope, it does disassemble rather quickly. This means that it’s still possible to take the telescope with you on the go; however, you will need to be prepared to break down the truss into its six components to be able to easily maneuver and carry it. Most people will be able to take the telescope apart in around 15 minutes and to reassemble it just as quickly. To guard against damage on the go, the telescope has closed loop electronics that are unlikely to break if they are bumped or banged.
Final Thoughts
While the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian telescope has many attractive features, there are two downsides to choosing it as a telescope. First, the telescope is rather heavy. It weighs in at around 128 pounds, so while it is compact enough to be portable, some people may struggle to lift and move it safely. The other drawback to the telescope is its price, which is typically over $2000. Still, for those who are serious, regular stargazers, the optics and technology provided by the telescope’s design make it well worth the money. This wouldn’t be the right choice though for someone who is only just beginning with amateur astronomy and unsure if they’ll continue with the hobby.