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Orion Build-A-Scope 8" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
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Intermediate
Orion Build-A-Scope 8" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
view more info about this product
Free Starry Night software (a $69.90 value)
Starting Price $299.99
Final price depends on the configuration you choose.
Standard Per-Item Shipping Charge: $35.00
More Shipping Information
Expected Ship Date: 05/30/2012
  • Start with this 8" aperture,1200mm focal length reflector telescope optical tube and the ultra-stable Dobsonian base with IntelliScope computerized object locator
  • Add the Orion-brand focuser, 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 case, and more
  • Get the 8" 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 Focuser

Required: Please choose at least 1 from the 2 available products.
  selected

Step 3: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #1

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

Step 4: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #2

Optional: You may choose any number of the 11 available products.

  selected

Step 5: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #3

Optional: You may choose any number of the 11 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
    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
    Soda-lime plate
  • Eyepieces
    Choose an Orion eyepiece
  • 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
    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
  • Mounting
    2" nozzle or t-thread
  • Length of optical tube
    44.5 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    17.4 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    21.3 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    38.7 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    IntelliScope computerized object locator HC, Eyepiece rack, Collimation cap
  • Other features
    Navigation knob
  • Warranty
    One year
In the Box

Optical tube assembly
2" - 1.25" eyepiece adapter
IntelliScope object locator hand controller
Collimation cap
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 focuser, 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: $35.00
3 Day Air Delivery: $261.00
2 Day Delivery: $261.00
Next Day Delivery: $338.00

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Orion Build-A-Scope 8" IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 2 Reviews
5 stars
2
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
2 out of 2(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
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2
2 The Orion Build-A-Scope 8" Intelliscope is great fo the intermediate viewer. It allows you to choose a finder scope, focuser, and eyepiece that fit your needs. The smart Dobsonian allows you to view over 14,000 celestial objects with pushbutton ease.
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 2 Reviews
5 stars
2
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
2 out of 2(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
Share this product
DelIcioUs Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter
Product reviews
Click on filters to refine your results.
Ratings summary
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 2 Reviews
5 stars
2
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
2 out of 2(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
Share this product
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Product ReviewsWrite A Review
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great scope and eyepieces at not much over stock cost!
PostedFebruary 10, 2012
Customer avatar
Jfaust75
 
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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
I just got the Orion XT8i Build a Scope about a week ago with a Q70 38mm EP and a 9mm Expanse EP for less than $20 over the cost of a stock XT8i.
When it arrived I was at work and i had my wife and son(13) put together the base so when i got home all i would have to do is put on OTA and finders and use it.
Of course its been mostly cloudy since last week but i have had it out quite a few times already. The optics on it are great and the EPs i chose have wonderful wide views! the COL had a small hangup when i first tried it but after reading up i found out the stopper for the verticle was not the right one(they included both the original one and a new correct one.....i had used the original one) once that was fixed it was off and running finding M object after M object.
The ONLY thing i had an issue with overall was that i could not figure out why planets would not line up after inputting the date...........later i read a post on a forum i belong to and someone mentioned the COL is set to GMT(as far as i can tell you cant change this) so here on the East Coast of America at 7pm it is 12 midnight GMT so by the time it gets dark you should be entering the next day instead of today in it.After finding this out it finds every planet every time!
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is interested in this hobby(beginner or expert)
Favorite viewing location:??front yard
Favorite object to observe:??m42(orion nebula) is there any better object?
Pros: nice dob with a computer object locater, option to trade in stock eps etc for what you want
Yes, I recommend this product!
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Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Fantastic Scope for Beginners or Advanced Astronomers!
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Customer avatar
sobrien1977
 
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from??Pittsburgh, PA
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
I chose to do the XT8I build a scope instead of ordering the standard XT8I package because I wanted better quality eyepieces and other accessories that don't come with the standard package like a carrying case, red flashlight, ect. I highly recommend doing this because you also get most of the items at a substantially discounted price as opposed to if you bought them separately. As for the scope itself...I was very impressed that it shipped the same day that I ordered it and that everything arrived together. The setup was very easy, It took me about 5-6 hours total. I am a hands on person and learn better by watching someone do something as opposed to reading directions in a book so I opted to follow the instructional video on Orion's website and I had no snafus, Everything went smoothly and there was no yelling of cursing done by me so that's how I know it was smooth and easy. Once assembled I took it outside and that night and began observing. The XT8I's locating computer is fantastic! Simply align it on 2 stars and you are ready to go. It is pretty accurate, Some nights it puts the objects right in my view and other nights I may have to look a degree or two around but it always puts you in the ballpark so the object is easily located. I am very impressed with the detail & views that this telescope provides. Everything from Star Clusters, Nebulas, Galaxies & Planets are all easily viewable with this scope and of course the moon. This scope is just the perfect size, Big enough to get great views but small enough to transport without difficulty. I highly recommend this scope to any beginner or experienced astronomer. Well worth the money and extremely great bang for your buck!
Favorite viewing location:??Mingo Creek Observatory
Favorite object to observe:??Star Clusters, Nebulas, Galaxies, Saturn & Jupiter
Yes, I recommend this product!
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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.

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