Orion or Celestron

[Sigma]

I currently have a very old Tasco 4.5" reflector on a wobbly equatorial mount. I can typically spot some of the larger planets but they don't come in as much more than a fuzzy blur. I'm looking for a good replacement scope for some deeper field observing. A dobsonian seems like it would fit my needs the best and I have narrowed my search down between the Orion SkyQuest XT10 and the Celestron StarHopper 10. Size is not an issue and these both are in the price range that I am looking to spend. What I am really interested in knowing about is the quality of the build and dependability. I want this telescope to last me for a long while and act as a reserve scope, should I ever purchase something more elaborate or advanced in the future.

[redshifter]

I've had my XT10 for about 4 yrs. now and still love it. The Celestron is probably a great scope as well, but I have no experience with it. I don't know what the focal length of the Celestron scope is, but with the 4.7 f ratio of the XT10, I can view objects at zenith very comfortably while seated. As far as quality of build and dependability, the XT10 does well in my experience. I've made a few mods to mine which enhances it's performance, but it's fine 'out of the box' as well.

[kookbreaker]

The optics & tubes are from the same factory. The bases? Not so certain anymore. I will say that Orion tends to pay more attention to their Dob quality than other telescope companies, where they are usually an afterthought to the GOTO lines.

[Kyle Edwards]

I would reccommend the Orion. All of them that I have looked through seem to be of good quality.

[glasspusher]

I've got the XT 8 and it is a very good scope. Built strong so it can last a lifetime. The only thing I found that I didn't like was the finder scope that came with the XT 8. So I bought the Orion 9x50 Right-Angle finder. I also have made a few mods to the scope to make things better.

Glasspusher