Best Orion Telescopes Buyer's Guide

Looking to buy one of best Orion Telescopes to view the most prominent constellation in the night sky? This review covers the top Orion telescopes and includes a buyer's guide too.

One of the oldest forms of science is Astronomy. Stars and astronomy have served us pretty well over the ages. Be it navigating the seas with the help of the stars shining above, or the unveiling of various mysteries hidden amongst the stars; man has always been fascinated with stars and the universe above.

Think it’s your time to uncover the mysteries of the universe and cosmos? Well, in order to do that, you will need the perfect telescope. Choosing the ideal telescope can be a confusing task, especially if you are a beginner. 

With a sea of products out there, it’s difficult for a person to wade through and find the telescope that is perfect in every respect. Fortunately for you, that’s where we jump in to help you.  It is a tough task to look into every one of the telescopes to find out which the best is and which isn't. 

Whether you are an amateur stargazer or a seasoned stargazer, you must have heard about Orion Telescopes. This brand of telescopes has been around for quite some time now and continues to provide its customers with the finest astronomy equipment. 

Orion telescopes cater to a vast range of people. Your skill or knowledge of the cosmos doesn’t matter. With Orion, stargazing becomes very easy, and you learn more about the universe without breaking the bank. 

To help you buy the Best Orion telescopes, we have done a lot of research work and compiled this list of the top 10 Best Orion telescopes for you.  No matter what your needs are, or what your budget is, the reviewed Orion telescopes will work for you. They are the top 10 best Orion telescopes available in the market today. Buy them & have a great experience next time you are out stargazing.

If you are still left feeling wanting for more, we have provided you with a buying guide. It has all the features you should look for when buying the perfect telescope.

Ready to begin? Let’s go!

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick


Orion 8946 SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
  • Lightweight
  • Good Magnification
  • Plenty of accessories
  • 2" Crayford focuser

The first product on our list is the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian Telescope. It works for both beginners and professionals. When it comes to specs and features, this telescope is an absolute bargain. Everything that you require for learning astronomy or stargazing, this telescope provides it all.

It has a large aperture of 10 inches and has 48X magnification. It is very easy to set up and has point-and0view navigation.

10 Best Orion Telescopes Comparison Chart

The 10 Best Orion Telescopes Out There

If you are an inexperienced & relatively new stargazer, things are going to be a tad bit confusing for.  Therefore, we are here to help you. 

We have reviewed the 10 best Orion Telescopes for stargazing. Take a look at them and choose the one you think is best for you!

Orion 8946 SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

The first product on our list is the Orion SkyQuest Dobsonian Telescope. It works for both beginners and professionals. When it comes to specs and features, this telescope is an absolute bargain. Everything that you require for learning astronomy or stargazing, this telescope provides it all.

It has a large aperture of 10 inches and has 48X magnification. It is very easy to set up and has point-and-view navigation.
Because of the CorrecTension springs and the Dobson base, the telescope is balanced perfectly. The 2 inch Crayford focuser helps to precise and smooth adjustments. This amazing telescope is equipped with EZ Finder II and a red dot finder as well. For alignment of the mirror, there is a Collimation cap present.

The telescope is lightweight and portable. The durable construction ensures that you can use the telescope for a long while. This telescope comes with 8’’ reflector optics which give you access to the best views. The eyepieces are of 2’’ and provide maximum magnification. You will love the close-up views of the moon and other planets with this telescope.

Features and Specs

  • 2" Crayford focuser
  • 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece
  • 10" aperture

PROS

  • LightweightLightweight
  • Good MagnificationGood Magnification
  • Plenty of accessoriesPlenty of accessories

CONS

  • Slightly challenging to move around
Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope

Orion SkyScanner is a reflector telescope. This is a reliable and powerful telescope that gives excellent views, even in the presence of light. It is compact in design and is meant for use as a tabletop telescope. 

This telescope can be easily stored when not in use, as it doesn’t take a lot of space. The two 12.5 inches eyepieces present in this telescope provide 40-power and 20-power magnification. This product is suited for wide-angle and low-power viewing of the Milky Way.  

It comes with EZ Finder II aiming device and has 100 mm primary mirror optics. The telescope doesn’t have plastic lenses. You get the Starry Night astronomy software with this telescope. The aperture of this telescope is 3.93 inches, and it has a focal length of 400 mm.

Not only can you view the moon and its craters in detail, but you also get to see distant planets as well as nebulae and star clusters with this telescope. This telescope is large enough so that you can see the distant objects on the night sky and is yet compact enough to sit on the top of your desk.

Features and Specs

  • 100mm parabolic primary mirror optics
  • Two 1.25 inch telescope eyepieces
  • Primary Aperture: 100-150 mm

PROS

  • Compact reflector Telescope
  • Affordable
  • Small and Lightweight
  • Tabletop design
  • Red Dot type finder present

CONS

  • The Focuser is a bit stiff in the beginning
Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

If you are a beginner who is looking for a telescope upgrade, then this telescope would work perfectly for you. It has a large parabolic mirror inside it that produces clear images of deep-space targets. With the help of the EQ-2 equatorial mount, tracking the object becomes very easy. What’s more, it helps to keep the image centered when you are using it for astrophotography.

With an aperture of 5.1’’ and an optical tube of 24’’, this telescope will provide you with detailed images of objects far beyond the solar system. This telescope has 6 finder scopes, 2 eyepieces along with a pinion focuser, collimation cap, and access to the special edition Astronomy software, which makes the telescope even more appealing.

 It is a simple telescope but has quality features. Orion definitely knows how to pack a big punch in a small telescope! It works well for beginners and amateurs.

Features and Specs

  • Primary Aperture: 100-150 mm
  • Optical diameter: 130 mm
  • Focal Length: 650 mm

PROS

  • Easy to carry and store
  • Large Aperture
  • Several accessories included
  • Sturdy and reliable

CONS

  • Meant for use by beginners only
  • Assembly gets a little confusing
Orion StarSeeker IV 130mm GoTo Reflector Telescope Kit

People who want to explore the moon and view its craters in detail will be thrilled with Orion StarSeeker IV. It is a great telescope that helps you with your exploration of the deep space. It is one of the best telescopes out there for lunar exploration. With the 6’’ aperture and 150X magnification, you get crisp and clear pictures of the galaxy.

With the help of MoonMap 260, you can learn all you need to know about the surface of the moon. With the help of the Moon filter, you can see stunning details on the surface of the moon. The computerized system of the telescope has the ability to locate almost 42,000 objects. The 2x shorty Barlow lenses increase the magnification power of the lenses. The EZ finder has a 2-star alignment, which gives wide-angle views of the deep space. It has encoders on both axes of the movement that give you the ability to make adjustments even when you are using the computerized control.

Features and Specs

  • Primary Aperture: 100-150 mm
  • 130mm optics
  • 60-degree eyepieces

PROS

  • Computerized System
  • Comes with an educational kit
  • Amazing specs
  • EZ Finder technology

CONS

  • Resets when it is powered down
Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

The Orion 8944 SkyQuest is one of the best beginner-level Dobsonian Telescopes. It comes at a very affordable price and the specs are pretty good. With the help of 6’’ aperture, the telescope can provide you with very bright images.

The 120 mm focal length is perfect for lunar exploration as well as the study of other celestial objects. The telescope is connected to a Dobsonian base and has CorrecTension springs, which minimize friction and provide you with a stable and secure platform.

The 1.25’’ eyepiece gives you a magnification of 48X and a 52-degree FOV. With the help of free Starry Night software, you can learn more about the secrets of the universe. It comes with various accessories such as Crayford Focuser, EZ Finder II and a collimation cap.

Features and Specs

  • Primary Aperture: 150mm – 200mm
  • 60mm telescope
  • 6" diameter f/8 parabolic mirror

PROS

  • Wide Aperture
  • Dobsonian mount
  • Easy to use
  • Loads of accessories

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

The Orion 894 SkyQuest has an aperture of 8’’ which allows you to observe planets and the moon in great detail. With a focal length of 1200 mm, it is perfect for amateurs and enthusiast astronomers. It provides a wide FOV and has a focal ratio of f/5.9.

With the help of the 2’’ Crayford Focuser, sharp and crisp images are obtained. The 25 mm eyepiece provides you with 48X magnification. The Starry Night astronomy software will help you unravel more details about the universe.

If you are looking for a versatile telescope that will last for several years, then this is an excellent option. It has a great build, and the features are commendable as well. What’s more, you don’t have to break the bank to buy this amazing telescope.

Features and Specs

  • 2" Crayford focuser
  • 8" diameter reflector optics
  • 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepieceList Element

PROS

  • Can be pitched easily
  • Easily rotated
  • High-quality optics
  • Versatile
  • Easy to assemble

CONS

  • You need to buy extra filters and lenses with this.
Orion 9024 AstroView 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope

If you are looking for a good quality telescope from Orio on a budget, then you should give the Orio 9024 Astroview a look. Not only is it affordable, but it also has plenty of features that make it a nice option. The 3.5-inch aperture along with the focal length of 910, ensures that you get a good quality view of the cosmos.

With a focal ratio of f/10, you know that you are getting a telescope you can count on. It has a 25 mm Plossl eyepiece that gives a magnification of 36X. It helps in viewing both close and distant celestial objects.

Features and Specs

  • 90mm aperture
  • 910mm focal length
  • 6x30 finderscope

PROS

  • Durable
  • Equatorial mount
  • Stable tripod

CONS

  • Slight delay in focusing on the target
Orion 9005 AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope

Orion 9005 AstroView is a fantastic telescope that gives you excellent resolution. With the help of this telescope, you can enjoy perfect and crisp views of the universe. This telescope comes with an adjustable and sturdy tripod stand. You can mount the telescope on this stand when you are using it for slow-motion tracking of celestial objects. 

Orion AstroView comes with an aperture of 4.7’’ and 600 mm focal length. It has two 1.25’’ eyepieces and a 90-degree mirror. What’s more, it has a pinion focuser which helps you to see the far off celestial objects even more clearly.

Features and Specs

  • 120mm aperture
  • 600mm focal length
  • 6x30 finderscope

PROS

  • Sturdy Tripod
  • Great Aperture
  • Comes with Starry Night Software

CONS

  • A bit expensive
Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

The Orion StarMax is a tabletop telescope. It is lightweight and portable. The StarMax has a Dobsonian base with a swivel design. A tripod can also be attached to the base if you want. The telescope has two eyepieces that provide 152X and 50X magnification. A 90 degrees mirror diagonal is also present in this telescope. 

EZ finder alongside red dot navigation is present in this telescope. You get access to the Starry Night astronomy software. It is a compact telescope, which you can take along with you on your trips.

If you are looking for a versatile and portable telescope, then this telescope from Orion is a great option.

Features and Specs

  • 90mm aperture
  • 90-degree mirror
  • Two 1.25" eyepieces

PROS

  • Tabletop design
  • Dobsonian Base
  • Mirror Diagonal
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Adjusting the mount is slightly tricky
Orion 27191 StarBlast 6i IntelliScope Reflector Telescope

When you are buying a telescope, its design and weight are important factors to look out for. The Orion StarBlast is a nice telescope that has a compact and sleek design. Moreover, it doesn’t weigh a lot and is easily portable. Therefore, you can use this telescope in any place, any time. 

It is a user-friendly reflector tabletop telescope. This telescope works well for amateurs and beginners. With the help of the computerized object locator, you can view over 14,000 celestial objects. It is perfect to see bright planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

It has a large aperture which is 6” in diameter. The focal length of the telescope is 750 mm, which provides you with contrast-rich views of the objects.

Features and Specs

  • 750mm focal length
  • 6" aperture
  • Two 1.25" telescope eyepieces

PROS

  • Compact Design
  • Wide aperture
  • Tabletop Telescope

CONS

  • Takes a little time to assemble the telescope

Buying Guide

With the numerous choices accessible in telescopes out in the market today, it's better first to understand what you are searching for before you break out the wallet and begin ordering. Having a smart idea regarding the setup you like and what you need it for will go far toward ensuring that your cash is very well- spent!

Picking the perfect Orion telescope is not like picking a couple of shoes. Every one of the telescopes works differently. You cannot buy all of them. It's merely a case of which telescope works well with your needs and budget. We are going to help you figure out what are the factors you need to consider before buying the best Orion Telescope.

Let’s take a look.

About Orion

Orion is amongst one of the top companies that manufacture great telescopes at a reasonable cost. They have been around for decades and are well-known for their quality products. Their customer services are excellent as well. The free technical supports help you with any query or assistance you might need.

There is a 30-day return period for their products if you are not satisfied with it. Moreover, there is a one-year warranty on the products, with the help of which you can get your telescope fixed or replaced. Now you can see why Orion is a trusted brand when it comes to telescopes. The organization works really hard to make sure you have fun while exploring the skies!

Types of Orion Telescopes

Orion offers very impressive products that cater to different skill levels and budgets. Let’s take a look at the types of telescopes that are produced by Orion.

1. Refractor Telescopes

Refractor Telescopes are the most straightforward telescopes to use. They use glass lenses to bend light. The light gets inside the optical tube, and you see a magnified image of the body you are pointing the telescope at.

The good thing about this telescope is the fact that it is versatile. They are easy to maintain and are portable. They come in a variety of specs.

2. Reflector Telescopes

If you want to take a look at objects in deep-space like distant star clusters and nebulae, then you should take a look at the reflector telescopes. They are a bit bulky and need a bit more knowledge before you can use them, these telescopes use precise mirrors for directing light and then producing an image via the eye-piece. There are various kinds of reflector telescopes that Orion offers, including the Newtonian reflectors that limit the color issues.

3. Dobsonian Telescopes

Dobsonian telescopes are easy to use and are affordable as well. They have an altazimuth base and a large optical tube. There is a primary mirror inside the optical tube, which collects light to produce a clear image of the cosmos.

There are several models of Dobsonian telescopes that you can choose from. Ranging from a classic small Dobsonian telescope that can be placed on a table to the powerful model which can show you distant targets like Mars and Saturn, there is a wide range from which to choose from.

4. Cassegrain Telescopes

This telescope a merge of the reflector and refractor technology. It uses both mirrors and glass lenses to bend light adequately. These two components work together to minimize the path of light significantly. The result of this is a compact and powerful telescope. With the help of the corrector lens present in it, you get a high-quality, clear picture.

5. Astrophotography Telescopes

Astrophotography is a type of art in which you take photos of galaxies, stars, and other objects. Astrophotography telescopes have different configurations and designs. Orion provides you the equipment you require to attach the camera onto the telescope, such as mounts, adapters, and astrographs.

Things to consider

There are a few factors that you or any astronomer ought to consider while buying the best Orion Telescopes. These factors help you in knowing what to look for when buying them. Here are some of those factors. We have discussed them briefly so that you will have an easy time while purchasing the Orion Telescopes, which will make your experience exciting and successful!

Base Support

All Orion Telescopes come with stable base support which makes them perfect for use. There are tripod stands that come with the telescopes. These tripod stands can be easily adjusted to the height you require. 

Some telescopes come with tabletop support. The kind of base support you want depends on where you will use the telescope. Choose the base support as per your needs and requirements.

Aperture

Another essential factor you need to consider is the telescope’s aperture. The diameter of the aperture determines the view you get out of the telescope. Telescopes have different aperture lengths. It is better to get a telescope with a large aperture.

Magnification

Magnification plays a significant role in ensuring that you end up with the best kind of telescope. This is the capacity to amplify the size of the object a few times. Depending upon the model, some can accompany variable or fixed amplification. Most people need a variable amplification because this means that they can easily zoom into the target.

Durability

Since telescopes are going to be used outdoors, you need to make sure they are weather resistant and can perform well under harsh conditions. Make sure they are shockproof and are water-resistant as well. They need to be durable so that they would last you a long period of time. Make sure that you get a telescope that comes with a long-time warranty for its parts. 

The built and construction of a telescope are also important. The stronger the built is, the durable the telescope will be. However, you need to keep in mind that a stronger built means a bulkier telescope. Thus, you have to keep a balance and ensure that your telescope is compact, lightweight yet is durable and long-lasting.

Portability

Carrying telescopes and other equipment is a tedious activity.  So, why would you go for something bulky? You should buy telescopes that are light in weight and are portable. Look for carrying bags that come with telescopes. These make it easy for you to carry your telescope from one place to the other.

Eye Piece

Most of the Orion telescopes come with two eyepieces. These eyepieces are usually 1.25 inches in diameter. The variety in the eyepieces gives you various options for magnification.

Additional Features

You should also look for additional features in the telescopes. Features such as EZ finder, red dot finders, computerized tracking, etc. are nice to have in your telescope. But make sure that you don’t go above your budget.

Cost

To wrap things up, we need to consider the telescope’s cost. When you search for Orion telescopes out in the market, you will see that they come in various price ranges. Usually, it seems as if the higher the price tag, the better the quality of the product will be. However, that doesn't always have to be the case.

Make sure that you buy something which is well within your budget. There are many options available in the market. They have good features at a reasonable cost.

FAQs

Which telescope is better – Reflector or Refractor?

There is no one-word answer to this. Both reflector and refractor telescopes have their advantages. A refractor telescope provides a good contrasting picture. There is no shadowing when it comes to a refractor. However, they only have small apertures in order to keep them compact and affordable. On the other hand, Reflectors have large apertures and offer plenty of light. If you are into deep sky observation, they are really helpful. Thus, you should buy the telescopes depending on your needs and requirements.

How can I determine the power of a telescope?

The power of the telescope can be determined if you divide the focal length of the objective lens with that of the eyepiece.

What are bad conditions for observing the sky?

The specs of the telescope do not always determine good or poor results. External factors can also determine the quality of an image. The air that surrounds the Earth is constantly shifting and can cause optical distortions. Avoid using the telescope around street lights or house lights to avoid light pollution. High magnifying telescopes are sensitive to light and produce washed-out images as a result. Harsh glare from the moon can also dim the nearby planets and stars.

Conclusion

Stargazing is something that a lot of people enjoy. For you to become a great stargazer and astronomer, you need great astronomical gear alongside skills and knowledge. Telescopes are pretty important when it comes to this.

This is the time of globalization. We are living in a very focused & competitive market. Thus, when we want to buy anything, we have a wide exhibit of options in our grasp. We become befuddled.

In this article, we have tried our best to enable you to clear away those confusions which you will have when you are going to purchase the best Orion Telescope. Not all available telescopes can satisfy your requirements. Therefore, we hope this article will be helpful when it comes to buying the best Orion telescope.

It can be challenging to find the perfect Orion telescope. But with the reviews of the 10 best Orion Telescopes available in the market, and the compact buying guide above, your job of finding the perfect telescope has been made a lot simpler!

Happy Stargazing Folks!