The Orion SkyQuest XX12g is a 12-inch computerized Dobsonian built around a 305 mm mirror, with GoTo locating and tracking to make a large telescope easier to aim. Its strongest case is substantial aperture paired with automation; its biggest drawback is the work of moving and assembling it. The manufacturer’s manual documents a 47 lb optical tube and an 89 lb base, so this is not a lightweight grab-and-go scope. The available hands-on review is from 2015, and the specifications below come from a 2013 manual; neither establishes current availability or pricing.
What kind of telescope is the XX12g?
The XX12g is a truss-tube Dobsonian with a computerized alt-azimuth mount. Its optical tube breaks down from the base for transport, while the mount’s motors and encoders help locate and track objects. It is designed for visual observing, combining a large aperture with automation rather than minimizing size or setup effort.
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Telescope Cover for Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dobsonian 2012–2024 | $47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Telescope Cover for Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dobsonian 2012–2024 | $47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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XX12g specifications
These are specifications listed in Orion’s IN 461 Rev. D manual, dated June 2013. They are manufacturer figures, not independent measurements.
| Specification | XX12g |
|---|---|
| Primary mirror | 305 mm (12-inch) center-marked parabolic mirror |
| Focal length and focal ratio | 1500 mm; f/4.9 |
| Mirror coating | Enhanced aluminum, listed reflectivity of 94%, with SiO2 overcoat |
| Focuser | Dual-speed Crayford with 11:1 fine adjustment; accepts 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces using the included adapter |
| Assembled optical tube weight | 47 lb |
| Base weight | 89 lb |
| Tube length | 58.3 inches |
| Power | 12 V DC, 2.1 A, tip positive |
| Controller object database | Over 42,900 objects in the 2013 manual’s documented controller generation; this is not a current database count |
The manufacturer’s manual describes operation in either hemisphere. Its power requirement means owners need a compatible 12 V DC supply; the manual does not establish what power accessory is included with every sale or used listing.
#1 Best Overall
- Applicable Model:For Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dobsonian 2012–2024.
- Materials:Made from durable high-quality materials to help protect your telescope during outdoor storage.
- Protection:Helps reduce sun exposure that may cause fading cracking or premature aging of telescope components.
- Fixing Strap:Strap adjustable drawstring clean closing and prevents wind entering from bottom.
- After-sales service:Should you encounter any issues with this product, I will reply to you within 24 hours.
How well does the GoTo system work?
The mount uses DC servo motors and optical encoders on both altitude and azimuth axes. The manual lists nine slew rates, from 1x to 1000x, and sidereal, lunar, and solar tracking. Its alignment options are Brightest Star and Two Star.
In a 28 April 2015 Astronomy Now review, Steve Ringwood reported successful alignment and object finding in his observing sessions, including putting the Moon in the eyepiece on the first aim. He also described the motors as smooth and quiet. These are one reviewer’s observations, not a controlled comparison or a guarantee that every setup will align or point equally well.
What does the XX12g look like at the eyepiece?
Ringwood’s 2015 review reports pleasing lunar and planetary views, strong star images, and observations of lunar craters, Uranus, Neptune, the Pleiades, the Double Cluster, and the double star epsilon Lyrae. He noted coma toward the edge of the field, which he considered expected at this focal ratio. These impressions reflect his telescope, observing conditions, and sessions; they should not be treated as universal results.
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The manual lists the assembled optical tube at 47 lb and the base at 89 lb. Together, those listed components amount to 136 lb before accessories or a power supply. The truss design lets the telescope come apart, but separating it does not make its components light. Ringwood independently identified weight as the main practical drawback and said moving the assembled base was difficult.
Plan where the telescope will be stored and how each component will get from storage to the observing site. A trolley or other moving aid may help with moving the base, as Ringwood suggested, but the available sources do not establish a specific trolley’s fit or suitability. For transport, the manual recommends keeping the lower tube section upright where possible to reduce stress on the mirror support.
Rank #2
- Applicable Model:For Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dobsonian 2012–2024.
- Materials:Made from durable high-quality materials to help protect your telescope during outdoor storage.
- Protection:Helps reduce sun exposure that may cause fading cracking or premature aging of telescope components.
- Fixing Strap:Strap adjustable drawstring clean closing and prevents wind entering from bottom.
- After-sales service:Should you encounter any issues with this product, I will reply to you within 24 hours.
What comes with the XX12g?
The June 2013 manual lists these included items:
- 28 mm DeepView 2-inch eyepiece
- Illuminated 12.5 mm Plössl eyepiece
- EZ Finder II
- Collimation cap
- XX12g cooling fan
Included equipment may vary with the specific used telescope or sale. Check the listing and confirm that the expected parts are present rather than assuming every example is complete.
Assembly, collimation, and stray light
Ringwood described assembly as straightforward and the mount as rigid once tightened. The manual nevertheless calls for checking optical collimation each time the tube is assembled. This is an important recurring setup task for a truss-tube Newtonian; the included collimation cap provides a basic aid, and the manual does not require a laser collimator.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe manual recommends a light shroud over the truss section to reduce stray light and dust and help prevent dew. It does not establish a current source or confirmed fit for an aftermarket shroud, so verify dimensions and compatibility before buying one.
Is the Orion SkyQuest XX12g worth buying?
It may suit an observer who values a 305 mm aperture and computerized pointing and tracking, and who has the space and practical means to transport, assemble, power, and collimate a large telescope. It is a poor fit if frequent carrying, quick spontaneous setup, or low component weight is a priority. The available evidence documents the model’s historical specifications and a reviewer’s 2015 experience; it does not establish current production, seller stock, price, warranty, or support arrangements.
For context, Astronomy Now listed the telescope at $2,199 in its 2015 review, while an Astronomy.com product notice listed $1,899.95 in 2011. Those are historical prices only and say nothing about what a particular example costs today.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dobsonian manual, revision IN 461 Rev. D, June 2013
- Steve Ringwood, Astronomy Now, 28 April 2015
- Astronomy.com product notice, 2011
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
