Our SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian reflector is a quality telescope, with point-and-view simplicity that makes it easy to use and makes stargazing fun! The optical performance is far and away better than flimsy department store models. Its 4.5" (114mm) mirror, housed in an enameled steel tube, gathers 260% more starlight than a 60mm refractor. More light means you can see a lot more celestial objects in greater detail. In a review of low-cost beginner telescopes, Sky and Telescope (12/05) proclaimed the XT4.5 "The best of the bunch - a solid combination of optics and mechanics." Try it and see for yourself!

This bundle includes the crowd-pleasing Orion XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian and our Orion Beginner Barlow Kit for powerful performance! The included Beginner Barlow Kit is a great combination of accessories for anyone beginning a hobby of amateur astronomy and includes the powerful Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, as well as the useful Orion Beginning Stargazers Toolkit.

A 2-power (2x) Barlow lens is an extremely versatile eyepiece accessory that doubles the magnification of any eyepiece installed. For example, when used with the XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian telescope with its 910mm focal length, using a 10mm eyepiece will yield a view with 91-power magnification. If you installed the same 10mm eyepiece into the Shorty 2x Barlow Lens and used the same XT4.5 Dobsonian telescope, your viewing magnification would be increased to 182-power magnification (91 x 2). Barlows are great eyepiece accessories for beginning astronomers since they allow you to double the power of the eyepieces included with your telescope. They are a great and affordable way to add to your arsenal of viewing magnifications. What's more, the Orion Shorty 2x Barlow gets it's "Shorty" moniker from its compact size compared to other Barlow lenses, so it's easier to find a spot for it when packing your gear for a night under the stars.

With the included Orion Beginning Stargazer's Toolkit, you'll never be "lost in space!" It contains four items designed to help new astronomers find their way around the heavens.

1. Star Target Planisphere - Dial in your local date and time and it shows you the locations of the constellations and deep-sky objects in the night sky
2. Discover the Stars - A wonderfully written and illustrated observer's guide
3. Moon Map - Identify craters and other lunar features with your telescope. The correct-image Moon Map is oriented to match the Moon as it appears to the unaided eye. Turning the map may be required to match the view seen in your telescope.
4. Orion RedBeam Mini LED Astro Flashlight - Emits pure red light that won't spoil your night vision. Perfect for reading your planisphere or seeing what you're doing at the telescope

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

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 800-676-1343.

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