Orion SkyQuest XT10 IntelliScope

4.0 Orion XT10i

Easy to use; Excellent optics; Easily transportable

A smoother azimuth bearing would be nice

About 4 years ago, I decided to get back into Astronomy. I hadn't been active in the hobby for a few years because of my work schedule and the light pollution in my area.

I came across an article in a magazine advertising a 5" Maksutov telescope that would find objects for you, saving you time in your search for deep sky objects. This sounded like it might work as long as I transported the small scope out of town, away from the lights.

I ordered the scope, loaded it into the car along with my old dog, and headed into the country away from the town lights. Setting up the scope and aligning everything was somewhat time consuming but I managed to get it done. As I pushed the Go-To button, my old dog decided to lie down by my side and she bumped the tripod. Well, that was the end of that! By the time I reset everything, the clouds were coming in...time for plan B.
Although I like the thought of spending my time observing, instead of searching, I decided that go-to was not for me. That's when I started looking at the Orion XT Intelliscope Dobsonion telescopes.

The "Push-To" feature sounded like something that would suit me better than the "Go-To"...no precise alignment...no power required (other than a 9volt battery for the handheld computer)...and easily transportable in 2 pieces.

I decided on the XT10i. I was afraid that the 12" would be a little too heavy for my arthritic back and the length of the 12" tube a little long to fit across the back seat of my car. The initial assembly of the XT10i was easy enough. The instructions are very well written and the parts go together with simple tools.
Setting up the scope for use is a no-brainer. Place the base on the ground...no need to level...place the OTA on the base and fasten with the tension knobs.

The COL (computerized object locator) is very user friendly. It walks you through the 2 star alignment procedure and takes just a couple of minutes. The rest of the night is spent selecting your target, moving the scope by hand (push-to) and observing. No more spending all your time searching for the elusive targets.

I have since sold the XT10i and am now trying my hand at imaging. I will most likely have another some day. Perhaps the XT12i in a permanent location.