It is easier to get more detail at high magnifications, and it is also easier to focus the optics. The weight of the base is not a huge problem. It is ridiculous. The most important factor for this is the f/8 focal ratio, instead of f/6 or lower. But as I’ve said before, I expect more from a telescope that is being sold at a premium price. Although most of the extra accessories are useless, this one is smart and useful. That issue is the, It should have been a 2″ focuser like the one that comes with the, The primary mirror is a 6″(150mm) parabolic, and the optical tube is 1200mm. If planetary detail is your priority, XT6 is a no-brainer. SkyQuest XT6 doesn’t address the most important issue with its standard version XT6. Such combination provides f/8 focal ratio, leaning more towards, The f/8 focal ratio has a significant advantage, and that is the, I have nothing bad to say about the planetary performance since XT6 Plus is one of the bests in its price range. Although it is a budget choice, I prefer it over more expensive scope finders. Other than these problems, the base performs really well. BUT, you should also check out SkyWatcher 6″, since it comes with a 2″ focuser, it is more future-proof. I have nothing bad to say about the planetary performance since XT6 Plus is one of the bests in its price range. The base is particleboard, as it is with other Dobsonian models. And don’t worry about portability, there is not much difference between a 6″ and an 8″ in that area. The white paint around the base is more ornamental than functional. The focuser is the worst part, which is a plastic, 1.25″ rack-and-pinion. The images will become much clearer, and the field view will expand due to the combination of a larger primary mirror and a 2″ focuser. The extra cost doesn’t go to the important upgrades. But still, if you own an XT6 Plus already, Meade Model S102 Telescope Review: The Curse of the Mount, Orion SkyQuest XT8 Plus Review: Overpriced Monster. A “Plus” version should have included it, and it is even more. But it doesn’t have fine-tuning, and the motions it provides are not as good as a metal Crayford. Is an upgrade to an 8″ is worth it over the plus version? It should have been a 2″ focuser like the one that comes with the SkyWatcher 6″, but Orion didn’t upgrade it with the plus version. The Orion SkyQuest XT6 PLUS Dobsonian features cool design enhancements and an expanded accessory package compared to our standard XT6 Classic Dob. The deep-space performance is comparable to a. The most important factor for this is the f/8 focal ratio, instead of f/6 or lower. A white trim band around the base enhances visibility in the dark. You won’t use it after a few months due to its small lens and short eye relief. Such combination provides f/8 focal ratio, leaning more towards planetary performance. They are easy to manufacture and there are not many different parts in the overall design. Getting specialized eyepieces for planetary detail is a much better choice—a 6mm Goldline, for example. The 2x Barlow is among the accessories that you won’t use after a few months. The Orion SkyQuest XT6 PLUS Dobsonian features cool design enhancements and an expanded accessory package compared to our standard XT6 Classic Dob. Don’t get me wrong; the focuser is functional. The extra, 10mm Plössl is not a good eyepiece. I expected more from a “Plus” version. The primary mirror is a 6″(150mm) parabolic, and the optical tube is 1200mm. It is 22 lbs, which is close to 10 kg. Mars will show some surface detail as black stains and its Polar Ice Caps look like white stains. It is better than %90 of the telescope models in its price range. Neptune and Uranus are observable as blueish dots, including Neptune’s largest moon Triton. The most notable improvement in the mount is the, Orion doesn’t send a balance adjuster spring with the XT6 Plus, which is absurd. Rings of Saturn will be clear, including the gap between its rings, The Cassini Division. Even though this is a “Plus” version. The Lunar surface will show a ridiculous amount of craters and mountain ranges with on-point color accuracy. Let me explain. They have removed an important part of the telescope while upgrading it to a Plus version. ©TelescopesToBuy, 2020 A Dobsonian is the most efficient way of obtaining optical power. The optical tube weighs around 11.5 lbs, which is around 5.2 kg. That issue is the 1.25″, plastic, rack-and-pinion focuser.. The accessories are disappointing. Getting images of the brighter Messier Objects such as Andromeda, Orion, Hercules, and the Pleiades is easy. A “Plus” version should have included it, and it is even more nonsensical that the regular version comes with a spring, and the “Plus” version doesn’t. Just get an 8″ Dob if you can, you won’t be disappointed. Although the field view is narrower than most Dobsonians, the amount of detail and brightness is still pretty good. At this price range there are metal, 2″ focusers that come with many models. The collimation screws attached to the front mirror makes the whole process even easier. I am utterly disappointed in this area. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Plus comes with many upgrades, but the most important part is not upgraded. Overall the planetary performance of XT6 is second-to-none. It is comparable to the more expensive 8″ models due to its f/8 focal ratio. Starting from the bottom up, we gave the SkyQuest XT6 PLUS a redesigned, streamlined Dobsonian base with weight-saving cutouts. Jupiter will show its many stripes with the XT6, including its 4 Galilean Moon’s and The Great Red Spot. 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