Review of the Orion XX14g - A Big Goto Dobsonian Telescope at a Not-So-Big Price!

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[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I wanted one just seeing the first three seconds of this video.

[@Mike-1000]

Chucks upcoming video .... "I've bought a new Dob"

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@Mike-1000 lol

[@Robin-Visser]

@@Mike-1000 more like: I mentioned once that i want a 14” dob and look what Orion just send me😅

[@Mike-1000]

@@Robin-Visser Haha good one :)

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@Robin-Visser lol

[@astronomylabYT]

Forget the scopes... Ed should do fashion review! Even in cargo pants he's better dressed than I am in a suit!

[@bobbailey7235]

Hello, I think you are as good as it gets in the world of instructors. I find your voice and tones are perfect for your listeners. Your dress is impeccable and your attention to detail is flawless. It appears you never leave out any important details when you are reviewing instruments. Your work will and has surely educated buyers enough to allow them to select the items needed to observe the night sky. How wonderful it is that you found your way to KZbin videos .Thanks for being so good at what you do for us.

[@milenmetodiev8722]

Agree, so useful information, explained so well.

[@johnmarler6735]

Ditto

[@SDisonYT]

I am always amazed and grateful for how Ed takes his incredible experience and knowledge and makes it easy to understand for beginners like me.

[@chrisshelton3504]

I think he could do a master class on creating KZbin videos: He has no long opening, advertising his channel as if it’s a television series. He has geared his presentation for a wide, inclusive audience, defining and showing his current subject. You don’t really need any previous knowledge to enjoy and understand what he is talking about. However, I didn’t just fall of the telescope truck, but always learn something about telescopes. I would imagine any of his positive presentations like this results in an uptick of sales for the particular product being presented.

[@cdrice999]

This was a dream-fulfillment scope I purchased for myself last year. It hurt (but their 3 month no interest payment plan was a nice cushion for the pain), but I've seen views of some of my favorite objects that actually moved me to tears. My favorite EPs with my XX14g are my Televue Radians, ES 100s and Orion Q70s. My ES 100 5.5mm in this scope on a good night is just unreal. I'm planning to take mine on a trip to the Cosmic Campground in New Mexico. I think the XX14g is just the right size to transport - it's a bit of a pain, but worth the pain. (edited for typo)

[@kretieg2943]

I have the pair of Q70's for almost 20 years now. They are something special. I had bought them for my then Celestron 9.25 and they were fantastic. unfortunately, they don't work so well in my f/4.43 16" Astrosky. I gave them to my son. He had a Meade 12" truss dob and sent the mirror off to Steve Swayze for refiguring and coating. He put the mirror in an Astrosky structure. The scope is f/5 and those eyepieces work ok with it. Those eyepieces are sooooo comfortable to use with PLENTY of eye relief. Those ES100's are good too. I have their 82deg 6.7mm I don't see it on their website anymore.

[@cdrice999]

@@kretieg2943 I have an ES 82 6.7 and 14, too - I keep trying to "like" them, but the views are just somewhat underwhelming vs. other EPs in the same focal range. Those Q70s are such a value - the Orion or Agena versions are both very affordable, but WOW the views are just amazing. I have a Panoptic 35 that I picked up to have a "really nice" wide field EP, but I still find myself favoring my Q70 38 or 32 over the Panoptic.

[@perryrush6563]

How was your camping trip??

[@cdrice999]

@@perryrush6563 We had smoke from wildfires, then monsoon season rain and clouds. The skies are _just_ clearing up enough to plan a trip in the next couple months - so haven't made it yet, but hope to see it soon. Scope has been gathering a bit of dust in the garage (for same reasons), but going to bring it out for a community star party this weekend, and if skies manage to stay clear in the coming days and weeks, I'll be quite happy!

[@SamS-sn4uu]

what were some of your favorite targets???

[@mertus4395]

Great video as always!

[@StereoSpace]

Great job on this review, you covered everything well. Thanks!

[@steverand6334]

Thanks Ed for the nice review of my scope! I've seen some wonderful objects through it, but for me it's time to downsize to something a little lighter.

[@Beaver-be8vk]

Great review!!!! This is becoming my favorite channel on KZbin. You got me back into the hobby after 15-20 years of a dusty scope sitting in the corner of my bedroom. I’ve been picking up all the gear you been recommending. Tele vue Delos 10mm, 27mm panoptic, and a 17mm nagler. Next on the list is a Celestron 9.25 with the CGEM to add to the collection. As soon as they get out of back order.

[@coldcrow9862]

I've got a XX16G on order right now, hopefully to be delivered in the next 1-2 weeks. The timing on this video was great for me, and made me feel good about my decision to purchase its bigger brother!

[@efulmer8675]

I just found your channel a few weeks after buying myself an Apertura AD12. Love the telescope and was attempting to figure out how to do some astrophotography with it and/or motorize/computerize it so I could try some of the smaller objects. This telescope or its brethren are absolutely what I would have saved up for and your review covered everything I wanted to know about it. I am a little disappointed that all the XX models have been discontinued at this point, but now that I have some idea of what I can get for a few thousand dollars, I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for it.

[@iamikejones]

Looks like a lot of work to carry this around and set it up multiple times for this review, thank you for doing it. Cool telescope.

[@mikejung3908]

What a nice person to listen to. So informative, well presented.

[@edting]

Haha, thanks. This is actually one review I'd like to do over. I'd approach it differently if I did it now.

[@williamfritz189]

Wow. A real pro at his craft here. Glad to find it!!

[@stevehanson5556]

My 1st scope was a tasco 4 1/4 reflector with equatorial mount I really enjoyed using that scope, around 1993 I purchased a Coulter Odyssey 13.1 really nice deep sky views but extremely heavy I found myself not using it much, I just purchased a nextstar 8 with go to mount I'm really looking forward to the use of that scope.

[@plap.]

Love your videos. Your way of speaking about all scopes is relaxing and informative. Would love this telescope but it needs a permanent spot in my yard because moving it, holy cow.

[@ScarrJaw]

I've been loving your videos, thankyou for the wonderfull review! I've been saving up for one of these for a while - I have a jeep and an old C8 and live in star nirvana here on the big island of hawaii. (no light polution!) This monster might fit in my jeep to explore the lava and the night sky. next to save up for 2 inch optics :) thanks again :)

[@AstroDenny]

Great vid, Ed! I was teetering around getting a go-to Dob. Instead I picked up some AstroDevices encoders and a Nexus2 and I have a 12" push-to dob. I've heard from a club member that the encoders on this are compatible with a DSC for push-to as well. I'd also like to see since this uses a Synscan controller if it can be used with EQMOD. Clear Skies!

[@tedblank9420]

I have one of these on the Orion 3-wheel dolly. I agree with everything Ed said. Great scope. I use a Hotech laser collimator for quick collimation. It is mostly used for public outreach, so I have a stepstool with u-shaped handle for objects higher in the sky. One warning on the 3-wheel dolly - don't let it sit on the tires for a long time (like several months) or they will develop permanent flat spots. I just replaced all 3 wheels (and inner tubes) and won't make that mistake again. The dolly makes it easy to move around, but it is big and heavy by itself. I had to buy two ramps to put it into the back of the mini-van, and I usually remove the mirror tube from the base before pushing the base+dolly up into the van. However having a minivan I have not yet had to disassemble the base. Thanks for the review Ed!

[@gregmckay666]

Excellent, fair review, Ed. Thanks

[@davesmith8936]

Great review! Thanks

[@sharpshooter6635]

I have one and love it! Had it for two years and love to have friends over for star parties. I have recently began Astrophotography with a DSLR !👍🏼

[@markbergendahl2651]

Excellent review !

[@clintongryke6887]

These are very informative videos; thank you.

[@larrymatney52]

I picked up a used XX14G going on two months ago and it is great. It has been mostly used at home but I took it to an outreach event last Saturday and it was a hit. Folks were impressed by the size but when they looked at the moon a lot of them were amazed. I added a ND filter to the 28mm 2” eyepiece and it really helped viewing the moon. It is going to be a fun scope. Ed, thank you for your reviews. I really appreciate them.

[@avt_astro206]

Love watching Your Reviews!! Nice Overview!! That 14 inch Scope Should Definitely make Show Piece Objects Pop brighter!! And Off course The moon and Planets Too!

[@thatwildestkid]

Great video, as always. Please consider reviewing various mounts on a future video.

[@kevspicer]

Ed is the best presenter of all things astronomical, thanks!

[@TheMrRockola]

Very nice review. Thank you!

[@jonathanr2830]

Very good review! Thank you.

[@genogeno1234]

This was a great scope, as I had one for a few years back in the day. Shortcomings were related to the placement of the pivot point too low on the tube. As such, it really needs bigger altitude bearings. As designed, it is only about a 22% of the way up the tube. The new Sky-Watcher (built by the same factory) which I now own fixed this issue, and the pivot point is 38% of the way up the tube, and the same 8 inch bearings which are absolutely perfect for this arrangement. This makes the newer design much more easy to move around the sky, much in the same vein as the Obsession I once owned. And this is the biggie for both the Orion and the Sky-Watcher- NO LADDER REQUIRED on an f/4.6 14 inch scope for most people. Final edit: was hoping you would remark about the conical mirror and mirror cell. Both of these make the telescope unique, and cool down is remarkably quick compared to Obsession and other traditional mirror designs, and the cell is unique and probably the most well engineered product I've ever seen in terms of holding the mirror.

[@DP-qb1zw]

I keep my large dobsonians assembled and take them outside with an appliance hand truck. It has straps that go around the scopes that hold it securely and tank tracks to go up and down steps easily without jarring.

[@ckreitlein]

You have tremendous presentation skills....fantastic review....

[@togray619]

I would like to have one, but to tell the truth, I've never seen a scope I didn't want!

[@caviestcaveman8691]

Good comment lol

[@stargazer2042]

I see the conical back mirror. Thanks for showing the counter weights.

[@mycarolinaskies]

Thanks for another great review. With a derotator these are being used for DSO imaging.

[@aemrt5745]

Curious. How well do those work and since these Dobs are visual, is their tracking accurate enough?

[@JamesEscobar]

Wow wow wow!!! Beautiful!!!

[@2uiator325]

Great review, Ed. Have you considered doing a review of the “best” eyepieces one can buy? They’re such a crucial part of the light path, you can find a lot of videos that discuss eyepiece basics, but there’s not much concrete on exactly which eyepieces you might recommend, or which are best performers, best values, etc.

[@angryginger791]

That might be hard to do since a lot of it comes down to preference, the target it will be used for, and a person's budget.

[@mattmahoney890]

He said he likes Televiews, but he won’t recommend any due to personal preferences

[@DP-qb1zw]

The shorter the f ratio the more expensive the eyepieces you need. I get nice views in an f 10 refractor from a 32$ set of three svbony type, 62 degree field, aspheric eyepieces 23mm, 10mm and 4mm . The 4mm came with the set but is too high power and I prefer a 7mm from other manufacturers for high power instead. I use Tele Vues with my short f ratio dobs.

[@sharpshooter6635]

Teleview 2x Barlow with 25mm 2” 👍🏼

[@kd1s]

Great review. That said for my purposes 8 to 10 inch scopes are more convenient for me. At that range you can likely track NGC objects.

[@yellowlynx]

Ed you are correct - if you have a big scope and it will be a hurdle for you to take it out often. Then I make an outdoor shed at my roof top to house the Doh. It was on a wooden dolly I can wheel it out easily. Then I stick pieces of rubber patches to keep the dolly still and start observing it.

[@scottstiers3805]

I had the first version of the 14" (2012?), before they put the clutch adjustment on the side. I could set it up in less than 15 minutes and it had a great mirror.

[@bowrudder899]

I got one -- the push-to model -- and I don't use it much, almost never. I use my 10" far more, but it's nice to have for special occasions.

[@ishanr8697]

It has a lot in common with my Skywatcher Flextube goto 12 inch. Looks like the conputer system is identical and the mounting system is similar. Mine seems a lot more convenient to set up. The base is half the weight, and you just need 2 pieces for the whole scope rather than about 10 for the Orion. It's big but manageable. I guess the Orion has an advantage in how easy it is to transport once it's broken down.

[@perrysun9474]

Great review!, I got skywatcher 14 inch goto dob and I found it also can do some Astro photos. I had the best M42 view with my 14inch Dob in all my observing experience!

[@starsnstuff842]

Agreed, I have the 16inch version of the skywatcher and have had great success imaging DSO'S with a DSLR with exposures up to 1 minute. I only wish the shroud fitted as well as it does on the Orion.

[@ronboe6325]

I have a 16" dob a buddy built to AstroSystems plans many years ago. When I traded in the minivan for a Ford Edge back in '07 it suddenly became a boat anchor. The rocker box was too heavy to lift onto the higher deck (I could have done it, but scratched up the car really bad doing so - so it was a non-starter). It appears I'm on the 20 year plan to build a much lighter chassis for that mirror. In the mean time I've embraced smaller refractors. :)

[@jrhalabamacustoms5673]

Wonder if I could fit this in my 10/12 ROR. Thank you for the review, pretty amazing scope for the price point.

[@mikeworthington8338]

Hi Ed, your videos are great and thank you, you have saved me from countless beginner mistakes. Of course I'm stubborn and made a few anyway lol. I now know what scope I'm saving for next after this video confirmed the bang for the buck. I am curious as to the 14" vs 16" since I'm already signing up to move a heavy scope. Could you compare these and give opinion on the advantages of one or the other? Yes, I did buy 8" (old) star finder and thought easy to fix some of its shortcomings as I wanted to build a 8" on your recommendations, lol. So after new OTA 10" duct, built complete new base with 18" alt bearings, added setting circles, Starlight focuser, Aperura10-50 right angle finder, Telrad, deluxe mirror cell, mount rings with rotation, cooling fan, dew shield flocking, recoated mirrors and the list goes on! I should have just bought a better scope to start with (like you said) Oh and I'm going to add a wedge and push to system this fall. Still super glad to have a 8" DOB ! My more portables are Celestron 114eq and 130eq not great but easy to take with and share with friends. Sv305 and sharp cap takes care of fetting me keepsakes I want. Keep up the great videos and clear skies!

[@terrizittritsch745]

nice review!

[@mikewarkentin8736]

Hi Ed. Love your content, and I have been watching your videos for years. I wondered if you could do a video review of one of the new ultralight truss tube dobsonians like the Explore Scientific Gen II models or the Hubble Optics UL14? Thanks.

[@kennethwilson8633]

Looked through one at the Michigan Star Gaze once very good and the goto was fairly accurate always in a low power eyepiece. It is a very dark site so it was special. Have fun stay safe.

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

Great review. Surprised that the XX12G may be discontinued because that should sell better than the 14 inch model. In any case I own four telescopes and that is my personal limit. Again, great review.

[@frankbraker]

This is tempting. I am committed only to doing astro-photo though, and I cannot help but imagine wanting to make a wedge mount for the base to allow tracking without image rotation. Either that, or try to limit subs to very short exposure times. Thanks for the review.

[@saladbreath607]

I could see mounting this on a 4x6 trailer with jackstands and towing it to the site. Auxilary battery, step stool, and beer cooler would fit too!

[@mgeb101]

I also got a 16" dob, but without goto, just awesome view, and for DSO objects really an aperture where I start seeing colours and not just shadows. @ed a review of one of the 16" GSO dobs would be nice (Like the Meade lightbridge or omegon or ts, price new is about 2000€ here, but you get a lot used ones too)

[@astroblast9352]

And this is why I'm totally ok with my Orion XT10i. Truss dobs to me are only ok if you can leave them assembled and wheel them out. Which I can't do in my location.

[@epickcrom5606]

Great video as always Ed👍. Only question: what was that weird whispering at 9:10?

[@justinchong4447]

Great review , Ed . Do you have any recommendations for portable and travel telescope ?

[@AstroRef68]

Excellent video

[@MountainFisher]

I've looked through big scopes like that at star parties, they are really something. See galaxies you cannot ordinarily see without long exposure photography.

[@bk3720]

In my opinion, this scope would be fun to have if it can be rolled out from the garage. Otherwise it would be too much effort for me to lug or disassemble, assemble every time. I would consider making a big truss tube dob sometime if time, space and money allow. Ed has a knack for doing reviews!

[@larrygraham3377]

This is a great scope ... I want one !!!

[@michaelkohl2250]

Great review. No offense I now I'm privileged about this but it's very funny for me when you talk about the weight of scopes. Fortunately I have a lot time to train und i put up the scopes you describe as "to heavy" mostly single handed. For example the cpc11 is so easy to put on the pole wedge I don't even feel the weight. I'm a big fan of your channel, I just wanted to mention that ppl can move it by themselves. Greetings

[@Larrye123]

I'm so lucky I watched this video. I was ready to buy a larger telescope and weight wasn't one of my considerations. I just assumed because I had a van that there was no problem. I see now I wouldn't be using the telescope in just a few years as I get older. This isn't something you want to deal with as you get to 60 or 70 years old. Too much hassle. Looks like a 6" or 8" for my retirement. Big thank you to Ed Ting for all his hard work!

[@starsnstuff842]

Wouldn't worry too much about the switch failing, they look very much like the switches commonly used in small garden machines such as hedge trimmers strimmers and chainsaws. They are very cheap easy to fit and readily available on Ebay under garden machinery spares

[@davidellis2021]

Thanks Ed.

[@davidstaiti]

Ed, I LOVE your videos. I am looking to add a second scope to my collection. Currently have a Celestron 8se, and I'm looking at a lightly used XX16G Orion. Any opinions on this? I realize it's going to be a BIG scope. My general desire is a 12-16" big aperature dobsonian. I'm not super budget sensitive so I'm OK with spending more for an Obsession (if I can find one used as I don't want to wait months and months).

[@myidahohomestead.7123]

I would love one, but I'll stick with my manual 12 inch dob for the price difference. I don't mind having to find things on my own without the goto. The tracking would be nice so I can let several people look without having to keep readjusting my scope.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

My 10” Dob is a fraction of the size and I have it on a Dob dolly. The ability to deploy and break it down quickly is necessary - otherwise, gear doesn’t get used.

[@ed_1969]

I've always wanted to get a computerized large dobsonian. When I had my explore scientific 10" I just started this and had a hard time learning and finding objects. Now that I can afford one of these they are discontinued 🙁 There's other brands but I had my eyes on these orion's for a long time.

[@T.K.9]

I feel like for big telescopes, for you to be able to take her out regardless of her size. One would need a dedicated storage area like say a garage and have a dedicated trolly or dolly or whatever to transfer that beast. Or just have a pre-determined observation points on your area with a flat ground or build one if there aren't any even ground. And then just have a dolly of some kind that can easily be used to roll around the scope with good brakes so you can just keep the scope on the dolly while doing your observations. In the end of the day, its not just the weight. Its the hassle of assembling and disassembling that will make you not wanna take her out. Unlike say a decent size refract, or sct that can easily be carried around without even having to remove the ota from the tripod unless if you got the big goto eq mounts which are heavy on their own right.

[@mattiagaggiato5937]

i would love to buy one, the only two problems are that i don't have the money, and i don't think there is any shop selling this in my country, which means that to get one i would have to spend even more...

[@fredaw61]

I totally would love to be an owner of one. I guess if I ever win the lotto I would hire someone to carry it out and set it up! Lol

[@manny_f]

Orion have stopped selling this model in the EU, dunno the reason or whether it's temporary. I think 14" is a sweet spot of a lot of things, and I love the fact that for my particular height the eyepiece lies exactly at eye height at zenith.

[@edting]

You may be able to find it in Sky-Watcher form. Check your local outlets.

[@Raphael-hc9rh]

Hi Ed, Great review, many thanks. I have had one of these for 2 years and I can tell your review was very accurate! Unfortunately, at 75, the weight seems to be increasing every month... But I like the beast so much that I'm trading it for a XX12G, some 15kg lighter. Yes it was out of the Orion's catalog, then it came back for a while and I got one. Would you consider doing a comparo one of these days? Best regards

[@DP-qb1zw]

Can you just keep your scope assembled and use a hand truck to transport it outside your home? That's what I do with mine. I only take them apart when going camping at a dark site

[@AZTechLabs]

I would put an L bracket slot on the top of each truss so that you can basically set the top on without it falling. Also I'd spray all surfaces flat black maybe even vanata black

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

For the ground base, I would just use a hand truck (and leave the base together). I think heavy is better, at least from a vibration standpoint. I LIKE it. At 14" and that price point, it would be my last telescope, and you could really do some things with it. Great review.

[@DP-qb1zw]

Me too, I just use an appliance hand truck to take my 2 large, a 16" and 17.5" at 2 separate homes, obsonians outside. Works well and holds the scope securely with two straps.

[@danieljohnkirby9412]

There is no such thing as a "last telescope". You're always going to want to buy another.

[@user-kf8fj2mc7u]

Hi Ed, thank you for your channel and effort. I like the way you explain. I have a bunch of newbie questions. I walk around this telescope topic for a few years already, but I can't really make a decision. I visited different observatories, but that didn't help to make a decision. I'll just leave my questions here (perhaps they'll inspire you to make videos with answers). 1. What are the best $200, $500, $1000, $10000 etc telescopes to observe planets or deep space objects? 2. Is there a scope that would be good for both types of observations? What if I buy planet-scope and then try to look at deep space? How does it look like? I mean I know it doesn't look good, but just how bad is that? 3. What's so difficult about AP? The setup? Expenses? 4. How does it work when I try to take a photo with long exposure time (let's say whole night) and they sky rotates? Do I need to have a telescope that adjusts its' position automatically (or do I adjust it myself every once in a while)? 5. Are there problems with software or lack of it? I'm a software developer, that's why. I don't have Windows (I use Linux) and often think that it would be great to have all the software online. Modern technology breakthroughs already allow for that, but software simply isn't created yet.

[@MountainFisher]

Nobody answered you for a year? Best $230 scope is a Celestron AZ mount StarSense 80mm Explorer LT you use your smart phone to guide the scope. Best $500 scope is a 102mm ED Astro Tech refractor, it is $550, but it is near triplet quality, very little chromatic aberration and awesome dual speed rank and pinion focuser. For $1100 you can get the tried and true Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope Schmitt Cassegrain. As for $10,000 that is outside my expertise. You asked, "What's so difficult about AP? The setup? Expenses?" Yes to all of that if you want to get serious. I don't and do not do very much. Yes you absolutely have to have a good tracking telescope, you cannot do it by hand just moving it every once in a while. As for software join an astronomy club and talk to others who deal with those issues.

[@user-kf8fj2mc7u]

@@MountainFisher Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@krishnaananda3617]

Hello, thanks a lot....

[@naturetherapyfilms]

Mr, Ed I want to thank you for this impressive review and video. I would like to ask you, where can I go vitas to purchase one of this telescopes? thank you..... Martin

[@ubiond1182]

Hi Ed, how good is the go to for tracking while observing? Is it much more comfortable than tracking by end? Never used a go to but I am thinking about it

[@Jay_J]

Ed here's A SECOND endorsement to 2Uiator's comment below for an Eyepiece discussion and review video and how they may best pair up with various types of Telescopes and F ratios. Including 2" vs 1.25" inexpensive, vs mid-price vs crazy expensive models. Thanks! Jay in Allen, TX

[@georges.5612]

Was considering getting a 14-16" goto/tracking dob for planetary imaging. This video talked by back from this idea by the 5:00 mark.

[@hornet224]

My Skyline 10 is good enough. Size is not everything. It all depends on the quality of the atmosphere. If you can get a very rare ultra-dark, moonless night with no light pollution and a non-turbulent atmosphere, this scope is outstanding with good 2" lenses.

[@ziggyfrnds]

Always a good day when Mr. Ed Ting uploads a video! Mr Ting can I request you to make a video about bino-viewers? i'm sure many of us would like to hear your well-informed opinion about them. Especially if you can do a comparison of the cheap ones (Williams optics comes to mind) vs the really expensive ones

[@edting]

Binoviewing is a huuuuuuge topic. I have some articles on Scopereviews if you want to check them out.

[@ziggyfrnds]

@@edting Thanks! I must admit I've never read any of your articles until now. And now i'm hooked! I read until 3 am and started again at 8 am :D I especially like the Chile series...the milk way shots on there are so surreal. I live in the southern hemisphere myself (sydney, au) and have visited dark skies here but Chilean dark skies are something else. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@aemrt5745]

Great review. I have had trouble with Orion ordering. I waited 7 months for the xx12g and they discontinued it and cancelled my order. I tried to get the xx14g after that, but it now appears as "no longer available" on Orion's website. Apparently similar scopes are the Sky Watcher Synscan series. I gave up on Orion and have the 14in arriving this week.

[@edting]

Thanks for that. Orion must have pulled the product just as I uploaded the review!

[@aemrt5745]

@@edting Well, it seem Orion has discontinued all their truss goto Dobs. The xx16g is now discontinued too.

[@bowrudder899]

I found one used! The push-to Intellisope model. Not excited about the weight of the base board or the OTA, but looking forward to finishing the Messier list. ;-)

[@MyTube4Utoo]

If I could leave it fully assembled, and on a wheeled cart in my garage, I'd love to have it. Otherwise I think I'd use it several times initially, and then I'd buy something smaller and lighter. Thank you for the great video.

[@mouser485]

Yeah, exactly what I did to mine. It has its own enclosed corner on the carport and when I want to use it, I open up the doors to its enclosure, hook up its wheeled dolly, that it’s sitting on, to my golf cart and just tow it out to the yard. No way in heck I’d be able to constantly assemble and disassemble this thing. While Orion made it as easy as possible, it’d still be a hassle.

[@nickademuss42]

My dobstuff kit scope with 14" hubble mirror, weighs half as much as this, its a push to with the DSC. It was about 1,000 less. Yes I had to build it, seal it and tune it, but thats not hard....

[@chettdavidson1812]

Thank you Ed. Could you recommend quality mirrors manufacturer for a dob?

[@edting]

At the cheap end, try the Agena mirrors. On custom mirrors, be prepared for sticker shock. My favorites are the Zambutos.

[@joetuktyyuktuk8635]

Honestly, if I had one of these, I would build a roll off garden shed...

[@benghazi4216]

My dream would be a 2m one, but in the real world, this is an actual attainable dream

[@GarnettLeary]

A roll away shelter to house it would be ideal. That’s a monster. How is it to collimate?

[@edting]

It isn't too bad, but if you're collimating on a star you need two people - one to look through the eyepiece, and the other to turn the knobs. I usually get it close with a laser, and then fine-tune on a star.

[@ericemanuelson5128]

Maybe someday when I have the room. I was expecting it to be taller unless Ed is 6' 3".

[@Israelmv123]

Ed what are your thoughts on the hubble optics dobs?

[@shadowrizhik4294]

I asked already; he said he hasn’t run across one yet.

[@bitrage.]

I dont know anything about telescopes, but this is a good azz deal!

[@istvanbenyei8359]

Loved the review. Unfortunately, Orion’s website lists this scope as discontinued. The 10” is the only go to Dobsonian they still list as active. If you want a new Orion 14” DOB, it’s going to have to be the “I” (intelliscope, non goto) version. Shame, theses really were nice scopes.

[@Mandragara]

Orion scopes are made by Synta from memory, who are doing a line refresh I hear

[@edting]

Yeah I saw that too. It way still be available under the Sky-Watcher label though.

[@project7lab677]

they still do, look under build your own dobs

[@aemrt5745]

Actually the xx16g is still on their website.

[@istvanbenyei8359]

@@aemrt5745 I didn’t say it wasn’t on the website. It’s there but with a big “No longer available for purchase” label. In other words, it’s bees discontinued.

[@davidaucoin4990]

I bought one in July 2021, I sold it in December 2021. Too big to lug around. With the money I sold it for, I bought an EQ6R mount and a used C11. I used mine exclusively for EAA imaging. They are no longer being sold by Orion. They are not listed on their website anymore.

[@fujikij]

What power supply did you use for this scope?

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

On ‘missing’ Go-To Dobsonians: today I read in the Wall Street Journal that there is a massive pileup of goods at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the ones that Asian optics are likely to pass through. The ports are not operating 24-7 unlike ports overseas. The problem is: not enough drivers to carry the goods inland. So this is another reason for all the delays…

[@edting]

Thanks for that, I hope that is the issue and we all start getting our scopes again soon!

[@RickGreenPhoto]

Ed, I just purchased one of these used and was curious if it is possible or even desirable to pair it with an asiair plus for tracking and astrophotography? Thanks for the great content it is appreciated.

[@edting]

I'm not sure what you mean by "tracking and astrophotography." You don't use a Dob for imaging. Your camera will probably not come to focus, its weight may upset the balance of the scope, there is no dedicated field flattener/coma corrector, there is no autoguider port, the alt-az mount will result in field de-rotation, etc etc.

[@RickGreenPhoto]

@@edting Actually Ed many people do use there Dobsonians for photography. While it is true it is not usually used that way. I just wondered if you had ever tried it or knew if the asi air would drive any guide electronics via st4 usb HC connection etc on Orions... Its ok if you don't have experience with drive motor electronics , I do and can design a stepper that would work but why re-invent the wheel ya know? I like to keep things as they came from the factory as much as possible.. Again thanks for all the great content.

[@brucekent7442]

Wow looks like a cannon.