Ample light grasp...Check. Portable...Check. Stable mount...Check. Quick setup and take-down...Check. Easy to operate...Check. Affordable...Check.

As you run through the checklist of attributes you've heard are important in a good beginner's telescope, you realize that the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope meets all the criteria - in spades. Astronomy magazine called it "an excellent entry-level Dobsonian telescope for an adult."

It's a telescope that opens up limitless observing possibilities. With its big 150mm diameter parabolic primary mirror the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope collects nearly 80% more light than a 4.5" reflector, rendering brighter images and greater detail in deep-sky nebulas and star clusters. And the 1200mm focal length gives the telescope ample power to zoom in on subtle planetary and lunar features.

The 45"-long enameled-steel optical tube glides with silky smoothness on the cabinet-quality Dobsonian wood base. You just point the telescope and view! Orion-engineered CorrecTension springs keep the tube balanced to perfection and allow the whole unit to be carried together by the handle on the base.

The XT6 is outfitted with a 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, and a 1.25" 25mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece. The mirror is center-marked for precise collimation. The included Beginner Barlow Kit is a great combination of accessories for anyone beginning a hobby of amateur astronomy, This handy kit includes the powerful Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, and 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, viewing with the XT6 Classic with its 1200mm focal length, using a 25mm eyepiece will yield a view with 48-power magnification (1200 divided by 25). If you installed the same 25mm eyepiece into the Shorty 2x Barlow Lens and then into the XT6 focuser, your viewing magnification would be increased to 96-power magnification (48 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.