The key differences between the Apertura Ad8 and the Orion Xt8 are their lenses and accessories. The Apertura Ad telescope has an eight-inch lens, while the Orion Xt8 telescope has a six-inch lens. This means that the Apertura Ad will provide a wider field of view and more light-gathering power.
The Orion telescope has been popular among amateur astronomers for many years. The company has a good reputation and produces quality products.
The Apertura AD telescope is a newer model that was released in recent years. Both models are Dobsonian telescopes, which means they have a simple design and are easy to use. But what’s the difference between these two models?
In this blog post, I will discuss the key differences between these two telescopes. I will also provide tips on how to get the most out of each telescope. By the end of this post, you will know which telescope is right for your needs.
What is the Orion Xt8
The Xt8 is a fairly simple designed 8″ f/5.9 Newtonian reflector. The primary mirror cools down faster than a plate glass mirror because it is made of low-expansion borosilicate glass, also known as Pyrex.
Like they are with most Newtonian reflectors, the mirrors of the XT8 must be aligned (collimated) frequently, although not necessarily each time you use the telescope.
The 2″ Crayford focuser on the XT8 is a top-notch, single-speed focuser. There is not a single piece of plastic in it.
Since the XT8’s tube is roughly 48″ (1.2 m) long, it can fit over the back seat of the majority of vehicles.
One eyepiece, a 25mm Plossl with 48x magnification, is included with the XT8. It’s not a bad eyepiece, but you’ll want additional eyepieces for higher and lower magnifications, particularly if you need to view the Moon and planets.
The finderscope on the XT8 is a simple red dot sight. A finder like this is fine with a small telescope, but for a large telescope such as the SkyQuest XT8, you actually need a 950 finder, Telrad, or both to locate dim deep-sky objects.
The SkyQuest XT8, a Dobsonian telescope, pivots up-down and left-right on Teflon pads. Locks, clutches, gears, and knobs are not included. You simply move the scope around the sky by pushing and pulling.
This is surprisingly simple to accomplish, even at high magnifications, and the telescope’s silky-smooth movements make tracking and aiming the instrument a delight.
The telescope is prone to tipping over if it is somewhat top or bottom-heavy because the small bearings provide a smaller fulcrum, and any imbalance makes the entire tube operate like a lever.
The normal XT8 uses springs to tension the altitude bearings, which allow the scope to pivot up and down. Although this is quite useful, the springs have a funny appearance and are difficult to attach and remove.
Orion also offers an Xt8 Dobsonian with IntelliScope, an electronic object-location system. The IntelliScope option adds about $200 to the price tag but is worth it if you want to quickly and easily find deep-sky objects without consulting star charts.
Pros of Using the Orion Xt8
The Xt8 Dobsonians from Orion are great telescopes for money. They come with the following advantages:
Decent Optics and Mechanics
The XT8 Dobsonians from Orion use decent optics. The primary mirror is made of low-expansion borosilicate glass, which means that it will hold its shape better in changing temperatures and will not expand or contract as much as a regular plate glass mirror.
This results in less image distortion and better overall images.
The XT8 Dobsonians also have good mechanics. The focuser is a single-speed Crayford focuser, which is very smooth and easy to use.
The telescope also has Teflon pads on the altitude bearings, which make it easier to move the scope around in the sky.
Easy to Use
The Xt8 Dobsonians are straightforward to use. They have simple controls and are designed for people new to astronomy.
The IntelliScope option makes them even easier to use, as it takes the guesswork out of finding deep-sky objects.
Large Aperture for a Low Price
The Xt8 Dobsonians have a large aperture for their price. The Xt8 starts at an aperture of eight inches, larger than most beginner telescopes.
This allows you to see more detail in the objects you are observing.
Fairly Portable
The Xt8 Dobsonians are fairly portable. The telescope can be broken down into two pieces for transport; the entire telescope weighs less than 50 pounds.
Cons of Using the Orion Xt8 Dobsonians
There are a few downsides to using the Orion Xt8 Dobsonians:
Need More Eyepieces
The main downside to using the Xt8Dobsonians is that they only come with one eyepiece. This means you will need to buy additional eyepieces to get the most out of your telescope.
The finderscope is also a bit weak, so you may want to upgrade to a better finderscope if you plan on doing a lot of deep-sky observing.
Tend to Tip Over
Another downside to using the Xt8Dobsonians is that they tend to tip over if they are top or bottom-heavy. This can be a problem if you are not careful when moving the telescope around.
No Computerized Controls
The Xt8 Dobsonians do not have computerized controls. This means you will need to know how to use a star chart to find the objects you want to observe.
What is the Apertura Ad8
The AD8’s 1200mm focal length and huge 8″ aperture deliver a reasonably broad field of view with excellent detail and accurate color. The primary mirror is a parabolic shape that has been milled to a 1/12th wave and is coated in silicon dioxide and aluminum for a reliable 93% reflectiveness.
Thanks to the highly reflective mirror, you can use the entire 8″ aperture’s capacity for light gathering, producing spectacular views. The focuser is a nice Crayford-style dual-speed model that provides very precise focusing.
The AD series Dobsonians from Apertura use unique Dual Encoder Technology (DET). This technology uses two sets of metal gears in altitude and azimuth axes.
There are also two hand controllers, one for each axis. This allows you to make precise movements when slewing or tracking, which is great for visual observation and astrophotography.
The Apertura DET also features a “home position” setting. This allows you to quickly reset the telescope’s starting position after moving it around.
This is a great feature that I wish more Dobsonians had.
As with the XT series from Orion, the AD series from Apertura also come in an “IntelliScope” version. However, the IntelliScope option on the AD telescope slightly differs from what you get on the XT.
Instead of an electronic hand controller, you get a printed star chart that you can use to locate objects.
Advantages of Using Apertura Ad8 Dobsonians
There are several advantages to using the Apertura Ad8Dobsonians:
Dual Encoder Technology for Precise Tracking
The DET on the Ad8Dobsonians allows you to make precise movements when slewing or tracking. This is great for visual observation and astrophotography.
“Home Position” Setting
The “home position” setting on the Ad8 Dobsonians allows you to quickly reset the telescope to its starting position after moving it around. This is a great feature that I wish more Dobsonians had.
IntelliScope Option
The IntelliScope option on the Ad8 Dobsonians differs slightly from what you get on the XT series. Instead of an electronic hand controller, you get a printed star chart that you can use to locate objects.
Great Optics
The Ad8 Dobsonians have great optics. The primary mirror is a parabolic shape that has been milled to a 12th wave and is coated in silicon dioxide and aluminum for a reliable 93% reflectiveness.
Thanks to the highly reflective mirror, you can use the entire aperture’s light-gather capacity, producing spectacular views.
Disadvantages of Using Apertura Ad Dobsonians
There are a few disadvantages to using the Apertura Ad8 Dobsonians:
Unusual Bearings
The Ad8 Dobsonians use “trunnion” bearings instead of the more common Teflon bearings. This can make it difficult to find replacement parts if something breaks.
No Collimation Knobs
The Ad8 Dobsonians do not have collimation knobs. This means you will need to remove the secondary mirror to collimate the telescope, which can be a pain.
Finderscope Can Be Confusing
The finderscope on the Ad8 Dobsonians can be confusing to use. It’s not uncommon for people to accidentally switch the finder off when they are meant to turn it on.
Apertura Ad8 vs. Orion Xt8 | What’s the Difference?
Now that you know a little about each telescope, let’s look at the main differences between the Apertura Ad8 and Orion Xt8 series Dobsonians.
Size
The first difference is size. The Apertura Ad is an eight-inch Dobsonian, while the Orion Xt is only a six-inch Dobsonian.
The Apertura will gather about 50% more light than the Orion. This also means that the views through the Apertura will be noticeably better, particularly when viewing deep-sky objects.
Finder Scope
The second difference is the finder scope. The Apertura Ad comes with a red-dot finder, while the Orion Xt8 comes with a simple optical finder.
The red-dot finder is much easier to use and will help you locate objects more quickly than the optical finder.
Focal Length
The Apertura Ad has a focal length of 1200mm, while the Orion Xt8 has a focal length of 900mm. This means the Apertura will have a wider field of view than the Orion.
This is great for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Size of the Lenses
The size of the lenses is important for two reasons. First, the larger the lenses, the more light they will gather.
Second, the larger the lenses, the wider the field of view. The Apertura Ad has eight-inch lenses, while the Orion Xt8 has six-inch lenses.
This means that the Apertura will have a better view than the Orion.
Focuser
The Apertura Ad has a dual-speed Crayford focuser, while the Orion Xt has a single-speed focuser. The dual-speed focuser is much easier to use and allows you to make precise adjustments.
This is great again for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Stability
The Apertura Ad8 is a very stable telescope. It has large eight-inch lenses and a heavy-duty mount.
The Orion Xt8 is a very stable telescope but is not as massive as the Apertura. This means that the Apertura will be better for astrophotography, while the Orion will be fine for visual observation.
Weight
The Apertura Ad8 is a heavy telescope. It weighs about 60 pounds. The Orion Xt8 is a lighter telescope weighing only about 40 pounds.
This makes the Orion much easier to transport and set up.
IntelliScope
As I mentioned earlier, the Orion Xt8 comes with an electronic hand controller that you can use to locate objects. The Apertura Ad8, on the other hand, comes with a printed star chart.
I prefer the star chart because it is more user-friendly and easier to use.
Durability
The Apertura Ad8 is a very durable telescope. It is made of high-quality materials and is built to last. The Orion Xt8 is also a durable telescope but not as heavy-duty as the Apertura.
Price
The last difference is the price. The Apertura Ad8 is priced at about $700, while the Orion Xt8 is priced at about $300.
This price difference is due to the differences in features and quality between the two telescopes. The Apertura Ad8 is better if you want a high-quality Dobsonian telescope.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Dobsonian telescope, then the Orion Xt8 is the better choice.
Apertura Ad8 vs. Orion Xt8 | Which One is Best for You
The decision of which telescope to buy depends on your needs and preferences. The Apertura Ad is better if you want a high-quality Dobsonian telescope.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Dobsonian telescope, then the Orion Xt is the better choice.
Final Thoughts
The Apertura Ad8 and Orion Xt8 differ in quality, features, and price. The Apertura Ad8 is better if you want a high-quality Dobsonian telescope.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Dobsonian telescope, then the Orion Xt8 is the better choice. I hope this article helped you decide which telescope is best for you.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
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