April 9, 2020. So, it comes down to price and accessories. Orion XT8 – Overview and Key features . If I were to guess where the weight difference between the two scopes would be is because the base is physically a little large (the XT8 has some cuts to make the bottom of the base smaller), the metal attachments on the side of the Z8 for adjusting balance, the scope attatchment seems metal-ish, the focuser is fancier, and it has the fan on the back. Zhumell 10x42 Short Barrel Waterproof Binoculars - ZHUA002-1. Find the best Dobsonian telescope for sale online at High Point Scientific. Orion XT8 Vs Skywatcher 8 – Which telescope is the beginners’ favorite? 2. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope. As far as I know, the Zhumell scope would be the better choice between the two. No Reviews Yet. April 9, 2020. Both bases are made of wood. The home to all amateur astronomers & telescopes! Have the budget to justify either one of these scopes, but I wanted to know how the build qualities compare. It is the quality of its accessories and tiny features that make your life a lot easier. The right angle finder is pretty good and I'm happy to have that. All three have 2" focusers with 1.25" adapters. Zhumell 10x42 … User account menu. For those that haven't noticed yet, the Z8 on Telescopes.com and the Skyline on Telescope.com are the exact same scope with different etchings on the side. The Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope’s Computerised Mount The mount used here is essentially the same as the XT8’s Dobsonian mount but it includes computers inside which will allow users to find objects more easily however, the mount here is actually manual otherwise known as a PushTo mount. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian 8.6 3. Orion XT8 vs Zhumell Z8. The optical tube is 45.25″ long and the total assembled weight is 54lbs. I did end up going with the Z8 as its just so much more bang for the buck! 6 offers from $664.47. It's a $80 focuser vs a $135 focuser. I am in the hunt for my first telescope, and I was pretty sold on the Orion XT8 until I found the Zhumell Z8. But they look incomplete next to the Zhumell Z8. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope Legendary performance, unbeateble value. Sale Price: $129.99 List Price: $199.99. Orion, however, is known to have a better customer care. If all fit in the budget, I'd personally do the Z8, but the difference is pretty slight. I use huge binoculars and a Cat scope. Zhumell Z8 Reflector Telescope. report. Categories 250$ 350$ 350$ 500$ 500$ 700$ 700$ 900$ 9.5 8.6 8.3 Sky-Watcher 6″ Orion XT6 Orion XT4.5 250$ 350$ 1. Either just point out pros and cons or you can just give your opinion of which one is better. I prefer the compression-ring option, so I'd give it a slight advantage here. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 – Which Dobsonian... April 9, 2020. The XT8 Dobsonian mount is very stable with relatively smooth rotation, just not as smooth as the Zhumell Z8. Zhumell Tripods View All. However the Zhumell comes with a two speed focuser, 2 eyepieces, a cooling fan for the primary mirror, and a laser colminator. The xt8 comes with a 2" 28mm and a 1.25" 10mm along with a 1.25" 2x barlow. Orion’s technical support is also first rate and should you run into any problems, the solution is a quick phone call or email away. The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope features an 8-inch aperture to capture significant light for clear, long-range viewing. (with care and collimation of course). The EZ Finder II is a simple … It can also pinpoint and track 42,000 objects in space automatically, so you don't waste any time searching. I've decided to go with the Z8, plus a 2" Barlow. Orion XT8 vs Zhumell Z8. You’ll also get two fully multi-coated eyepieces: a 2” 30mm eyepiece for wide field views and a 1.25” 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification. I'd give the Z8 the advantage here, but just barely. 7 comments. That's also what's adding to the weight of the base. The point about Orion's customer service is an important. I have no idea which one is better quality or the better buy. Using the XT8 Classic as a starting point, we added top-notch features and accessories to create the Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector. SkyWatcher 6″ Classic Dobsonian 9.5 2. This can be a tough choice. The Zhumell was similar in price with the larger aperture, and also has an electric cooling fan. Very similar focusers, except the Zhumell has a fine adjustment knob. I can see the adjustable trunnions being nice, but I really have no problem star hopping with the XT8. The Skyline/Z8 spins super smoothly, those ball bearings are nice. Not to say it's junk, but it's not going to be a highly accurate collimation tool. Zhumell. Orion XT8 Vs Skywatcher 8 – Which telescope... April 9, 2020. Those who are new to the art of astronomy will find this telescope easy to use, and experts will find most of the functions satisfying. Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope. When you initially set up the scope in the base you will have to center it weight-wise so one end isn't too heavy, this is something I imagine some people will call a feature since it's adjustable, and some will call a flaw because it was a minor pain to do. However I have trouble lining it up to what I'm looking at initially, so I just added a telrad finder next to it on the scope so I can get it centered on what I want faster, then move over to the right angle finder. Posted by 4 years ago. The only difference between the included accessories is that the Zhumell Z8 comes with a moon filter and the SkyLine does not. Orion XT8 Vs Skywatcher 8 – Which telescope is the beginners’ favorite? In the end it came down to this XT8i and a 10" Zhumell. I've decided to go with the Z8, plus a 2" Barlow. Yes, GSO's roller bearings are smoother on the azimuth axis. Like others have said here, the base doesn't seem overly cheap, but I still wouldn't throw the thing around. Used in conjunction with the two included eyepieces (30mm and 9mm) and Dobsonian stand, this telescope will make your night-sky observations and star parties more enjoyable than ever. The two Orion scopes use EZ Finders which are pretty cheap red-dot finders. Zhumell’s simple yet precise 8” Dobsonian is the perfect choice for novice astronomers and experienced observers alike. Sky-Watcher vs Orion – who makes the most... April 9, 2020. For some reason they don't sell/ship the Skyline to California so I went with the XT8. You can read more about this at the Cloudy Nights forums. Experience the beautiful night sky with this incredible Dobsonian, then shop all available models online at High Point Scientific today! Orion Starblast 4.5 Astro Review (A Good Portable… Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Review (Worth… Zhumell Z8 Review (Is This Mid Range System Worth… Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Review (Amazing… Orion Starblast 6i IntelliScope Review (A Worthy… Meade Lightbridge Mini 114 Review (Great Value For Money!?) Both of these eyepieces contain fully multi-coated optics. The basic XT8 is only $379, but there's an upgraded version, the XT8 plus, for $499.99. So at first glance these two dobsonian telescopes appear to be pretty much the same and priced within 10 dollars. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope - ZHUE023-1. What 8" dobsonian should I get? If you compare the two OTA's alone (e.g. Orion XT8 – Overview . Build quality on respective components is essentially identical. Zhumell Z8 vs. Orion XT8. With the Z12, you can see bright deep sky objects (Messiers, etc.) Orion vs. Celestron – Who has the best... April 9, 2020 . Apertura, Zhumell, Meade, and Orion SkyLine dobs on the other hand are made by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO), which IMO makes higher quality dobs (and accessories) than similarly priced Synta dobs. The true value of the Zhumell Z Series can be found in its optical system. Its not even close. Really? $349.99 SkyWatcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch (White) 4.3 out of 5 stars 23. Opinions? Can anyone speak to the quality differences between these two scopes and if the Z8 is still worth it becasue of the accessories even if it is cheaper. The Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian comes with a 30 mm 2" eyepiece offering low 40x magnification, as well as a 9 mm 1.25" eyepiece offering high 133x magnification. The Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian comes with both a 9mm 1.25″ eyepiece and a 30mm 2″ eyepiece whereas most competitors including the Orion only ship a 25mm 1.25″ eyepiece or something close. You can upgrade the collimation screws (though you end up at about the same price as the XT8 plus if you go the bob's knobs route), and you can make a solar filter pretty cheap as well as getting a Telrad or other zero-power finder. It also has a sturdy rolling base and a navigation knob that allows for easy maneuvering of the tube. Orion SkyQuest XT8 offers awesome optical quality, but the accessories are disappointing. You can get the same optical quality from a SkyWatcher 8″, Orion SkyQuest XT8, or any other 8″ Dobsonian. The focuser included with the Orion XT8 is a single-speed 2” Crayford-style focuser. I have an Orion XT8 dob, which I love, but decided to jump into a larger aperture, and WOW what a difference. These are superior. 1 offer from $2,308.00. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope. Zhumell. However, if you just want to go the cheapest route, the XT8 basic version isn't a bad bet and you save some money and can do those upgrades in time if you desire. Shows planets in vivid detail ; Heavy-duty clutches; Disassembles for transportation; EBAY. The Skywatcher at my store is about $465 and the Orion is $371. Z8 is way better than an XT8, the most likely reason they're almost equal in price is because sales on the Z8. save. I'd much rather have a Telrad over a a 50mm finder (though I have both on mine), and though the EZ Finder isn't nearly as good as a Telrad, I like a zero-power finder more. The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 (appx. This Apertura AD8 8-inch Dobsonian telescope comes loaded with great accessories for new and experienced astronomers. Select from favorite brands like the Apertura Dobsonian and Celestron Dobsonian. It looks to be back ordered though. Celestron SkyProdigy 6 vs NexStar 6SE – Which... April 9, 2020. I'm not sure why this discrepancy exists. The Z8 includes a moon filter only. Purchase Dobsonian telescopes today and save at High Point Scientific! Edit: Thanks for the great responses guys! 4.3 out of 5 stars 176. Thanks for the help, everyone! Have the budget to justify either one of these scopes, but I wanted to know how the build qualities compare. I ordered the Skyline because I am new to the hobby and Orion seemed more reliable, but after putting the scope together and squinting at tons of pictures and comparing the eyepieces and everything, I'm 99.99% sure the Sklyine is a rebranded Z8. The basic XT8 comes with one 25mm 1.25" eyepiece. The wide angle Zhumell eyepiece is $70 new, compared to $30 for the Orion, because it's got a wider apparent field of view and better eye relief, and is 2". 4.3 out of 5 stars 177. However, those big nobs that stick out the side are nice to grab on to and hold the main scope with. Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS or Orion SkyLine 8" - posted in Reflectors: I am looking to get my first scope. edited 5 years ago. Apertura AD8, HighPoint DT8, and Zhumell Z8 are all currently unavailable. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 – Which Dobsonian Telescope is the better option? BUT, the XT8 Plus has one big advantage here: collimation thumbscrews. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Orion XT8 vs Zhumell Z8. Also, what on earth is the 'Tension Control Handel'? Compared the to other two? The systems aperture is 203mm with a focal length of 1200mm resulting in a focal ratio of f/5.9. If the Zhumell Z8 is out of stock or you’re willing to spend the extra $50, the Orion SkyLine is a really good substitute. I have an Orion XT8 dob, which I love, but decided to jump into a larger aperture, and WOW what a difference. That actually gives me concerns about that scope and how they are able to include all that for the same price. Orion SkyQuest XT8g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. Cheers! The telescope was engineered based on customer … Since the Skyline is priced $100 higher than the XT8 right now, I would guess that Orion considers the mirrors to be good, and I can say that I haven't had any complaints yet and am thoroughly enjoying this scope. Edit2: If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing. I'm thinking of getting a Dob this year and the Z8 is what I'm going to buy, if I do. Advantage here goes to Z8 ever so slightly, depending on your finder preference. Our Price: $449.99. But they look incomplete next to the Zhumell Z8. 5 offers from $710.98. It's a much better deal IMO. The Orion SkyQuest XX16g (appx. The AD8 might be available at some point in the future but not right now. Again it's the difference between $30 and $70. But, for years I've read the forums and the consensus always seems to be that the Zhumell Dob is just a better scope for the money. Close. However, this doesn't have much of an impact. The focuser is ideal for deep space, the eyepiece is not. hide. It is ideally marketed as a piece for the whole family to get a kick out of. 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. I love my scope and enjoy talking about it. If you compare the XT8 and the Skyline specs you'll see the Skyline has both a heavier base and heavier optical tube, so the weight difference is split, hence my conjecture. The Z8 seems to have more bang for the … Press J to jump to the feed. The secondary mirror has thumbscrews that do not require tools for collimation. Zhumell 10 x 42 Roof Prism Waterproof Binoculars - ZHUV002-1. Are these handy items or not worth the extra $$ over the Skyquest plus? Heh. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 for a casual stargazer So at first glance these two dobsonian telescopes appear to be pretty much the same and priced within 10 dollars. Recently the price on the Z8 went up to $449 and the price of the XT8 went down to $379 so it's not so clear cut now. You can see a bit of color on the ring nebula. Using a Dobsonian telescope is a push and nudge exercise and it takes a little practice. Overal much higher quality. The reviews on the red dot finder on the XT8 have been pretty mixed, with some people saying it breaks easily, so I'm pretty glad I've gone with this setup. Orion SkyQuest and Sky-Watcher dobs, for example, are made by the company Synta. Orion XT8 Vs Skywatcher 8 – Which telescope is … I'll be upgrading my peripherals as I go along, but this seems like a fantastic jumping off point. Anyway, this is a fantastic scope. SkyWatcher 6″ Classic Dobsonian 9.5 2. A really nice feature of the Zhumell Z8 that isn't often mentioned (as well as the Aperturas which I think are the same telescope), is that you can easily adjust the optical tube (OTA) up or down on the base to balance it. The Zhumell Z8 has a cooling fan, and two eyepieces, one being a 2". 7 comments. We offer a wide selection of Dobsonian reflector telescopes. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 – Which Dobsonian Telescope is the better option? DOBSONIAN RANKINGS Simple, powerful, well-built, and low-priced. 6 offers from $664.47. Heavy and large, as well. Go Orion! 374 Reviews . It is the quality of its accessories and tiny features that make your life a lot easier. Used in conjunction with the two included eyepieces (30mm and 9mm) and Dobsonian stand, this telescope will make your night-sky observations and star parties more enjoyable than ever. I'd recommend going for the Z8 anyway, though. Sky-Watcher vs Orion – who makes the most powerful telescopes Celestron SkyProdigy 6 vs NexStar 6SE – Which is the better Schmidt? Great Mechanical Performance and Sturdy Construction XT8 Dobsonian Telescope with TeleVu Nagler Type 4 12mm and 4 other lenses plus four filters!Total Retail Value (priced out online) $1,014.94 !You get the whole package for $560!XT8 Dobsonian Telescope (sells online for $379.99 includes Sirius Plossl 10mm)Orion 9x50mm Right Angle Correct Image Scope Finder (sells online for $79.99)Lenses:TeleVu Nagler Type 4 12mm (sells online for $352)Orion Expans EDIT: It has been brought to my attention this one has a right angle correct image finder which seems to be a plus. Orion XT8 Vs Skywatcher 8 – Which telescope... April 9, 2020. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 – Which Dobsonian... April 9, 2020. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Zhumell is preferred, despite its higher price, because of the better accessories it comes with: The two used to be the same price - $400. My two cents. DOBSONIAN RANKINGS Simple, powerful, well-built, and low-priced. I've decided to go with the Z8, plus a 2" Barlow. My Zhumell Z8 scope is a much nicer scope to use than this Orion XT8 and came with better accessories, but for the money, this is an awesome starter scope and no one will regret buying one. ... (orion nebula) and fainter objects stand out considerably better when compared to the xt6. And this is a strong advantage over using a screwdriver or (more likely) alan wrench to collimate the Zhumell. The Zhumell also comes with a laser collimator, cooling fan, two eyepieces and a moon filter. Sky-Watcher vs Orion – who makes the most powerful telescopes Celestron SkyProdigy 6 vs NexStar 6SE – Which is the better Schmidt? I am in the hunt for my first telescope, and I was pretty sold on the Orion XT8 until I found the Zhumell Z8. My Zhumell Z8 scope is a much nicer scope to use than this Orion XT8 and came with better accessories, but for the money, this is an awesome starter scope and no one will regret buying one. I would suspect the optical quality of the Z8 is slightly better than the XT8, but I would also guess that most observers would not notice the difference. It is a 1200mm f/5.9 8 Inch. Anyone have thoughts on the skywatcher 8" collapsible dob? Thanks for the help, everyone! Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 8.3 4. The reason Zhumell Z8 is a “perfect” model is not that it has better optics. Log In Sign Up. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope. You can get the same optical quality from a SkyWatcher 8″, Orion SkyQuest XT8, or any other 8″ Dobsonian. The Skyline was a little cheaper at the time, and I did the math and figured the difference between the XT8 and the Skyline seemed worth it value wise. Orion XT8 vs Zhumell Z8. The Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian telescope features an 8” parabolic primary mirror that captures a substantial amount of light and produces crisp, bright images free of visual defects like spherical aberration. 2. SkyQuest XT8 falls short in this area. The simple azimuth bearings are comprised of three Teflon pads attached to the bottom base piece while the alt bearings consist of UHMW polyethylene pads. The real key is the accessories. Archived. If you have the money, the Zhumell is definitely the better choice, but the price difference is significant. The Z8 comes with a 2" 30mm and a 1.25" 9mm and no barlow. I love the scope; durable, reliable and provides consistent views. The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope features an 8-inch aperture to capture significant light for clear, long-range viewing. Orion … What Do Zhumell Z8’s Specifications Mean. XT8 Focuser. Posted by 4 years ago. A minority of people prefer the EZ Finder, but most do not. Press J to jump to the feed. Celestron SkyProdigy 6 vs NexStar 6SE – Which... April 9, 2020. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian 8.6 3. I don't own a Zhumell, so I can't say about theirs. […] 2. Sky Watcher Classic 200 Dobsonian 8-inch Aperature Telescope – Solid-Tube – Simple, Traditional Design – Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White (S11610) 4.1 out of 5 stars 146. Help choosing the best of three 8" dobsonian reflectors - posted in Beginners Forum (No astrophotography): I plan to purchase either an Orion XT8 PLUS, Zhumell Z8 Deluxe, or Sky-Watcher 8 dob, but still cannot decide between the three. Close. I was set on the Orion XT8 Dobsonian, however I found a Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian for $342.00 + free shipping, whereas the Orion was $329.99 + $25 shipping. Being one of Orion’s most famous models, the XT8 is an 8-inch Dobsonian reflector telescope. The only disadvantage I've seen is that the main mirror alignment screws stick out from the bottom of the Z8, so if you stand the scope on its end it puts weight directly on these screws. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 – Which Dobsonian Telescope is the better option? I may be wrong, but I believe the Z8 uses a compression-ring system versus the XT8 (both versions) that have a standard screw-in version where the tightening screw holds directly against the eyepiece barrel. However the Zhumell comes with a two speed focuser, 2 eyepieces, a cooling fan for the primary mirror, and a laser colminator. Typically reflectors and catadioptrics are measured and manufactured in inches of aperture, and rounded down for closest nice number in milimeters. These work ok, but aren't as quick-easy to use as a laser. Feel free to discuss anything here, from what sort of telescope you should get, to how to actually use that scope of yours! Sky-Watcher vs Orion – who makes the most... April 9, 2020. In addition, with the Zhumell you get a second eyepiece which will be better suited for smaller targets. Especially because it lets you see more stars initially, and it's great for re-aligning planets as they cruise through the field without having to move too much. share. without averted vision. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. They are not the adjustment screws themselves, they are the plastic ones that you screw in to brace the mirror after making adjustments. The XT8 plus includes a neutral density moon filter and a solar film filter. Zhumell Z8 vs Orion XT8 for a casual stargazer. The Z8 has a 50mm right-angle finder scope. It is made of Ikea style particle board, with just screws and no dowels to hold it together. The quality of the Z8 finder is better, but some people prefer the red-dot type. This thread is archived. Thanks for the help, everyone! I'll be upgrading my peripherals as I go along, but this seems like a fantastic jumping off point. 100% Upvoted. SEE PRICE ON AMAZON. I even captured images of the ring nebula and several globulars with my cell phone through the eyepiece! A system of heavy-duty tension springs secures the telescope to the base and keeps it in balance. The orion scopes have a cheap collimation cap. I don't have a Dob. Advantage to the XT8 here. With their powers combined, I expect finding things to be even easier. I settled on the Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS but then saw theSkyLine 8 was $150 more and came with a few more extras including a 8x50 right-angle finder scope, Orion LaserMate Deluxe II Collimator, and cooling fan. Orion’s technical support is also first rate and should you run into any problems, the solution is a quick phone call or email away. The Skyquest is cheaper and it seems to come with more stuff. 4.6 out of 5 stars 867. In this review we’ll look at the build quality of the XT8, along with how it performs at planetary and deep-space objects.