Guide to Orion Telescopes

Stargazing is a wonderful hobby for those who understand the cosmos’ power. However, there is an ocean of choices to help us view the sea of stars. With so many different brands and types of telescopes from companies, who know what’s best for seeing the depths of infinity up close?

Amongst telescope brands, Orion is a standout. The company’s dedication to exceptional telescopes is worthy of the respect it has earned. Let’s look at why you should consider Orion when it comes to buying your first telescope.

Meet Orion

Orion has been making and improving its telescopes since 1975. As one of the oldest brands on the market today, you can always rely on their skill and knowledge when choosing a telescope. They have mastered making fine eyepieces for both beginner and experienced stargazers. What’s more, they offer the best telescopes at affordable prices. They believe in bringing the stars to us all without breaking the bank.

Orion believes in its customers as much as its equipment. All its products come with a 30-day return period and a one-year warranty. Orion’s post-purchase customer support makes it one of the most-trusted telescope brands out there.

Orion’s Telescope Offerings (Types of Orion Telescopes)

reflector telescope side view

Orion doesn’t manufacture one type of telescope. You’ll find various kinds of Orion telescopes in the marketplace. Below is a list of the common ones.

1. Reflector Telescopes

These telescopes are designed to give you the best view of the deepest parts of space. Their setup of precise mirrors provides the sharpest images of nebulae and star clusters you could dream of. They’re not the smallest and easiest telescopes to transport, but to a seasoned skywatcher, they’re an invaluable tool.

2. Refractor Telescopes

For beginners, refractor telescopes are simple and easy to use. Each one is designed according to different specifications and is ideal for learning the ins and outs of stargazing. They don’t offer looks at deep space, but if you’re interested in the moon, they’re a great way to start.

3. Dobsonian Telescopes

Dobsonian telescopes have a thicker body than reflector and refractor scopes and tend to be mounted on tables rather than tripods.  For example, the Orion StarMax tabletop telescope boasts a Dobsonian base with a swivel design. Their powerful lenses are simple to use and can provide views as far as Mars and Saturn – perfect to whet your appetite for the skies. Dobsonian telescopes are also compact–you can take them along on your trips, or keep them at home and pull them out at night to view interesting objects in the skies.

4. Cassegrain Telescopes

By utilizing reflector and refractor lenses, Cassegrain telescopes are compact but powerful. They are a little more complicated than other telescopes but are great if you want to try your hand at more delicate lens control. 

5. Astrophotography Telescopes

These telescopes are built to combine the wonder of stargazing with the art of photography. Though each one comes with different designs and configurations, what unites them is the ability to attach a camera to the viewing lens. Using this, you can view the wonders of space and capture photographs of them! If portability and versatility are what you desire, then astrophotography telescopes are an excellent choice.

Things to Consider When Buying an Orion Telescope (or Any Telescope Brand)

telescope and countryside under sky

Choosing which telescope to buy is no simple process. Like with any hobby, it always pays to do your research first before you make a purchase. If you are starting in star gazing, here are a few things you should consider:

  • What level of portability do I need? – are you looking to stargaze solely from your backyard, or will you want to travel and find your perfect spot? This will determine whether you want something light and compact or large and robust. Some telescopes are not built to be moved often, while others can be quickly and easily assembled and broken down.
  • What magnification do I want? – If you want to explore all the depths of space, you’ll want a strong telescope. If the moon or nearby planets are more your things, you can look more at smaller scopes.
  • How do I need the telescope supported? – Most telescopes come with or can attach to regular tripod mounts. Others require wide, stable bases that can only work on tables or benches. The kind of base you can work with will help you decide what kind of telescope you can use.
  • How much can I afford to spend? – a vital question for any hobby, you should always set and stick to a budget. Fortunately, Orion is a reasonably priced brand, so they will likely provide everything you need within your budget. But if you can afford to upgrade later, it always pays to start smaller. 

Orion sells a variety of different telescopes. If you are a relatively inexperienced stargazer, you might not know which model to invest in. So we want to make the decision easy for you by sharing a list of the best Orion telescopes (P.S. all of the following telescopes are actively being sold on Amazon and other marketplaces.

If you’re a beginner, you can look into the Orion 10012 SkyScanner. It’s compact in design (can sit at the top of your desk) and gives excellent views (even when there’s light). It’s a reflector telescope boasting two 12.5 inches eyepieces that offer 20-power and 40-power magnification. You can see the moon, distant planets, as well as star clusters and nebulae with this Orion telescope.

Those interested in Dobsonian telescopes have options like the Orion 8944 SkyQuest. The CorrecTension springs coupled with the Dobsonian base of this telescope also minimize friction for the telescope user. Not to mention, the 120 mm focal length is ideal for studying celestial objects as well as exploring the lunar skies.

The Orion SpaceProbe is a great choice for those looking for a telescope upgrade. It is equipped with a big parabolic mirror that helps it produce clear images of faraway objects. When a person is doing astrophotography, the EQ-2 equatorial mount helps to keep the image centered. The SpaceProbe has a collimation cap, two eyepieces with a pinion focuser, and finder scopes, making it appealing for any stargazing hobbyist.

FAQs

1. Which is better: A reflector or a refractor?

Refractors provide great contrast in their pictures, while reflectors provide plenty of light through their large apertures. Both kinds have their draws and setbacks. The smaller aperture on a refractor telescope makes them cheaper (cheap telescopes are always an attraction) but less able to penetrate the depths of space. In contrast, refractors will cost more but let you see more.

2. How can I tell a telescope’s power?

The following equation determines a telescope’s power: focal length divided by the strength of the object lens. This will tell you how far it can see. For example, Orion’s 8945 SkyQuest has an 8” aperture that lets you observe the moon and planets in great detail. It also has an f/5.9 focal ratio and a 120 mm focal length, making it ideal for enthusiast astronomers as well as amateurs. Plus, with the assistance of a 2-inch Crayford Focuser, the telescope easily obtains crisp and sharp images.

3. What conditions can affect my star-watching?

Several factors will always affect what it shows, no matter how powerful the telescope is. The main thing to consider is light. Since what you see will be determined by light, it is best to ensure that nothing is interfering with the telescope. Any nearby ambient light, such as street lamps or light pollution, will affect what you see. On certain nights, if the moon is particularly bright, this can also wash out your images.

Conclusion

Star gazing has fast become a popular pastime around the world. Thanks to companies like Orion, it has become even easier for people to start getting into it. If you’re considering making a leap into observing the cosmos, consider starting with Orion brand telescopes!