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Orion Telescopes
Intermediate
Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope
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  • Start with this 8" aperture, 1200mm focal length reflector telescope optical tube and the ultra-stable Dobsonian base
  • Add the Orion-brand focuser, finder scope, and initial eyepiece that YOU want
  • Add additional Orion-brand telescopes eyepieces
  • Accessorize even further with any Orion-brand filters, collimating tools, Barlow lenses, padded case, and more
  • Get the SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope of your dreams!


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Why Choose A Build-A-Scope Dobsonian Telescope?

If you're just starting out in the hobby, our standard Dobsonian configurations (either Classic or IntelliScope) may meet your needs and are available for fastest shipping. But, if you want the telescope that you've always wanted, customized the way you'd like it — then an Orion Build-A-Scope is for you!

It's easy to Build-A-Scope and save money, so get started building that dream telescope now!

Start Building Your Telescope Select required components and optional accessories to create your perfect telescope, add all items to your cart and save!

PLEASE NOTE: If you leave this page before adding your configured Build-A-Scope to your shopping cart, the details of your configuration will not be saved. In addition, if you add a Build-A-Scope to your wish list, the components you have chosen will not be included on your wish list. To save a configuration, add all items to your cart using the button above. Your configured Build-A-Scope will be saved in your shopping cart for 30 days. You will then be able to return to your configuration by visiting your shopping cart and clicking on the Build-A-Scope product title.

Once we receive your order, we will build your telescope! That takes a little more time to ship than a standard order. In-stock orders placed by 1:00 pm Eastern Time will ship 2-3 business days after your order is placed. The expected shipping date for your customized Build-A-Scope will update to reflect the availability of the components you choose and the time needed to build your telescope. Before you know it, you will have your very own customized Classic Dobsonian to show off to your friends!

A powerful and capable telescope, the Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian is based on one of our most popular reflectors due to its elegant combination of precision optics, mechanical simplicity, and rock-solid stability. You and your whole family will appreciate the bright, clear views of the night sky provided by the 8" Classic. The Moon and planets of our solar system like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars shine brightly in the Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope, allowing you to inspect them in detail. Its 8" aperture is also large enough to gather a significant amount of light from more distant celestial objects for great views of sparkling star clusters, cloudy nebulas, and faraway galaxies. The Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope is a tremendous value considering the high quality views it provides on such a wide variety of celestial objects. The point-and-view simplicity of the Dobsonian design is not as complicated as an equatorial (EQ) mount and tripod, so with a little practice, your whole family can scan the heavens just like experienced hobbyists. For any astronomer seeking serious adventure, the Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian has it all!

Classic Dob Chart

The Orion Build-A-Scope XT8 Classic Dobsonian is built around an 8" (203mm) diameter parabolic primary mirror mounted in a cast-aluminum support cell. The mirror collects 78% more light than a 6" mirror, so you get a significant increase in ability to observe dust lanes in nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular star clusters, and to reveal some of the more subtle structures in faint galaxies. The 1200mm focal length (f/5.9) XT8 mirror allows you to obtain clear and crisp views at moderate to high magnifications on clear nights with good seeing conditions. Enhanced-reflectivity mirror coatings boost the 8" mirror to 94% reflectivity so as much light as possible is transmitted to the eyepiece.

The Dobsonian base of the Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope provides a simple and stable low-profile altazimuth platform for the 8" aperture optical tube. The tube attaches securely to the base by virtue of Orion's CorrecTension Friction Optimization system, which utilizes heavy-duty springs to both securely couple the tube to the base, and to keep the telescope in constant balance to avoid drifting during observations. Even with large 2" eyepieces and accessories installed, the Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope will remain balanced throughout your viewing sessions.

The Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope can conveniently be separated into two pieces for easy transport and storage. By unhooking the two CorrecTension springs from the Dobsonian base you can detach the 46.5" long optical tube. The 8" optical tube weighs 20.3 lbs., while the 19" diameter Dobsonian base tips the scales at 20.7 lbs. With an assembled weight of 41 lbs., the Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian can be easily moved to and from your favorite observing site, whether it's just a few steps out the back door, or many miles down the road.

With the Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian from Orion, you decide which finder scope, focuser, and eyepiece comes with the telescope. You can choose between magnified achromatic finder scopes, red-dot reflex sights, or more deluxe right-angle correct-image or illuminated crosshair finder scope models to be included with the SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian. Next, select which focuser you want to be included with the telescope, choosing between smooth-adjusting Crayford designs with or without dual-speed fine focus control. You also get to select which telescope eyepiece is included from Orion's wide selection of quality oculars. Choose from low focal length, high magnification eyepieces, or go after the bigger picture with a wide-angle eyepiece to view a large swath of sky through the telescope. 

A great telescope with the optical strength to please serious beginners and veteran skygazers alike, the Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Classic Dobsonian Telescope will provide years of astronomical adventure for you and your whole family.

Meets or exceeds all California State Environmental Quality & Safety Regulations (CARB 93120 Phase 2 Compliant).

Warranty

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-447-1001.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

Product Support
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
  • Best for viewing
    Brighter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Lunar & planetary
  • User level
    Intermediate
  • Optical design
    Reflector
  • Optical diameter
    203mm
  • Focal length
    1200mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/5.9
  • Optics type
    Parabolic
  • Glass material
    Low thermal expansion borosilicate glass
  • Eyepieces
    Choose an Orion eyepiece mm ()
  • Resolving power
    0.57arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    29x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    406x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    14.2
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    Choose an Orion finder scope
  • Focuser
    Choose an Orion focuser
  • Secondary mirror obstruction
    47mm
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter
    23%
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by area
    5%
  • Mirror coatings/over-coatings
    Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
  • Mount type
    Dobsonian
  • Astro-imaging capability
    Lunar & planetary
  • Computerized compatibility
    Not compatible
  • Bearing material
    PTFE and UHMW bearings
  • Tube material
    Steel
  • Tripod material
    Wood
  • Length of optical tube
    44.5 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    18.1 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    20.7 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    38.8 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    Collimation cap, Eyepiece rack
  • Other features
    CorrecTension system, Navigation knob, Integral carry handle
  • Warranty
    One year

8" Aperture Reflector Telescope Optical Tube Assembly
Collimation cap
Dust cap
2"-to-1.25" eyepiece adapter
Spring coils
Pull loops
Nylon spacers
1/4" washers
Phillips-head screws
Screws with round knob attached
Left panel
Right panel
Front brace
Top base plate
Ground base plate
Base assembly screws
Hex key
Plastic feet
Feet attachment wood screws
Self-adhesive rubber bumper
Large hex-head bolt
3/8" washers
3/8" lock nut
Nylon spacer
T-nut
Handle
Socket-head cap screws
5/16" washers
5/16" nuts
Hex key
Starry Night special edition software

And of course, the focuser, finder scope, eyepieces, and other accessories you choose!

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Standard Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Standard Delivery: $0.00
Standard Delivery to Canada: $40.00
3 Day Delivery: $197.00
2 Day Delivery: $197.00
Next Day Delivery: $243.00

SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS APPLY FOR THIS PRODUCT

This product is available to ship Standard delivery within the 50 US states and US territories/protectorates address. Delivery is not available to APO/DPO/FPO addresses . Delivery is available to Canada.

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