Chuck1962's Stats
- Review Count14
- Helpfulness Votes34
- First ReviewDecember 21, 2011
- Last ReviewJanuary 16, 2012
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.8
- Review Comment Count2
- Helpfulness Votes1
- First Review CommentJanuary 1, 2012
- Last Review CommentJanuary 21, 2012
- Featured Review Comments0
Speed up the cooling of your large reflector's optics with the Orion Cooling Accelerator Fan. This fan attaches to pretapped holes in the mirror cell and uses 8 D-cell batteries (not included) which allows it to run for up to 14 hours continuously.
Rating
Does the job!
PostedJanuary 16, 2012
Quality
4
/
5
Value
5
/
5
It gets cold up here in Central New York in the winter. My XT8 goes from 70F temps to sub 20F and it takes a long time to cool down. The fan draws the cool air up through the tube assembly and cool times have been cut in half. Installation is a breeze. Orion even supplies a screw driver. As others have said, Orion should have the manufacturer install a switch on the battery pack or inline from the battery pack to the fam plug. Other than that it does work as expected.
Favorite viewing location: Back Deck
Favorite object to observe: Deep Sky Objects
Pros: coolin time cut in half
Cons: no switch to turn it off. must unplug it.
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
The Orion Deluxe 6-Piece Optics Cleaning Kit contains everything you need to care for any optical surface. Includes Ultra Brush Dust Remover, Dust Pro Compressed Air, Cleaning Fluid, 2 Booklets of Premium-Grade Lens Tissue, and Ten Cotton Swabs.
Rating
All In One Place!
PostedJanuary 16, 2012
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Comprehensive cleaning kit with everything you need all in one nicely resealable package!
Favorite viewing location: Back Deck
Favorite object to observe: Deep Sky Objects
Pros: good value
Cons: none
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Have you ever wanted to take a picture of what you were viewing through your telescope? The Orion SteadyPix Deluxe Camera Mount lets you! It securely holds virtually any camera up to an eyepiece for afocal photography of celestial objects.
Rating
Works Perfectly!
PostedJanuary 15, 2012
Mechanical Quality
5
/
5
Fit
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
This adapter works so very well and it is truly "UNIVERSAL"! I have both a DSLR and a Point and Shoot camera and both mount easily and securely. The clamp tightens around the eye piece without any marring to the EP. There are several ways to set this mount up. In some reviews, folks have mentioned they have tripod screw mounts on their camera’s that are all the way to the left or right side of the camera and they cannot get the lens to line up with the EP. If you set it like the picture in the directions, you won't be able to line up the camera lens and EP. However, this mount is TRULY ADJUSTABLE in many ways. One thing to try is to reverse the lateral support plate and the clamp #see picture#. This buys you some more room for those cameras that have mounting screws shifted all the way to the right and under the camera lens. Another adjustment to make is to swing the lateral support plate in toward the clamp and then twist your camera back to parallel to line up with the EP #see picture#. The camera does not have to sit parallel with the lateral support plate. The camera just has to be secure. The pictures Orion have supplied with the directions show how a center-hole tripod mount camera would mount....but you need to think high school trigonometry when faced with some of the newer Point and Shoot cameras on the market today. I have included a few pictures to show you what I mean. I tried four different cameras on this mount, all with different screw mount placements and all of them were able to line up. If you don't want to invest in more expensive astrophotography cameras and t adapters, etc., this is the perfect solution and you cannot beat the value.......
Favorite viewing location: Back deck
Favorite object to observe: Deep sky, planets and the moon!
Pros: very adjustable
Cons: none
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+11points
11of 11voted this as helpful.
Orion offers a rugged, fully padded, case to fit just about every telescope we stock. It provides an easy way to transport and store your telescope. Heavy-duty and water-resistant material, and fits the SkyQuest XT8, XT8 intelliscope & XT8G.
Rating
Great for car rides
PostedJanuary 9, 2012
Quality
5
/
5
Fit
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
The case is well made, has heavy stitching, is made from a good nylon material that will protect the scope when heading off into the field. You have to remove the finder scope before you put the scope into the case. Overall, it does exactly what it is supposed to do, protect the scope when moving into the field from home(it is NOT intended to be used as a case for airline travel).
Favorite viewing location: Back Deck
Favorite object to observe: Nebulas and planets
Pros: well made
Cons: must remove finder scope and ep's
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
The 28mm Orion DeepView is a medium-low powered eyepiece that offers bright, sharp and pleasing images of deep-space objects. This 2" eyepiece has long eye relief making it comfortable for viewing even with eyeglasses. Features a 56° field of view.
Rating
All 3 DeepView Lenses are a great value and good product
PostedJanuary 9, 2012
Optical Quality
5
/
5
Mechanical Quality
5
/
5
Ease of Use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I recently purchased an Orion Limited Edition 8XT Dob and the 35mm DeepView eyepiece (EP) came with the package. I was most impressed with the eye relief the DeepView series offers and the slight field of view (FOV) increase over the standard Plossl's. The views through the DeepView EP's are crisp, clean and bright. I was impressed enough with the 35mm EP that I purchased the 42mm and the 28mm also. I only wish they were parfocal as that would be a great time saver. Overall, all three lens offer a great addition to any scope that can handle a 2" lens and are a great value.
Favorite viewing location: Back Deck
Favorite object to observe: Nebula and planet viewing
Pros: fov clarity and brightness
Cons: not parfocal
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Orion Limited Edition SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Bundle
Celebrate with the stars this holiday season with a limited edition ruby-red SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian.This special version of our best-selling 8" Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope includes a 35mm DeepView 2" eyepiece and Shorty 2x Barlow!
Rating
A Great Bundle
PostedJanuary 7, 2012
Optical Quality
5
/
5
Mechanical Quality
5
/
5
Ease of Assembly & Use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I have already reviewed the XT8 itself so here I will just review the bundle (check out the Classic XT8 section for the scope review itself). When I saw this scope available as an option it came at a perfect time. I was looking for a mid-sized DOB and specifically at the 8" scope. The red color immediately caught my eye as Orion DOB's are not usually available in colors other than black. But more importantly, it came with the usual (and excellent) 25mm Plossl AND a 35MM 2" DeepView which is a very sweet lens. And to put the icing on this already great value it came with Orion’s 2x Shorty Barlow. So, an extra lens, a barlow and a color different than most DOB's out there for a great price. If this bundle is available and you are looking for an 8" scope.....THIS IS THE WAY TO GO! Thank Orion!
Favorite viewing location: Back deck
Favorite object to observe: Lately, the planets and the moon
Pros: color and value
Cons: none
Yes, I recommend this product!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The Orion LaserMate Deluxe Telescope Collimator makes aligning your Newtonian's Optics a simple one-step procedure. It is smaller, lighter and less expensive than the previous version.
Rating
Quick, Easy and Accurate
PostedJanuary 6, 2012
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I received my LaserMate Deluxe Telescope Laser Collimator about an hour ago. I had already watched the excellent Orion How To Video on this product a few days ago so I knew how to use it immediately. I also purchased the Orion’s Precision 2" to 1.25" Centering Adapter to go with the collimator and to use with all my 1.25" eyepieces. Within literally 3 minutes, the scope was perfectly aligned. It really is that simple.
Put in the Centering Adapter (sold separately but highly recommended for many reasons if you have a 2" focuser), install the LaserMate in the adapter, turn it on, check to assure the laser is not exiting the front of the scope by aiming at a light colored wall, look inside to see if the dot is in the center ring (already installed by Orion in my XT8 Dob), adjust the three secondary mirror hex screws to get the dot in the center of the primary and then finally adjust the primary to get the beam centered in the collimator target screen. DONE! Very well designed product and the directions are so easy to follow. A great product at twice the price! The good news, it is an great value and right now is on sale...I highly recommend this collimator.
Favorite viewing location: Back Deck
Favorite object to observe: Lately, the planets and our Moon
Pros: easy accurate and a great value
Cons: that i didn't get one earlier
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
For easy aiming of bigger telescopes, the 9x50 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder Scope shows you an upright, non-reversed image. And the right-angle design allows for comfortable viewing.
Rating
A Great Addition
PostedDecember 24, 2011
Optical Quality
5
/
5
Ease of Use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
After just a few nights with my stock EZ II finder scope I knew I wanted to have a finder scope with magnification. I thought, no sense fooling around, I might as well buy the best so I purchased the 9x50 Right Angle Correct Image Finder Scope. This scope is extremely well made and easy to align. It can be focused and holds it's alignment each time I reinstall it on the dove tail mount. It is large and bulky, but the extra weight does no affect my 8" Dob at all. The best feature is the fact you can use it standing up without craining your neck to get behind it. As for value for the dollar, this scope cannot be beat. It will proudly sit on all of my Orion telescopes or new 9x50's will!
Favorite viewing location: Back deck
Favorite object to observe: Clusters, planets and the moon
Pros: well made great value and 90 degree viewing
Cons: none
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
The SkyQuest XT8 Classic has features for both beginners and experienced stargazers. Its large aperture will help you see more. Its stable base glides easily and gives you total control to point at any celestial object. All for an affordable price.
Rating
Awesome telescope as a next scope or even for a beginner
PostedDecember 24, 2011
Optical Quality
5
/
5
Mechanical Quality
5
/
5
Ease of Assembly & Use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I have always dabbled in astronomy since I was a kid. From time to time I would buy different scopes and was NEVER happy and always returned them within a few days. Well I finally decided to do some serious research and get what I wanted. Orion Telescopes came to the top of the list consistently. What I purchased was the limited "Ruby Red" Special Edition XT8 (same as the classic but in red) and could not be happier. The scope is very well made and as a special edition came with a few extra goodies. It was very simple to put together (the directions are well written and there is video support online at the Orion website) and was packed extremely well so there were no shipping accidents at all. My first night out with this beautiful instrument had me viewing Jupiter and four of its moons within 10 minutes of starting. The red bands were very evident and I was thrilled beyond belief. And that was with the "stock" 25mm eyepiece that came with the scope. I cannot wait to get some higher magnification lenses so I can see more. The light gathering ability of the 8" scope is incredible. You will see things you never imagined! If I had to say anything that was even remotely concerning it would be this: Orion could have included a rackto hold the eyepieces. I had to order one and cannot imagine anyone not wanting this so why not include it up front. Other than that, this is a wonderful product that is well designed and will bring years of enjoyment! Thank you Orion!
Favorite viewing location: Back deck
Favorite object to observe: Clusters and lately, the planets and our moon
Pros: great design and easy to use
Cons: should have included an eyepiece rack
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
The Orion EZ Finder II Telescope Reflex Sight makes aiming your telescope easy. The red adjustable brightness LED dot shows you exactly where your telescope is pointed. Includes a bracket that fits the dovetail mounting base on many Orion telescopes.
Rating
Replaced but still valuable
PostedDecember 24, 2011
Optical Quality
4
/
5
Ease of Use
4
/
5
Value
5
/
5
This finder came with my 8" Dob as a stock accessory. As with any of Orion's finder scopes it drops right into the dovetail base perfectly. Tighten the thumb screw and you're done. However, when it comes to aligning the EZ Finder II, you may find it a bit more difficult. I was able to adjust the scope horizontally to be dead on, but was unable to get the vertical adjusted enough to be dead on. There was not enough travel in the vertical adjustment. I will have to shim the rear of the scope bracket in the dove tail to get the needed travel. That would have to be done every time I removed the scope for remote star gazing or to put another finder scope on the telescope. Other than this minor inconvenience, the operation is good. It has a simple optically projected red dot with no magnification. Just place the dot on the object and start gazing through your telescope. Battery life is good and the dot is adjustable for brightness. The dimmest setting is all you really ever need.
Favorite viewing location: Rear deck
Favorite object to observe: Lately the Moon
Pros: price and easy to use
Cons: vertical adjustment needs work
Yes, I recommend this product!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Chuck1962's Review Comments
Have you ever wanted to take a picture of what you were viewing through your telescope? The Orion SteadyPix Deluxe Camera Mount lets you! It securely holds virtually any camera up to an eyepiece for afocal photography of celestial objects.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Works okay but poor design
By Babar
from Celesteville
For some reason this mount is designed for cameras that have the mount-receiver on the righthand side. On my camera it's on the left meaning I effectively have no lateral adjustment unless I swivel the part of the mount it's attached to. Maybe that's what is intended but it seems silly to me...would be better for the mount to allow for lateral movement to either side rather than favoring one direction only. Otherwise, it's solidly built and a good buy BUT be aware of this design flaw not evident in photos of the product. This info is not in the included literature (would help if it was) and tech-support acted as though I was asking a dumb question (maybe it was, I'll admit, but to me it seemed "the fix" confirmed the idiocy of this design).
Chuck1962
Central New York
See the review just below yours
Posted January 21, 2012
Babar,
I included a few pics in my review. My camera had the same problem as yours but the mount is adjustable in quite a few ways. Try the ones I discuss in my review. Reversing it works! I tried several cameras with mine and was able to get them all to work, left, center and right tripod mounting screw holes.
Chuck
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
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Orion 20x70 Astronomy Binoculars
These are great astronomy binoculars for viewing the night sky. 20-power magnification and big 70mm lenses provide bright views with high contrast. Features fully multi-coated optics, BAK 4 porro prisms, and 17mm eye relief. Tripod adapter included.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5What to expect
By Rabbit
from Northern France
I bought these for my father in law, but of course, had to try them out for myself first. I read a lot of binocular reviews on various forums that raised my expectations of what I would be able to see through them. So, here we go, this is what you can expect to see: The moon looks good and is interesting to observe, Jupiter is just a large dot and if you mount the binoculars on a tripod you may see two or three smaller dots which will be Jupiter's moons, the Orion nebula is just a tiny smudge, but star clusters are nice to look at. If you want to see planets, forget it, buy a telescope. But if you are looking for something for quick scanning of the heavens then I'd say these are great. My observations took place in rural France. Not much in the way of light pollution out here. You won't see Saturn's rings and you won't see deep space objects. Would I recommend these binoculars? Sure! They're great for what they are, just don't expect them to perform like an 8" reflector telescope will. 4 stars because tripod mount was missing, otherwise, happy with my purchase.
Chuck1962
Central New York
Contact Customer Service
Posted January 1, 2012
Orion's customer service is top notch for making things right. If you are missing the tripod adapter, contact them and ask to have one sent.
0points
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