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Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
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Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
view more info about this product
Free Starry Night software (a $69.90 value)
Starting Price $799.99
Final price depends on the configuration you choose.
Standard Per-Item Shipping Charge: $80.00
More Shipping Information
Expected Ship Date: 06/09/2012
  • Start with this 12" aperture, 1500mm focal length reflector telescope optical tube and the ultra-stable Dobsonian base with the push-to IntelliScope computerized object locator
  • Add the Orion-brand finder scope, and initial eyepiece that YOU want
  • Add additional Orion-brand telescope eyepieces
  • Accessorize even further with any Orion-brand filters, collimating tools, Barlow lenses, padded cases, and more
  • Get the 12" SkyQuest Intelliscope Dobsonian of your dreams and SAVE BIG compared to purchasing the telescope and accessories separately!


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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!

By using the Orion Build-A-Scope configurator, you can save up to 20% on select Orion-brand accessory categories!. Check the "Add" prices in the sections below to see how much you will save.

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!
  selected

Step 1: Choose a Finder Scope

Required: Please choose at least 1 from the 6 available products.
  selected

Step 2: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #1

Required: Please choose at least 1 from the 20 available products.
  selected

Step 3: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #2

Optional: You may choose any number of the 12 available products.

  selected

Step 4: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #3

Optional: You may choose any number of the 10 available products.

Accepted Payment

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 12:00 noon Pacific Time will ship the second business day after your order is placed (this is why you will see a notice in your shopping cart about your Build-A-Scope not being available until the second business day following your order). Before you know it, you will have your very own customized Classic Dobsonian to show off to your friends!

You may also add additional Orion-brand accessories not shown on this page and receive discounts exclusive to Build-A-Scope customers. Once you have added your configured telescope to your shopping cart, feel free to browse through our Orion accessories. Orion-brand eyepieces, filters, and collimation products will be discounted 20%, Orion-brand barlow lenses will be discounted 15%, and Orion-brand cases and covers will be discounted 10%. Note: Discounts for eligible products purchased outside of the Build-A-Scope configurator will be seen once added to your shopping cart.

Promotion Disclaimer: When ordering the Orion Build-A-Scope 6" Classic Dobsonian Telescope, please use promo code BASFS1 at checkout.

Your Build-A-Scope purchase is subject to special terms and conditions.

More Info
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 800-676-1343.

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
Specs
  • Best for viewing
    Fainter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Lunar & planetary
  • User level
    Advanced
  • Optical design
    Reflector
  • Optical diameter
    305mm
  • Focal length
    1500mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/4.9
  • Optics type
    Parabolic
  • Glass material
    Low thermal expansion glass
  • Eyepieces
    Choose an Orion eyepiece
  • Resolving power
    0.38arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    43x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    610x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    15.1
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    Choose an Orion finder scope
  • Focuser
    2" Crayford
  • Secondary mirror obstruction
    70mm
  • 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
    Simple moon shots
  • Computerized compatibility
    Intelliscope included
  • Alignment procedure
    2-Star Alignment
  • Number of objects in database
    14,000+
  • Bearing material
    Teflon and UHMW bearings
  • Power requirement
    9-volt battery
  • Available ports
    RS-232
  • Tube material
    Steel
  • Tripod material
    Wood
  • Length of optical tube
    58.3 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    50.0 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    33.0 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    83.0 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    IntelliScope computerized object locator HC, Eyepiece rack, navigation knob, 1.25" eyepiece adapter
  • Other features
    IntelliScope object locator (w/ 9-volt battery)
  • Warranty
    One year
In the Box

Orion SkyQuest Computerized IntelliScope XT12i w/Hand Controller Optical Tube Asembly
Orion 2" - 1.25" eyepiece adapter
Computerized IntelliScope object locator hand controller
Collimation cap
Telescope eyepiece rack
Dust cap
Eyepiece rack mounting wood screws
Tensioning/Retaining knobs
Tensioning knob nylon washer
Tensioning knob metal washer
Nylon retaining knob spacer
Handle
Handle mounting hex-head screws
Handle mounting screw washers
Crescent wrench
Azimuth encoder board
Encoder connector board
Encoder disk
Left panel
Right panel
Front brace
Top base plate
Ground base plate
Base assembly wood screws
Hex key
Plastic feet
Feet attachment wood screws
Encoder board mounting wood screws
Brass bushing
Azimuth axis hex-head screw
Fender washers
Hex lock nut
Altitude bearing cylinders
Altitude bearing cylinder screws
Vertical stop knob
Flat washers
Altitude encoder assembly
Coil cable
Altitude encoder cable (53")
Azimuth encoder cable (24")
Wire retaining clips
Hook-and-loop strips
Plastic bumper
Wood screws
Nylon washers
9V battery
Starry Night special edition software

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

Shipping Info

Orders received by noon Pacific Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Orders 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: $80.00
3 Day Air Delivery: $651.00
2 Day Delivery: $651.00
Next Day Delivery: $854.00

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Orion Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 1 Review
5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
1 out of 1(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
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1
1 The Orion Build-A-Scope 12 IntelliScope is a great telescope for the advanced viewer. It allows you to customize the scope by choosing your favorite finder scope, focuser, and eyepiece.
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 1 Review
5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
1 out of 1(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
Share this product
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Product ReviewsWrite A Review
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
PERFECT
PostedMay 12, 2012
Customer avatar
cbishop
 
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Owned this product for:Less than 3 mos
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Hi i got this product after returning my XT6 and I have never been happier. This scope can see all the goodies in the night sky. Saturn will take up the whole eyepiece if you use a 5mm with a 2x barlow or just use a 2.5mm EP. There is one thing you need to know before you get this If your planning on taking your scope places it is BIG. I'm 5'11" and it comes up to my eyelashes. ANd it weighs 83lbs. The weight isnt that bad its just awkward to handel if your picking it up. That is the only down side and its to be expected with a Scope of this size. Now to the good. It picks up So much light you can see some of the faintest nebula's and galaxies. You can not go wrong with this scope Great price and PERFECT optics. Easy to put together and setup. I did get a faulty Hand controller and ORION has been awesome with helping me and replacing it. Great product and Great Place to buy it from. The staff will help you with anything you need (I know i've asked every stupid question there is.) If you have the funds GET THIS SCOPE. Collimating is easy I would recomend getting a Laser or Orion Collimating Telescope Eyepiece. They are better than the one that comes with it. I am going to get a Laser Collimator just to save me from moving to and from the eyepiece. Also for the DSO's (DEEP SKY OBJECTS) I would recomend getting a 38mm or 40mm so you have a greater FOV(Field of View) to see some of the bigger objects. As i said makes all the planets feel close to you (With the 5mm Eyepiece. ANd gives crisp clear views. As for miving it i take the Tube off and carry it in two sections that is the easiest way to move it around.
Pros: views
Cons: awkward to carry
Yes, I recommend this product!
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About Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

Since 1975 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars has been offering telescopes for sale direct to customers, with an unswerving commitment to best quality products, value and unmatched customer care. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee says it all.

Orion offers telescopes for every level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. From our entry level beginner telescopes for amateur astronomers to our Dobsonian telescopes to our most advanced Cassegrain telescopes and accessories, you can find the best telescope for you. And you'll enjoy discount prices by buying your telescope online, direct from Orion. Not sure how to choose a telescope? Orion's Telescope Buyer's Guide is a great place to start.

Orion binoculars are known for quality optics at a great price. We offer binoculars for every viewing interest, including astronomical binoculars, compact binoculars, waterproof binoculars, birding binoculars, sport and hunting binoculars, and even night vision binoculars.

Orion's telescope and astrophotography accessories will enhance your telescope enjoyment without breaking the bank. Expand your viewing experience with accessories ranging from moon filters to power-boosting Barlow lenses to advanced computerized telescope mounts. Capture breathtaking photos with our affordable astrophotography cameras. And when you're stargazing, Orion's telescope cases and covers, observing gear, red LED flashlights, astronomy books and star charts will make your observing sessions more convenient, comfortable and meaningful.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Resource Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, and reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!