A classic aperture delivers reliable, stunning performance always. That’s the promise of a good 8-inch Dobsonian, and the Orion SkyQuest xt8 telescope absolutely lives up to it. You get a massive light bucket for crisp, bright views of Saturn’s rings or the Orion Nebula, without the fuss of complex setup. It’s a gateway to the cosmos that just works.
But is this the right scope for your stargazing journey? We’ve spent countless night under the stars with the XT8 to find out. Let’s dive into what makes it a beloved favorite, and where it might leave you wanting a little bit more from your observing sessions.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Xt8 Telescope
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical…
|
9.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Dianfan Telescope,90mm Aperture 800mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,Portable Professional…
|
9.7 |
Read Review |
 |
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm…
|
9.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm…
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
MEEZAA Telescope, 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Adults Astronomy…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope – Compact and…
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial…
|
8.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ–MD Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Beginners…
|
8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 9 Xt8 Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube – Fully Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign – Ideal for Beginners and Advanced Users – 40,000+ Object Database
The Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope is a significant step for anyone looking to seriously observe the night sky. It combines a powerful optical system with user-friendly automation, making it a versatile choice that can grow with your interest.
At its core is the 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube. This design is key because it packs a large light-gathering aperture into a realtively compact and portable body.
That 8-inch mirror is what allows you to see detailed craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even fainter deep-space objects like the Orion Nebula. You get substantial performance without the bulk of a traditional large telescope.
The operation is centered on its fully automated GoTo mount and the NexStar+ hand control. This system contains a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. Instead of manually searching the sky with star charts, you simply select a target from the menu.
The mount then moves the telescope directly to that object and keeps it centered in the eyepiece as the Earth rotates. This automation saves immense time and helps you locate objects you might otherwise miss.
Getting started is streamlined by SkyAlign technology. For the initial setup, you don’t need to know the names of stars. You just point the telescope at any three bright objects in the sky—stars or planets—and the computer figures out your location and time to align itself.
Dianfan Telescope,90mm Aperture 800mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,Portable Professional Refractor Telescope for Beginners,with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter,Carry Bag
The Dianfan 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope is designed to bring the night sky within reach for new astronomers and outdoor observers. Its core strength lies in its 90mm objective lens, which is fully coated to enhance light gathering and image clarity. This large aperture is key for viewing celestial objects, as it pulls in more light to provide brighter and more detailed views of the moon, planets, and star clusters then smaller models. You get a versatile range of magnification with this setup.
It includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering powers from 32x up to 240x. This allows you to study the Moon’s craters in sharp detail or observe distant terrestrial subjects. The 45-degree zenith mirror ensures images are correctly oriented for comfortable viewing, whether your looking at a bird in a tree or the rings of Saturn. Setting it up is straightforward, with a user-friendly design that most people can assemble in about 15 minutes.
The smooth focusing mechanism helps you quickly zero in on your target, minimizing frustration for beginners and kids eager to get started. Portability is a major plus. The telescope features a lightweight yet stable stainless steel tripod that provides a steady platform for observation. When your done, the whole system packs down into the included carry bag, making it easy to take on camping trips, to a dark-sky site, or simply into the backyard.
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
The MEEZAA Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional is a refractor telescope designed to make serious astronomy accessible. If your interested in the night sky, this instrument provides a straightforward path from setup to observation. Its a complete kit for adults and beginners who want a real telescope without overwhelming complexity. At its core is a 90mm aperture objective lens. This large opening is crucial because it gathers a significant amount of light.
More light means brighter, clearer images of celestial objects. The lenses are fully multi-coated, which reduces internal reflections and glare to improve contrast. This combination of a 90mm aperture and coated optics forms the foundation for your viewing, allowing you to see more detail on the moon and brighter views of planets and star clusters. The telescope has an 800mm focal length, offering a balance of wide-field and detailed views.
You get two eyepieces: a 25mm for wider views and a 10mm for higher magnification. The included 3X Barlow lens effectively triples the power of each eyepiece, giving you a range of magnifications from 32X up to 240X. This flexibility lets you frame large celestial objects or zoom in on specific lunar craters. Remember, highest magnification isn’t always best; atmospheric conditions often favor the lower to mid range for the steadiest views. Setup and portability are key considerations.
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope is designed to make finding your way around the night sky as simple as using a GPS. It’s a 130mm Newtonian reflector telescope that uses your smartphone as its guide, removing the biggest hurdle for new astronomers: knowing where to look.
You start by attaching your phone to the dedicated dock on the telescope tube. Once you launch the StarSense Explorer app, it’s patented technology takes over.
Unlike a basic star chart, it uses your phone’s camera to analyze the star patterns above. It calculates the telescopes exact position in real time, turning your phone into a precise celestial navigation system. No guesswork is needed.
The app then provides a smartphone-powered sky tour. It generates a custom list of Tonight’s Best Targets visible from your location, from the Moon and planets to brighter galaxies and nebulae.
To find one, you simply follow the on-screen arrows that guide you to move the telescope. When you’ve centered the target, the bullseye on your screen turns green. You then look through the included eyepiece, and the object should be right there in view. This process makes locating things incredibly straightforward, even from a backyard in the city.
The telescope itself is built around this experience.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope is designed to remove the biggest hurdle for new astronomers: finding things in the night sky. It combines a capable optical tube with a genuinly smart phone app to guide you, making your first steps into astronomy both successful and enjoyable.
At its core is the patented StarSense technology. Unlike a simple star chart app, this system uses your smartphone’s camera to analyze the star patterns above.
It calculates the telescope’s exact position and orientation, turning your phone into a precision navigation tool. You simply dock your phone into the bracket, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows. The app literally points you in the right direction, and when a target is centered, a bullseye turns green. No prior knowlege of the constellations is required, which is a huge relief for beginners.
The app does more than just point.
It generates a personalized list of “Tonight’s Best” objects visible from your location and time. It will show you planets, bright star clusters, and nebulae that are actually above your horizon. This means you spend your time observing, not searching. The telescope itself is a 114mm Newtonian reflector. The 4.5-inch aperture gathers enough light to provide impressive views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
MEEZAA Telescope, 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Adults Astronomy Beginners, Professional Astronomical Telescopes with Equatorial Mount, Phone Adapter, Tripod, Moon Filter and Large Carry Bag
The MEEZAA 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is designed to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly use and serious astronomical performance. Its core advantage is the 150mm large aperture, which is a significant feature for any telescope. This large opening gathers a lot of light, meaning you’ll see brighter and more detailed images of celestial objects.
Whether your looking at the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or distant star clusters, this light-gathering power is what makes those views possible and impressive.
To make the most of that aperture, the telescope comes with a complete optical set. You get two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) and a 2X Barlow lens, which work together to provide a range of magnifications from 26X up to 130X. This lets you zoom in for a closer look at planetary details or zoom out for wider star fields.
The included moon filter is a thoughtful addition, cutting down the Moon’s bright glare so you can observe it comfortably for longer periods. A red dot finderscope helps you point the telescope in the right direction quickly, which is much easier than trying to aim using the main tube alone.
Stability and control are crucial, and the 150EQ uses a stable German equatorial mount. This type of mount might seem a bit technical at first, but its designed for smooth and precise tracking.
Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope – Compact and Portable – Newtonian Reflector Optical Design – SkyAlign Technology – Computerized Hand Control – 130mm Aperture Grey
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope is designed to make deep-sky observation more accessible and straightforward. Its core feature is a motorized mount with a computerized hand control that contains a database of over 4,000 celestial objects. This system doesn’t just help you find things; it slews the telescope to your target and then tracks it across the night sky, keeping it in view.
This means you can spend more time observing and less time struggling with star charts, which is a huge advantage for beginners. Optically, this telescope uses a Newtonian reflector design with a substantial 130mm aperture. This is the largest in the SLT line, and that size matters because it collects a significant amount of light. That light-gathering ability allows you to see detailed views of our solar system, like the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter, with clarity.
The Moon becomes a landscape of craters and mountains. Because it’s a reflector, it offers great value for the aperture size, providing bright, detailed images of galaxies and nebulae from the hand control’s database. It’s also compatible with 2-inch eyepieces for wider field views. A key practical benefit is its portability. The whole setup is relatively compact and breaks down into manageable pieces.
Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – Bonus Astronomy Software Package – 127mm Aperture
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a manual German equatorial telescope designed with the beginner in mind. Its a fantastic first step into astronomy, offering serious capability in a package thats straightforward to learn on. The heart of this scope is its 127mm aperture. That’s the width of the main mirror, and it’s this size that gathers a significant amount of light.
This light-gathering power is what allows you to see detailed lunar craters, the rings of Saturn, the bands of Jupiter, and brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula. You wont be disappointed by the views.
Navigating the night sky is made managable by the manual German equatorial mount. This type of mount might seem a bit unfamiliar at first, but its the standard for serious observing for good reason.
Once you’ve aligned it with the North Star, its slow-motion control rod lets you follow celestial objects smoothly and accurately as the Earth rotates. This means you can keep a planet in view for extended observation without constantly nudging the telescope. It’s a feature that really enhances the experience and teaches proper technique.
Portability is a key advantage here. The PowerSeeker 127EQ is relatively compact and lightweight for its aperture size.
Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ–MD Newtonian Reflector Telescope for Beginners – Aluminized Mirror – Motor Drive to Track Stars – Adjustable Tripod – Includes Eyepieces Plus Astronomy Software Package
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD Newtonian Reflector Telescope is designed to make your entry into astronomy both serious and straightforward. It’s a complete kit that gives you the tools you need to start observing the night sky with confidence, without being overwhelming.
At its heart is a 130mm Newtonian reflector optical tube. This 5-inch aperture is the key feature, as it gathers a significant amount of light.
This allows you to see not just the Moon in crisp detail, but also brighter planets like Jupiter and its moons, Saturn’s rings, and many deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The aluminized and SiO₂ coated mirror ensures bright, sharp views right from the start.
Setup is intentionally simple. You can assemble the telescope in just a few minutes without any tools.
The adjustable, full-height metal tripod provides a stable base and can be tailored for comfortable viewing whether your standing or seated. The equatorial mount might look a bit technical at first, but its design is fundamental for tracking the sky’s motion.
Xt8 Telescope Buying Guide
Choosing teh right telescope can feel overwhelming with so many options. This guide breaks down the key things to consider to help you make a confident choice and get the most from your stargazing.
Aperture: Your Light Bucket
The most important spec is aperture—the diameter of the main mirror. A larger aperture, like the 8-inch one on the XT8, collects significantly more light. This means brighter, more detailed views of planets, galaxies, and nebulae. It’s the difference between seeing a faint smudge and glimpsing structure in a distant star cluster.
Mount Stability & Ease of Use
A wobbly mount ruins the experience. A solid Dobsonian base, like the one included, provides rock-solid stability with a simple point-and-view operation. It sits low to the ground, is incredibly intuitive for beginners, and lets you focus on finding objects instead of fighting complicated setup.
Optical Quality and Included Eyepieces
Not all mirrors and lenses are created equal. Look for telescopes with parabolic mirrors (not spherical) for sharp images across the entire field of view. Check what eyepieces come with it; a good starting set, like a low-power and a medium-power eyepiece, allows for both wide-field sweeps and closer planetary looks. You can always add more later.
Portability and Storage
Where will you use it? An 8-inch Dobsonian is a substantial tube. You’ll need to carry it outside, and it requires storage space. If you have a few steps to navigate or limited closet space, think about the weight and bulk. It’s manageable, but it’s not a pocket-sized travel scope. Consider if you’ll need to move it often.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xt8 Telescope
What can I see with an Xt8 telescope?
You can see a lot! The 8-inch mirror gathers plenty of light. This means you get great views of teh Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands and its moons, and Saturn’s rings. You can also see brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Is the Xt8 good for beginners?
Yes, it’s a fantastic choice for a first serious telescope. It’s simple to use with no complicated electronics to setup. The views are stunning and will keep you inspired for years. The manual Dobsonian mount is very intuitive to point at the sky.
Is it portable and easy to store?
It’s a bit of a trade-off. The tube and base seperate, making it easier to move than a one-piece scope. You’ll need a car to take it to a dark site. For storage, it fits in a closet or corner, but it’s not exactly small. It’s a substantial instrument.
Do I need to buy extra eyepieces?
The telescope comes with one or two eyepieces to get you started. You’ll probably want to add another one soon for a different magnification. A low-power, wide-view eyepiece is a popular first upgrade for finding objects and viewing large star clusters.
How difficult is the collimation?
Collimation means aligning the mirrors, and it’s important for the best views. The Xt8 is designed for it to be relatively easy. It might seem tricky at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. There’s many helpful guides online, and tools are available to assist you.
Can I use it for astrophotography?
This is a visual telescope first. Its manual mount isn’t designed for tracking long-exposure photos. You can try simple smartphone shots of the Moon or planets, but for deep-sky photography, a different type of equatorial mount is really needed.
What’s the main maintenance required?
Keeping the mirrors collimated is the main task. You’ll also want to keep dust caps on when not in use. Cleaning the primary mirror is rarely needed—maybe once every few years—and should be done very carefully to avoid scratches.
Our Final Recommendation
A proven, popular aperture offers outstanding value and performance. It’s the sweet spot for new and returning astronomers, giving you bright, detailed views without being too bulky or complex. You get a serious tool that feels approachable. This balance is why it remains a top choice year after year for so many people.
For a truly fantastic first major telescope or a superb lifetime companion under the stars, the xt8 telescope is an easy pick. Its design is straightforward, letting you focus on the sky instead of complicated setup. You’ll be amazed at what you can see, from lunar craters to distant galaxies. It simply delivers on its promise, making every observing session rewarding and leaving you excited for the next clear night.