Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G

5.0 Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G

Solid mount, dead on GoTo, great optics

Heavy, around 100 pounds assembled

Atlas EQ-G mount, 8 inch 1000mm reflector. Let me start by saying that if you are new to astronomy, this is not the scope for you. It is heavy and set up takes 15-30 minutes. But, if you want a scope and mount that tracks well, works great for deep space observing and astrophotography, then this is the scope for you. Other than the weight (really not bad), I have nothing bad to say about this scope and mount. The mount includes an illuminated polar alignment scope and is fully GoTo with over 13,000 objects in its database and has a guider port for astrophotography. The GoTo controller is upgradeable with the supplied cables and upgrades are available through Orion's website.

This telescope, once setup is rock solid and the GoTo is dead on, every time. I have owned numerous Meade telescopes, and Orion beats them all with quality and packaging. The focal ratio of this scope is fast (F/4.9), so collimation of the mirrors is very important, but is very simple and only takes a couple of minutes with a laser collimator. The primary mirror of the scope has thumb screws to align the mirror and the secondary mirror requires the use of a 2mm hex key for adjustment. Once collimation is complete, the optics are very crisp and no noticeable fringing around the edges has been observed. If you buy this scope, read the manuals and you will have no problems; also, if you have trouble, call Orion and they will answer on the second ring, every time, and their support is great.