This value-packed bundle includes our best-selling Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope and the versatile and informative Beginner Barlow Kit. The XT8 Classic Dobsonian will amaze you with gorgeous cosmic vistas and its simple, point-and-view operation. The included Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens doubles the magnification of any 1.25? telescope eyepiece, and the Orion Beginning Stargazer?s Toolkit is packed with great reference materials and tools so you can easily get the most out of your telescope. 

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope combines powerful optics with the ultimate in mechanical simplicity and stability. It features a precision 8? (203mm) diameter parabolic primary mirror, center-marked at the factory for precise collimation and mounted in a cast-aluminum support cell that provides maximum ventilation. The mirror pulls in 73% more light than a 6? mirror, enough to tease out dust lane details in cloudy nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular star clusters, and reveal subtle structure in elusive distant galaxies.

You?re in total control as you point the XT8 Dobsonian reflector telescope effortlessly to your target object anywhere in the sky. The 46? long enameled steel optical tube glides on its sturdy Dobsonian base. A gentle push or pull on the telescope optical tube puts you right in the observing pocket.

The SkyQuest XT8 Classic features a 2? Crayford style focuser that accepts both 1.25? and 2? telescope eyepieces and accessories. Speaking of accessories, the XT8 Classic comes with a host of great ones. You get a Sirius Plossl 25mm telescope eyepiece (which provides 48x power magnification), an EZ Finder II reflex sight, an Orion quick-collimation cap, and a snap-on dust cover. Since this value-packed bundle also includes the popular Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, you can also easily achieve 96x power magnification for higher-power study of objects in the night sky. Simply insert the Shorty 2x Barlow Lens into the XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope?s focuser, followed by inserting the 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece into the Barlow. Your views will now exhibit 96x power magnification, allowing for closer inspection of the night sky.

For the intrepid beginner to the veteran skygazer, the SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope lives up to its billing by Astronomy magazine as a "work of art." The included Beginner Barlow Kit is a great combination of accessories for anyone beginning a hobby of amateur astronomy. Barlow lenses are great eyepiece accessories for beginning astronomers since they allow you to double the power of the eyepiece included with your telescope, and it will also work with any additional 1.25? eyepieces you add to your collection in the future. 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. It?s a great tool to use when planning your stargazing sessions. With the Orion Star Target Planisphere, you?ll know what you can expect to see through your telescope any time of year.  
2.    Discover the Stars - A wonderfully written and illustrated observer?s guide, ideal for beginning amateur astronomers to use as a guidebook to the skies.
3.    Moon Map - Identify craters and other lunar features with your telescope using this easy to read map of our nearest celestial neighbor. The Moon is perhaps the easiest target to acquire in a telescope, and with this map you?ll be able to know exactly what you see. 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 - A handy keychain flashlight that emits pure red light that won?t spoil your dark-adapted night vision. Perfect for reading your planisphere or seeing what you?re doing at the telescope, without disrupting your eye?s ability to resolve fine details.

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.