Following on the heels of our critically acclaimed SkyQuest XX12i comes the next member in our exciting new line of truss tube Dobsonian telescopes - the mighty SkyQuest XX14i IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian. Featuring colossal 14" diffraction-limited optics and a design engineered by Orion that is optimized from top to bottom for portability, the XX14i delivers the highest level of performance and transportability of any telescope in its class - and at a price that's thousands of dollars less than custom-made or "boutique" Dobsonians.
The XX14i turns the night sky into an endless playground of deep-space surprises for intermediate and advanced observing enthusiasts. The space-penetrating 14" (356mm) parabolic primary mirror, made from low-thermal expansion glass, features enhanced reflectivity (94%) aluminum coatings to deliver more light to the eye. And what do 14" optics buy you in the way of extra light gathering power compared to 12" and 10" optics? Plenty! The XX14i pulls in 36% more light than a 12" and 96% more than 10" optics, allowing you to resolve significantly fainter objects and more subtle details.
Once your observing target is locked in utilizing the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator's database of 14,000 celestial objects, the XX14i's dual-speed (11:1) 2" Crayford focuser lets you quickly bring the object into crisp, clear focus using either of the included eyepieces: low-power 35mm 2" DeepView or high power 10mm 1.25" Sirius Plossl. With a maximum eyepiece height of 63 inches, viewing through the XX14i will not require a stool or ladder for most observers, even when observing objects near zenith.
The XX14i adds a convenient new twist to truss-tube Dobsonian portability by allowing easy disassembly of both the optical tube and the base into smaller, easily manageable pieces. The optical tube itself features an eight-pole truss design (four captive pairs) that provides greater structural rigidity than similar 6-pole truss or 3-pole "parallel strut" designs. Large hand knobs and captive bolts make for user-friendly assembly and disassembly of the tube sections. To minimize the size of the bottom section of the XX14i's optical tube, it has been engineered with three removable, recessed counterweights that provide the optimum balance for the tube on its 8" diameter altitude hubs.
The Orion-designed collapsible base, made of 1"-thick engineered composite wood with a weather-resistant laminated finish for for rock-solid stability, adds to the portability of the XX14i. The base quickly breaks down into four pieces without tools, to easily fit into standard sized automobiles. All hardware is captive to prevent accidental loss.
The SkyQuest XX14i IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian makes owning a large-aperture Dobsonian more exciting and more practical than ever before. Its synthesis of pack-it-up portability, incredible optics, IntelliScope digital object location system, and affordable prices puts it in a league of its own. It's an all-star performer for the visual astronomer who's ready for "deeper-sky" adventures!
Assembled weight (including accessories): 115 lbs. Assembled optical tube, 61"L x 16.5"W, 69.25 lbs. Bottom tube section, 21.5"L x 16.5"W, 52.9 lbs; top tube section, 8.5"L x 16.5"W, 9.4 lbs. Truss poles (8), 30.5"L x 1" W. Total weight of 4 truss pole pairs and captive assembly knobs: 6.95 lbs. Assembled Base, 28.5" W x 27" H, 45.4 lbs.
Meets or exceeds all California State Environmental Quality & Safety Regulations (CARB 93120 Phase 2 Compliant).
WARNING! When using a truss tube Dobsonian telescope for solar observing, always use a Light Shroud and a properly sized solar filter. When you install the Light Shroud make certain there are no gaps between the Shroud and the telescope where direct sunlight can reach the telescope mirror. When a truss tube telescope (equipped with a solar filter but no Light Shroud) is pointing near (not at) the Sun, direct sunlight can hit the mirror and focus on the solar filter or other portions of the telescope. This can lead to eye injury or damage to the telescope. Using a Light Shroud protects your telescope from peripheral sunlight.
Before using any telescope for solar observing, make sure to install all dustcaps or other protective covers on all optical components such as finder scopes to keep sunlight from passing through them. Glancing through an uncovered optical system, even for an instant, can cause permanent eye damage. Always install protective caps on all optical instruments if left out during daylight hours.
Dispatch Policy:
The majority of our orders are shipped via economy service from the Netherlands. In-stock items will arrive 5-7 business days after receipt of your order. Very large, multi-box, telescopes may arrive through freight service on a pallet for curbside delivery. Additional shipping charges may apply for oversize items.
PO Box:
We do not ship to PO Box or BFPO addresses
Warranty
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at sales-eu@telescope.com
Product Support
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more