Want the Best Orion Telescope? Check our 9 Orion Telescopes Reviews!

1 SkyQuest XT10 Classic Orion Telescope

First up on our list of Orion telescopes you need to consider is the SkyQuest XT10 Classic. Probably the best Orion telescope for pros and beginners alike, it is an absolute bargain when it comes to the tech specs and features. It provides you with everything that you need for stargazing and learning astronomy at the same time.  

Why Choose the SkyQuest XT10 Classic Orion Telescope?

Probably the best Orion telescope (and telescope in general) in the price range, the SkyQuest XT10 Classic is a dream came true for all beginner stargazers out there.

The jumbo-sized 10-inch aperture with 48 X magnification offers bright and clear viewings of the deep space. It features point-and-view navigation and is super simple to set up.

The whole thing is perfectly balanced thanks to the Dobson base and CorrecTension springs. It even comes with a few added extras to make your experience more professional:

• 2-inch Crayford focuser allows smooth and precise adjustments;
• EZ Finder II with red dot finder;
• Collimation cap for mirror alignment;
• Access to Starry Night Special Edition Software.

Verdict

The first installment on our best Orion telescope reviews list is a great telescope if you are looking to invest in some serious equipment. The 10-inch aperture is the largest in the Orion family and won’t let you down. It provides stunning views of the universe from your back yard and a lifetime of entertainment. The price is incredible if you compare this product to similar ones featuring similar tech specs.

2 StarSeeker IV 130mm Orion Telescope

The StarSeeker IV Orion telescope is great for those who dream of exploring the Moon and its details. Not only is it an amazing telescope for deep space, it also comes with a few added extras to help you get the most out of your Moon explorations.

Why Choose the Orion StarSeeker IV 130 mm GoTo Reflector Telescope Kit?

The StarSeeker IV is the best Orion telescope for lunar explorations. It has a 6-inch aperture and up to 150x magnification to give crisp and clear images of our galaxy and further.

The MoonMap 260 will teach you everything you need to know about the Moon’s surface. The included moon filter will provide stunning detail for you to see it for yourself. A few other noteworthy features are as follows:

• It has a computerized system with the ability to find over 42,000 objects for you.
• The 2 X Shorty Barlow lenses double the magnification power of the eyepiece lenses, meaning that the 10 mm can reach a spectacular 150 X magnification.
• The EZ Finder spec with 2-star alignment provides wide-angle views while searching the deep space.

Verdict

This Orion telescope is a great option for lunar explorations. Nevertheless,  it will also serve just as well for deep space viewings. The computerized system with tour mode makes this model stand out as a true wonder for beginners. The large aperture and magnification will give fine detail to everything that you find. For the price and tech specs, you cannot go wrong with this one!

3 SkyQuest XT8 Plus Orion Telescope

If the night sky just isn’t cutting it for you anymore, you might want to check out the SkyQuest XT8 Plus. This is one of the best Orion telescopes on the market allowing you to see distant galaxies at night and sunlit wonders during the day.

Why Choose the SkyQuest XT8 Plus Dobsonian Reflector Orion Telescope?

The whole family can enjoy some astronomy day or night with the SkyQuest XT8 Plus. The Safety Film Solar Filter is what makes this model really stand out. It filters out all of the harmful solar rays and allows you to see amazing views on clear days. It also comes packed with a load of features and added extras to give you the full experience of day and night viewing. Let’s see some other highlights!

• The Dobsonian base gives a stable platform;
• Coated mirrors for up to 94% increased reflectivity;
• Crayford focuser for smooth adjustments;
• 28mm DeepView eyepiece offers 42.8x magnification;
• 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece offers 120x magnification;
• 2x Barlow lens doubles the magnification, giving up to 240x magnification with the 10mm eyepiece;
• EZ Finder with red dot navigation;
• DeepMap 600 gives detailed information on a range of different stellar objects.

Verdict

This Orion telescope has been designed to give a flawless experience for any user level. The EZ finder and DeepMap make it easy for you to find your way around the stars even in deep space. The large aperture, coated mirrors and huge magnification give amazing views of the sky at any time. The solar filter and the other tech specs, when compared to the price, make this Orion model a must-have for all beginner and intermediate enthusiast astronomers.

4 SpaceProbe 130ST ​Bundle Orion Telescope

Another great addition for beginner and amateur astronomers is the SpaceProbe 130ST. It stands out for its simplicity, yet still has all the features to get you started. The tech specs are great and, as usual, Orion knows how to pack a big punch in a small wallet.

Why Choose the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Orion Telescope?

The StarProbe 130St has a large 5.1-inch aperture to gather as much light as possible providing crisp and clear images of deep space. It has an equatorial mount that will help you track objects across the sky, meaning that you can get lost amongst the stars instead of trying to keep the telescope aligned. It even comes with slow-motion hand controls for smooth adjustments, and a collimation cap for mirror corrections. Let’s see other highlights!

• 2 eyepieces offering 26x & 65x magnification;
• 2x Barlow lens to double eyepiece magnification to 150x;
• 6×30 finderscope with crosshairs for aiming and navigating;
• Access to Starry Night software.

Verdict

This model is the best Orion telescope for amateurs and intermediate users. It has a large magnification and aperture for clear images of deep space. The equatorial mount and slow-motion controls make it effortless to use and track objects in the night sky.

5 StarMax TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Orion Telescope

This is the only tabletop telescope on our list, so if you are looking for a light and portable options, this is the one for you. One of the best Orion tabletop telescopes on the market today, the StarMax is a wonder in terms of portability. It also makes one of the best telescopes to offer as gifts for passionate astronomers.

The StarMax comes with the stable Dobsonian with swivel design. You can also attach to a tripod if you desire, giving you the best of both worlds.

Why Choose the StarMax Tabletop Orion Telescope?

The StarMax is ideal if you are looking for an ultra-portable and versatile option. It comes with two eyepieces offering 50x and 152x magnification for viewing distant galaxies and star clusters. It includes a 90° mirror diagonal for more comfortable viewing angles. Here are other specs and highlights that might convince you!

• EZ finder with red dot navigation;
• StarryNight Software access;
• The nifty tabletop base provides a stable viewing foundation you can set on any sturdy table, or even attach it to a field tripod with a 3/8″ or 1/4″-20 threaded post;
• The compact telescope and base can be taken just about anywhere to provide great views of the night sky while on road-trips, camping, or the short trip out to the backyard.

Verdict

The StarMax Orion Telescope is a great option for those who don’t want to lug around a huge bulky telescope. The small size with the option to upgrade with a tripod is the real selling point for this model. The specs are also more suitable to a beginner astronomer but will not disappoint advanced stargazers either. As we said, this is one of the best Orion tabletop telescopes on the market.

6 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Orion Telescope

The sturdy and stable design of the SkyQuest XT8 Classic means that it is a telescope that will be with you for years to come. The Dobson equatorial base is great at supporting the weight and keeping everything balanced and centered. Even when you step away, it will track your target across the sky. Factor in the aperture, magnification, and tech specs and you will soon understand why this is probably the best Orion telescope for intermediate users.

Why Choose the Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope?

The large 8-inch aperture, 48 X magnification, and mirror coatings guarantee unparalleled viewings of the night sky with clear quality. It has an easy point-and-view system that makes it easy for anyone to set up and use, and comes with a few added extras:

• 2-inch Crawford focuser for smoother adjustments;
• EZ Finder with red dot navigation;
• Collimation cap for manual mirror adjustments;
• StarryNight Software filled with educational material.

Verdict

This Orion telescope is a great option if you are looking for a model that will last for years in the family. It doesn’t have many flashy add-ons. Nevertheless, the company has instead focused on the quality of the product. It still has enough accessories to make it an easy and enjoyable experience for anyone.

7 AstroView 90 mm Orion Telescope

This is the best Orion telescope on the market for hobbyists. It has simple and illustrated instructions to get you up and going in no time and is even easier to use. The 3.5-inch aperture and 91 X magnification will allow you to pick up fine detail while exploring the universe.

Why Choose the AstroView 90 mm Orion Telescope?

The telescope is super easy to set up, thanks to the illustrated instructions, and even easier to use. The equatorial mount will assist in tracking objects across the night sky, while the slow-motion controls and rack and pinion focuser ensure sleek adjustments.

This is a powerful, high-quality refractor telescope at a jaw-droppingly low price. You can also use it for pleasing daytime terrestrial viewing with a correct-image diagonal (correct-image diagonal sold separately). Let’s see other tech specs and features:

• 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece offers 36 X magnification;
• 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece offers 91 X magnification;
• 6×30 Finderscope with crosshairs for help aiming and navigating;
• Starry Night educational software.

Verdict

This is a great starter telescope for those looking to invest in their hobby without laying down the big bucks. While it is not super cheap, it is still worth every cent. It may not come packed with high tech gadgets, but does very well creating a solid base that you can upgrade. It has been built to be easy to use but still provide a top-quality experience.

8 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Orion Telescope

If you want your entire family to discover the delights of the night sky, you may want to have a look at the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Orion telescope. It has a super stable Dobson base to prevent any accidents from little ones knocking into it. It was also very easy to set up and use so that it can be enjoyed by any family member.

Why Choose the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope?

This is a simple yet elegant addition to the Orion line. It comes with 48x magnification that can easily be increased with additional eyepieces. The CorrecTension springs and carry handle make it easy to transport and set up. The rack-and-pinion and the collimation cap help you fine-tune the lenses to your needs. Here are some other tech specs and features!

• Also comes with EZ finder II with red dot navigation;
• Access to StarryNight educational software with interactive sky maps that will allow you to pre-plan your explorations.

Verdict

This is the best Orion telescope for any family camping trip. It will amaze even the more experienced family members with the wonders of the sky. The only issue that you might encounter with this is getting your kids to go to sleep.

9 StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector Orion Telescope Kit

The last entry on our list of best Orion telescopes reviews is the StarBlast II telescope kit. It is fully kitted out for the beginners out there. Even if you are more advanced, you won’t feel left out with the sheer amount of added educational resources it features. You will find something for everyone in the package. And, speaking of, you should also know this product packs a huge punch for its money.

Why Choose the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Orion Telescope Kit?

If you are beginning your stargazing journey these days, the StarBlast II kit will make sure you set off on the right foot. It comes with two eyepieces offering 18x and 45x magnifications that can be expanded up to 90x with the help of the 2x Barlow lens.

It rests on an equatorial mount and an adjustable tripod that will automatically track objects across the sky for you. It even comes with a handy RedBeam mini LED flashlight that you can use to look at your books without interfering with any night-vision equipment.

• The Star Target Planisphere is a hand-held map of the star constellations for quick and easy reference;
• MoonMap 260 which highlights many of the interesting features of our moon;
• Orion Telescope Observer Guidebook includes information on over 60 interesting observations of the night sky.

Verdict

You can’t go wrong with the StarBlast II Orion telescope kit. It comes with lots of materials for you to really dive in and learn everything you need to know. The 4.5 aperture offers stunning clear images of our solar system and further. Among its highlights, we can count the amazing price for the bundle, the great educational value for kids and teens, and the excellent tech specs. They all make this telescope an investment for the ages!

A Few Words about Orion Telescopes

If you need help with buying a telescope for you or as a gift for someone else, we recommend you read this guide on How Telescopes Work.

Regarding Orion telescopes, we assume you know this is a reputable brand that stood the test of time and made history with its products.

Orion is one of the top manufacturers of telescopes with great value for money. They have been around since the ’70s and are well known for their high-quality products, designed with the beginner astronomer in mind.

They offer excellent customer service and free technical support so that you can get the best assistance whenever you need it. After purchasing, you have a 30-day period when you can return it no questions asked. If the product goes on sale in the meanwhile, they will even refund you the difference. In addition, you also get a year warranty where they will fix or replace it if you encounter any problems.

You can see why Orion telescopes come highly respected. The company works hard to make sure that you can enjoy a fun and easy session exploring the skies.

Have you ever used any model from the best Orion telescopes on this list? If so, feel free to share your experience with them! In case one of these Orion telescopes reviews sparked your interest, tell us which one you would buy!