Orion Store
Orion Store
Shopping Cart
0 item(s)
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.
Telescopes
 Mounts & Tripods
 Accessories
 Astrophotography
 Binoculars
 Clearance Center
 Gift Center
 Shop by Brand
 Resource Center

Free Shipping on Orders of $250 or More  Learn More

{"dragByHandle":true,"cssSelector":"ql-thumbnail","dragByBody":false,"widgetClass":"OverlayWidget","bindings":{"bind0":{"element":".ql-thumbnail .Quicklook .trigger","type":"quicklookselected","fn":"function(){$.fnProxy(arguments,\'#headerOverlay\',OverlayWidget.show,\'OverlayWidget.show\');}"}},"effectOnHide":"fade","effectOnShowOptions":"{}","closeOnBackgroundClick":true,"effectOnHideOptions":"{}","effectOnShowSpeed":"1200","onScreenPadding":10,"allowOffScreenOverlay":false,"effectOnHideSpeed":"1200","effectOnShow":"fade","captureClicks":true}

{"categorySEOTranslationTypes":"category|section,category,thumbnail","catalogSEOTranslationTypes":"catalog","delimText":"","widgetClass":"BreadcrumbWidget","showCatalog":false,"ensembleSEOTranslationTypes":"ensemble","productSEOTranslationTypes":"product"}

Home
 
Telescopes
 
Intermediate Telescopes
 
Orion Build-A-Scope 6" Classic Dobsonian Telescope
 1 of 44 
Orion Telescopes
Images

{ width: 340, height: 340, defaultImage: '', layers: '99142' }

Intermediate
Orion Build-A-Scope 6" Classic Dobsonian Telescope
view more info about this product
Free Standard Shipping
Starting Price $179.99
Final price depends on the configuration you choose.
Standard Per-Item Shipping Charge: $0.00
More Shipping Information
Expected Ship Date: 05/30/2012
  • Start with this 6" aperture,1200mm focal length reflector telescope optical tube and the ultra-stable and easy-to-use Dobsonian base
  • 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 case, and more
  • Get the SkyQuest XT6 6" Classic Dobsonian telescope of your dreams!


Learn more
Print

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 19 available products.
  selected

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

Optional: You may choose any number of the 11 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
    Brighter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Lunar & planetary
  • User level
    Intermediate
  • Optical design
    Reflector
  • Optical diameter
    150mm
  • Focal length
    1200mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/8.0
  • Optics type
    Parabolic
  • Glass material
    Soda-lime plate
  • Eyepieces
    Choose an Orion eyepiece
  • Resolving power
    0.77arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    21x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    300x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    13.5
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    Choose an Orion finder scope
  • Focuser
    1.25" Rack-and-pinion
  • Secondary mirror obstruction
    34mm
  • 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
    Not compatible
  • Bearing material
    Teflon and UHMW bearings
  • Tube material
    Steel
  • Tripod material
    Wood
  • Length of optical tube
    45.5 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    13.5 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    20.9 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    34.4 lbs.
  • Other features
    CorrecTension system
  • Warranty
    One year
In the Box

Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Aperture Optical Tube Assembly
Collimation cap
Dust cap
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 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: $0.00
3 Day Air Delivery: $224.00
2 Day Delivery: $224.00
Next Day Delivery: $288.00

Reviews
1-800-447-1001
Live Chat
Email Us

Why Buy From Orion

  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Safe & Secure Shopping
  • Same Day Shipping
  • Easy Returns
  • Sale Price Guarantee
  • Free Technical Support
More Information

ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.
Orion Build-A-Scope 6" Classic 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.
Share this product
DelIcioUs Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter
2
2 The Orion Build-A-Scope 6 Classic Dobsonian allows you to add an Orion-brand finder scope and eyepiece that you want for a telescope accessorized just the way you want it. The 6" Dobsonian is a great starter telescope for beginning stargazers.
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
DelIcioUs Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter
Click on filters to refine your results.
Product ReviewsWrite A Review
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
do not hesitate, you won't be sorry
PostedJanuary 21, 2012
Customer avatar
SIunits
 
Please wait while more information about SIunits is loaded.
Additional information about SIunits could not be loaded.
from??Nashville, TN
Owned this product for:Less than 3 mos
Ok, for those of you who are still undecided on a first buy, let me share with you what I was able to do with the xt6. For my first view after assembly, there were nothing but clouds in the sky and no stars were visible (rainy and cold). Every now and then, Jupiter would poke out from behind the clouds (I used the software and Stellarium to help me locate the planet and its whereabouts). I coupled the xt6 with an 18mm long-eye relief eyepiece and used the finder scope to zero in on it (it took about 10 minutes because of the conditions). Futhermore, at my apartments there are nothing but streetlights and cars with bright headlights going by, and blue glows from neighbor's tv sets, not to mention the interior lights and lamps radiating from the windows that totally surround me. Despite all of this, once I got Jupiter focused in the eyepiece and caught my first view, I was completely amazed! I could easily make out the cloud bands and the various colors, and also the four moons, which was totally neat! I can't wait until a clear night, and especially with a 14.5 or 12.5 eyepiece. Thanks Orion!
Yes, I recommend this product!
Share:
DelIcioUs Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful1unhelpful0
Report
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
A great grab-and-go scope
PostedSeptember 21, 2011
Customer avatar
stargazerEd
 
Please wait while more information about stargazerEd is loaded.
Additional information about stargazerEd could not be loaded.
from??San Diego
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 live in the light-polluted city, and I wanted an inexpensive scope that would excel at viewing the moon and planets. The Orion Build-A-Scope Classic 6" dobsonian was perfect for my needs. I can easily carry it, fully assembled, with one hand from my apartment to my patio. Since I already own a zero-power finder and a number of eyepieces, I liked the fact that I could taylor the accessories to suit my own requirements. Assembly was easy and took less than an hour, and I was impressed by the quality of the components. It takes up little room in the corner of my bedroom, and easily fits into my car for my weekend forays to the desert. The views of the moon and planets are sharp and contrasty, thanks to the relatively small secondary mirror. You can't go wrong with this scope!
Favorite viewing location:??My patio, and dark desert skies when I can get to them
Favorite object to observe:??Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, star clusters
Pros: lightweight, great for moon and planets, inexpensive
Cons: azimuth rotation could be smoother
Yes, I recommend this product!
Share:
DelIcioUs Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Was this helpful?helpful3unhelpful0
Report
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Filtering is in progress. Please wait until it completes.
1-2 of 2
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.

ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES
Payment Options
Since 1975

Why Buy From Orion

  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Safe & Secure Shopping
  • Same Day Shipping
  • Easy Returns
  • Sale Price Guarantee
  • Free Technical Support
More Information
Shop our Catalog

Shop Our Catalog

Check out our colorful catalog, filled with hundreds of quality products.

See the eCatalog Request a Print Catalog

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!