8 inch telescopes – an overview, guide, and explanation

Astronomers use telescopes to observe the universe. There are many different types of telescopes. The best telescopes can magnify and focus on objects too far away from us to be seen with the naked eye. Telescopes come in different sizes, shapes, and capabilities. 8inch Telescopes are the best telescopes because they are portable and lightweight. The 8inch telescopes are very good at viewing and imaging objects of any size. They are also a great way to observe the night sky. They can be used by anyone who wants to view the night sky without breaking the bank.

Some Things To Look For When Purchasing This Size Telescope

• A 2″ focuser is recommended for this telescope. Most telescopes of this size will come standard with a 2″ Crayford style focuser. It is important to look for a telescope with a 2″ focuser because it will hold the lens as close to the eyepiece as possible.
• The portability of this telescope is also a factor. This can be a huge advantage when you want to take it on your next camping trip. Heavy telescopes are not very portable. A fork mount is a good choice if the weight of transport, setup, and use is an important factor. A Dobsonian is cheaper, but it is not as portable.
• Track records of manufacturers are also important. If a manufacturer has a good track record with 8″ telescopes, they should be able to produce a good product. Reputable manufacturers will have their telescopes tested by independent third parties.

Options When It Comes To Choosing An 8inch Telescope

The optics are the most important part of the telescope. The optics are what make the telescope able to see and observe objects. You can get a Newtonian (lower price) or Cassegrain (better performance) scope with folded optics.

1. The Newtonian

If your budget is tight, but you still want the light-gathering power of an 8″ telescope, a Newtonian telescope can be purchased. The Newtonian scope has a mirror and lens system mounted in a tube. The optical tube assembly is mounted on a rotating fork mount that holds it in place while it is being used. The mirror reflects the image to the eyepiece. This telescope is less expensive and easier to set up than an equatorial mount.

2. The Cassegrain

A Cassegrain telescope has a more complex and a better performing optical system than the Newtonian. The mirror and lens system are built into the optical tube assembly. The mirror is mounted in a holder attached to the optical tube assembly. The optical tube assembly is mounted on a mount that holds it in place while using. This telescope can be more expensive but offers better performance than a Newtonian telescope. Accessories can be added to a Cassegrain telescope to make it more suitable for your observing needs.

About the Mounts

1. Newtonian Optics

You have two choices when it comes to mounts for a Newtonian telescope. The first is a simple fork mount called a Dobsonian mount. This is the most popular and is very simple to use. It can be used for both visual and photographic observing. An equatorial mount will give you better tracking. An equatorial mount costs more but is more accurate. The option of automatic object finding and object tracking will make your observing more enjoyable.

2. Cassegrain Optics

This Optical Tube Assembly mounts a convex lens and a concave mirror inside the tube. It is designed to work with a telescope mount. You can choose between a traditional Equatorial mount or another fork mount type. These mounts will track objects in the sky and keep them in view.

8″ Telescopes, Mounts, And Configurations

Dobsonian Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

This is a cheaper upgrade from the 6″ dob. It is a great telescope and can be found at most stores. The XT8 is a high-quality telescope with an 8″ aperture and high-quality optics. A 2″ focuser is a good addition to the telescope. It has a variable altitude mount, which allows for automatic tracking of objects in the sky. This mount can instantly find objects in view and track them through the night. It is a great telescope for daytime and nighttime stargazing. It is a good choice for both visual and astrophotography.

2. MEADE 0805-05-02 Lightbridge Truss Tube Dobsonian

With a Lightbridge truss tube set up, it is lighter and more compact. This makes it a better choice for travel and easier to transport. It is a very high-quality telescope that provides excellent views of the universe.

Equatorial Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Meade LXD75 SN-8AT 8″ 812mm f/4.0 Schmidt-Newtonian Telescope, Motorized German-Type Equatorial Mount with UHTC Coatings, Autostar Computerized Hand Controller, Autostar Suite Software, 8×50 Finderscope & Tripod

For pinpointing stellar images, this telescope is one of the best. It is a high-quality telescope with an 8″ aperture and high-quality optics. The mount can instantly find objects in view and track them through the night. This telescope’s wide field of view allows you to see more objects at once. This telescope also comes with a motorized German-type equatorial mount. This makes it easier to track objects. It has an autostar computerized hand controller, making it easy to use. The autostar suite software allows you to set up the telescope and find objects in the sky. Schmidt-Newtonian optics are mounted in machined aluminum cells. This allows for sharper images. The UHTC coatings help reduce reflections and increase the telescope’s light-gathering power. A closed tube significantly helps keep the optics clean and clear. Premium-grade Pyrex mirrors are used in this telescope. This helps reduce the effects of thermal expansion, which helps keep the optics clear. The corrector Lens fully corrects for spherical aberration and coma. The erecting wedge allows the telescope to be used as a reflector. This is great for observing planets, nebulae, and star clusters.

Fork Mount 8″ Telescopes

1. Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope w/ Fork Arm Mount and 40,000 + Object Database – Demo Model

This portable and affordable 8-inch telescope is a great addition to any amateur astronomer’s collection. This telescope provides high-quality images of the night sky and features a fork arm mount, which lets you move the telescope from location to location with ease. The included 40,000+ astronomical object database allows you to easily find objects for viewing in your local area and beyond. The NexStar 8 SE Telescope is easy to use and comes with a 15×50 finder scope that features a red dot reticle for quick alignment of celestial objects. Celestron’s reputation for quality optics and performance is built on decades of experience in the optical telescope market. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious astronomer, the NexStar 8 SE Telescope will allow hours of viewing pleasure. Polar caps and spot dust storms on Mars are visible in this 8-inch telescope.

2. Meade LX90-ACF 8

The Meade 8″ LX90-ACF Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical system provides a maximum light-gathering power of 900 times for an object at the center of the field of view. This telescope is a great choice for observing, imaging and astrophotography. The optical system provides high performance with a wide field, sharp images, and a low level of coma and astigmatism. The LX90-ACF is good for visual observers, astrophotographers, and educators who want to learn more about the universe. It comes with a tripod mount, which allows easy portability. The technologically superior optical design provides a high-quality image with a wide field of view. It also provides a high brightness level with exceptional contrast, sharpness and resolution.

The sky is the limit once you have a telescope. With a little bit of research, you can find your way to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Telescopes bring a whole new level of wonder and a new way to explore the most glorious things in the universe. There are some great telescopes that you can buy for under $100 or less. You can find all sorts of things for your telescope out there, like filters and solar filters, and you can even get some great binoculars that will let you see things that maybe you wouldn’t be able to see with your telescope alone.