How can i boost the magnification power of my orion xt-8?

Question

How can i boost the magnification power of my orion xt-8?

Answer 1

The xt8 is 200 mm.  It should support 400x.  It has 1200mm focal length.  So the smallest usable eyepiece is 1200 / 400 = 3 mm.  Since 3 mm eyepieces are hard to make any good, i'd go with a 6 mm and a 2x barlow.  But the scope comes with a 10 mm, so i'd consider just a 3x barlow.

Try before you buy.  You're local club may be able to help you.

I have the xt10i.  I use a 2x barlow with the 10mm.  That gives 240x.  It's the most i use.

Answer 2

By changing eyepieces. Or adding a Barlow. Magnification is focal length of objective divided by focal length of eyepiece.

The XT8 has an objective focal length of 1200mm. It comes with only one eyepiece, a 25mm focal length eyepiece. 1200/25 = 48 power. Orion sells all kinds of eyepieces but you can use any standard 1.25 inch eyepiece from any seller. Or get several to get many different magnifications. A 10mm will give you 120 power and a 6mm will give you 200 for example. Don't overdo it. 200 power is plenty most if the time.

Answer 3

shorty plus barlow at

http://www.oriontelescopes.com/