Examining the Labels and Traits of the Orion SkyQuest Series
In the realm of amateur astronomy, the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes have long been a popular choice among enthusiasts. These telescopes, known for their solid-tube Newtonian and truss design Newtonian optical tubes, have graced the night skies for many observing sessions at the author's astronomy club.
The Orion SkyQuest series, comprising both manual and computer-assisted mounts, has been a staple for many years. The Classic Dobsonian series, with no end-letter designation, represents the manual mounts, while the GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians are the computer-assisted ones. These latter models, often referred to as PushTo or digital setting circle mounts, offer a convenient feature: to use the GoTo feature, you simply enter your target into the hand control, hit the GoTo button, and the mount moves the optical tube to the target and tracks it. The hand controller in the GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians also shows you where to point the tube to find your target.
The truss tube designs in the XX series are shared between the GoTo and non-GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians. The SkyQuest XT GoTo series, designated with a 'G', includes models such as the XT8G, XT10G, XT12G, XX12G, XX14G, and XX16G. The SkyQuest XT Intelliscope series, on the other hand, includes the XT8i, XT10i, XT12i, XX12i, and the XX14i.
Unfortunately, following Orion Telescopes' closure in mid-2024, the entire SkyQuest Dobsonian line, including classic models like the XT6 and XT10, is no longer in production or supported under the Orion brand. This shutdown was a result of various factors, including supply chain problems, light pollution challenges, competitive pressure from advanced automated telescopes, and financial strain exacerbated by the 2021-22 acquisition of Meade Instruments by their parent company Optronic Technologies, Inc.
With Orion's website offline and the company no longer operational since 2024, buyers looking for similar telescopes must consider used Orion SkyQuests or other manufacturers’ offerings. Meade, which remains operational, has shown a shift towards more automated and computerized scopes rather than classic Dobsonians, with no new Dobsonian models announced as part of this transition.
The author of this article owns the XT8i from the SkyQuest XT Intelliscope series, a testament to the appeal of these telescopes among astronomy enthusiasts. Many members of the author's astronomy club own or have owned Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes, making the discontinuation a significant loss for the community.
In the GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians, you still do the tracking as you would with a manual Dobsonian scope, as the base does not incorporate motors. The GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians (XTG or XXG Series) have motors added to the mount for automatic tracking. It's important to note that the optical tubes in all SkyQuest Dobsonian series, including the GoTo series, are the same within size.
As we look to the future, while the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian telescopes may no longer be in production, their legacy lives on among the members of the astronomy community. For those seeking similar telescopes, used Orion SkyQuests or other manufacturers’ offerings provide a viable alternative.
- The Orion SkyQuest series, which includes both manual and computer-assisted mounts, has been a popular choice among amateur astronomy enthusiasts for many years.
- The Classic Dobsonian series, a part of the Orion SkyQuest line, represents the manual mounts, while the GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians are the computer-assisted ones.
- The truss tube designs in the Orion SkyQuest XT GoTo series are shared between the computer-assisted and non-computer-assisted GoTo and non-GoTo SkyQuest Dobsonians.
