Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic question?????

[blackhole1027]

On a scale from 1 to 10, what would you rate it & why?

[Geoff G]

It all depends on what you're using as a standard of comparison. In its price range and as a beginner's scope, I'd rate it about 8 or 9 out of 10, with the IntelliScope version being a 10. I find the bearings in the IntelliScope version better, the tension handle a convenience, and the potential for adding an object locator a real bonus. But I could be very happy with an XT10 Classic as my one and only telescope.

If you're comparing it to custom Dobs, such as Starmaster or Obsession, its around a 4. It's mirror, while good, is not world class, and its motions aren't as smooth as in a custom Dob. But for me it represents 80% of the performance at 20% of the price.