Question 1

Can you hook up a DSLR camera to this with an adapter (Which would be purchased separately)?

Accepted Answer

Sure you can!  You will use a T-ring/DSLR adapter specifically designed for your camera mount.  Instead of inserting an eyepiece into your Orion XT8 focuser, you will attach your camera.  The devil is in the details, however.  If you try to use your camera body, with T-adapter and a T-threaded 1.25" "nosepiece" (it goes between the T-ring adapter and the 1.25" focuser opening, you will not be able to focus your camera, because a Dobsonian reflector focuses too far inside the focuser (this is called "short focus").  Camera focus is not the same as eyepiece focus, unfortunately.To get your DSLR to focus, you will need to put some significantly magnifying optics between the nosepiece and the focuser, to bring the image to the camera's focal plane.  I have used a 2.5X Televue Powermate (costs about $200) or a cheaper "Barlow"-type magnifier of at least 2.5X magnification.  Personally, I have only used the Powermate.  Anything else and you're on your own (return the magnifier for refund if it doesn't focus).   Powermates are superior to "Barlows" because they are designed to focus on a flat sensor, not on your retina.  Hope this helps.   Dobs are not really designed for photography, because of their short focus and cuz they won't track a celestial object's movements.  For that you need a non-reflector telescope with computer-guided tracking in the telescope mount.

Question 2

Can someone please tell me the difference between this and the orion 8974 skyquest xt8 plus dobsonian reflector telescope that costs a bit more?

Accepted Answer

The 8974 XT8 Plus is an upgraded version of this Classic Skyquest XT8. The optics and tube dimensions are the same, here are a few of the upgrades/improvements on the XT8 Plus:- Base uses a tension knob system instead of a spring- Secondary mirror has tension knobs, making collimation (mirror alignment) easier to perform- Features a dual-speed 2" Crayford focuser (instead of standard 2" Crayford on Classic XT8)XT8 Plus: http://www.amazon.com/Orion-8974-Dobsonian-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B00D2LDZLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456162283&sr=8-1&keywords=xt8+plus

Question 3

What's the difference between this (27194) and the 8945 SkyQuest besides price?

Accepted Answer

Hello, telescope is the same. One just comes with book, light, map, and the star chart. Hope this helps. By the way it's a great scope for the price.

Question 4

Can the xt8 be later retrofitted with the inteliscope option?

Accepted Answer

I do not believe so, that is why if you pay extra you can purchase the XT8i. I figure if you want the Intelliscope purchase the XT8i.

ASIN	B003ZDEUS2
Additional Features	Led Light
Brand	Orion
Built-In Media	1
Coating	Aluminum;Silicon Dioxide
Compatible Devices	Eyepiece (1.25-inch and 2-inch)
Customer Reviews	4.5 out of 5 stars 53 Reviews
Eye Piece Lens Description	Barlow
Field Of View	20.83 degrees
Finderscope	Reflex
Focal Length Description	1200 millimeters
Focus Type	Center Focus
Item Weight	41 pounds
Manufacturer	BINGBING
Manufacturer Part Number	27194
Model Name	robesonian
Model Number	27194
Mount	Altazimuth Mount
Objective Lens Diameter	25 millimeters
Telescope Mount Description	Altazimuth Mount
UPC	759270271947 759270271619
Warranty Description	1
Zoom Ratio	8 multiplier x

Orion 27194 XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope and Beginner Barlow Kit

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