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8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope facing forwards and to the left, with the focuser visible and the finderscope attached

8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope

Sale price  $699.95 Regular price  $799.95

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Product Details

Since 1975

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2-Year Warranty


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The 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph At a Glance

  • Large 8" (203 mm) aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio provides powerful astrophotography performance
  • Both primary and secondary mirrors feature Enhanced Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide coatings
  • Dual-speed 2" Crayford focuser with 10:1 reduction for fine focusing control
  • Flat-black interior helps provide maximum image contrast
  • Also provides high-contrast views of the cosmos for visual observation
  • Includes felt lined tube rings, 8x50 finderscope, and cooling fan

Learn More About the 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph

Is the 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph Right for You?

With a large 8" parabolic mirror that collects 78% more light than a 6" reflector telescope of the same design, the Orion 8 f/4 Newtonian Astrograph is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful telescope that delivers exceptional performance when viewing and imaging deep-sky objects. Designed to support the needs of astrophotographers, this astrograph delivers sharp, well-corrected views while also providing the optical performance needed to capture stunning astrophotos. At a focal length of 800 mm, this telescope is not an ideal option for capturing photos of planets. This Newtonian reflector can also be used for visual observing.

What You'll See and Why It Works

With a 2" Crayford focuser and enhanced aluminum and silicon dioxide (quartz) coatings applied to both mirrors, this Newtonian Astrograph delivers incredible imaging performance and stunning high-contrast views of the cosmos. The fast f/4 focal ratio and wide 8" aperture collect plenty of light, meaning this telescope performs well on a variety of celestial objects, and the 800 mm focal length is perfect for capturing the intricate details of distant nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. A set of felt-lined tube rings is included, as well as a 8x50 finderscope and finderscope bracket. The primary mirror is equipped with a cooling fan that accelerates the time need for the optics to reach temperature equilibrium with the external environment. 

What You Should Know Before You Buy

Is the Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph good for beginners?

The Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph includes features that are designed to enhance imaging performance for intermediate and advanced astrophotographers. While it can be used for visual observations, it is not recommended if you want to get the best performance. It does not include a mount, and the 21.6 lbs. exceeds the payload capacity of many beginner friendly alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts. For those with a suitable mount and an interest in advanced astrophotography techniques, the Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph is an excellent scope to begin with.

Does the Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph find objects automatically?

No. The Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph is an OTA only, and it does not include a mount or tripod. A suitable mount and tripod is required to use this telescope.

Can I take pictures with it?

Yes! The Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph is designed for serious long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography; however, a suitable mount and tripod is required. For long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, a computerized mount is necessary to track objects across the night sky.

What comes with the telescope?

A pair of tube rings, a cooling fan, 2" extension tube. 2" to 1.25" adapters, and a 8x50 finderscope are included with this telescope.

Is it portable?

It is movable, but not compact. The telescope OTA weighs 17.5 lbs. alone, and 21.6 lbs. with the included accessories installed. This telescope is designed for dedicated astrophotography rigs that can support payloads of at least 21.6 lbs.

What should I buy with it first?

The most useful first upgrades are a 2x Barlow lens and a laser collimator.

What’s Included and What to Add Later

  • 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph OTA: The main telescope and manual Dobsonian base
  • 8x50 Finderscope: Which helps you aim the telescope
  • Cooling Fan & Battery Pack: Which accelerates the time needed to reach temperature equilibrium with the external environment (batter not included)
  • 2 Hinged Tube Rings: To hold the telescope and attach it to a dovetail bar (sold separately) and mount.
  • 2" Extension Tube & 2" to 1.25" Adapter: That allow for visual use of the telescope and use of 1.25" eyepieces and gear

A great accessory is a laser assisted collimator will help you maintain the primary and secondary mirror alignment of your reflector telescope.

Orion 1.25" Laser Collimator for Dob & Newtonian Telescopes shown from the side, with the tool angled up to the right and with the 45-degree face catching the light

1.25" Laser Collimator

$64.95
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Dual Finder Mounting Bracket angled slightly to the left.

Dual Finder Mounting Bracket

$24.95
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Setup, Care, and Support

The Orion 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph arrives pre-assembled in a single box. The Orion 8" f/4 is a reflector telescope, so it will occasionally need collimation, which means aligning the mirrors for the best image. This is a straightforward process and we've provided step-by-step instructions on how to collimate your telescope for the best result in the manual. When not in use, store the telescope with the dust cap on, avoid touching the mirrors, and keep it dry. 

Key Specifications

SKU 09505
Model Number Orion Newtonian Astrograph
Telescope Optical Design Newtonian Reflector
Telescope Aperture 200 mm
Telescope Focal Ratio f/4
Telescope Focal Length 800mm
Optical Coatings Enhanced Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
Primary Mirror Type Parabolic
Lowest Useful Magnification 29x
Highest Useful Magnification 300x
Focuser Design Crayford
Focuser Size 2"
Focuser Speed Dual Speed
Optical Tube Assembly Material Steel
Optical Tube Assembly Length 30"
Total Weight 21.8 lbs.
Warranty Orion StarGuard 2-Year Warranty

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