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!

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.

The Orion CorrecTension springs make setup easy and keep the telescope balanced.

The tube attaches securely to the base by virtue of Orion's CorrecTension Friction Optimization system, which utilizes heavy-duty springs to both securely couple the tube to the base, and to keep the telescope in constant balance to avoid drifting during observations. Orion-engineered CorrecTension springs also allow the whole unit to be carried together by the handle on the base.

The included Orion EZ Finder II red-dot sight makes aiming the telescope nice and easy.

Following a simple alignment procedure, you can use the EZ Finder II sight to accurately aim the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian telescope at objects in the sky like the Moon and bright planets. Once aligned with the telescope, just turn on the EZ Finder II and peer through the sight's small circular viewing window so you see the red dot, and move the telescope until the red dot is on the object you want to see. Look in the telescope eyepiece, and the object will be there!

Dial-in celestial details with the smooth adjusting 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser.

The SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope features a 1.25" PTFE-lined rack-and-pinion focuser built to accept any 1.25" Orion eyepiece or accessory. The smooth focus control makes it easy to dial-in fine details when observing objects in the night sky, whether you're looking at a rocky lunar crater or a wispy nebula. The focuser features two knurled thumbscrews to secure inserted 1.25" eyepieces in-place.

Explore the night sky with the included 25mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece.

The included 1.25" Orion 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides a 48-power view when used with the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian telescope. Offering a wide 52° apparent field of view, the 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece yields extremely sharp images of impressively high contrast. With the 25mm Plossl in the included Shorty 2x Barlow of the Beginner Barlow Kit, its magnification is boosted to 96-power!

Learn about the night sky with the included Starry Night Special Edition software.

Explore starry skies anytime - even when it's cloudy! The SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian telescope includes a FREE Special Edition of Starry Night astronomy software. With realistic sky simulations and a many useful features including telescope control, the user-friendly Starry Night Special Edition software will help you plan your observations and understand what you see. Requires PC running Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8. Requires Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or higher.

The value-packed Beginner Barlow Kit will enhance your evenings under the stars.

Use the Shorty 2x Barlow lens to double the magnification of the included 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece and enjoy a 96-power view, or use it to double the power of other 1.25" eyepieces. Use the included MoonMap 260 to properly identify lunar features seen through the telescope. Read the Discover the Stars guidebook to learn helpful hints about stargazing. Use the Star Target Planisphere to see what constellations and objects will be visible on any day of the year. The RedBeam Mini flashlight makes it easy to refer to charts and books while observing, and it helps you see small parts and knobs without disrupting dark-adapted vision.

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 800-447-1001.

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

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