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The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic is a compact, manually aimed 4.5-inch Newtonian reflector designed for straightforward visual observing. Its documented package includes two eyepieces and a finder, but the aperture is modest and the mount has no tracking. Telescope reviewer Zane Landers considered it a good first telescope when it was available, while noting its relatively small aperture and price compared with competitors. New availability is uncertain: Adorama’s exact-model listing says the item is no longer available, which does not rule out used examples.
What are the XT4.5’s specifications?
Orion’s instruction manual for model 10014, revision IN 164 Rev C (06/12), documents the following specifications. These describe the model in that manual; check a resale listing to confirm what is actually included.
| Specification | Documented detail |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector |
| Aperture | 114 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Focal length and ratio | 900 mm; f/7.9 |
| Mount | Two-axis alt-azimuth Dobsonian base |
| Focuser | 1.25-inch rack-and-pinion |
| Mirrors | Aluminum with SiO2 overcoating |
| Secondary mirror minor axis | 28 mm |
| Tube length and diameter | 35 inches; 5.5 inches outer diameter |
| Tube-and-base weight | 17.6 lb |
These figures are published in Orion’s SkyQuest XT4.5 instruction manual. A secondary catalog also lists the same aperture, focal length, focal ratio, Newtonian design, and focuser type, but the manual is the primary specification source (catalog specifications).
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The model 10014 manual lists a 25 mm Sirius Plössl and a 10 mm Sirius Plössl, a 6×26 correct-image finder and bracket, an eyepiece rack, and a collimation cap, along with the Dobsonian base parts. The telescope accepts 1.25-inch eyepieces.
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- 【Applicable models】for Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian 2001–2022
- 【Premium Quality】Our telescope cover is made of high quality Oxford fabric, which is super reliable and tear resistant. The silver plated outer layer provides extra protection from all weather conditions including rain, dust
- 【Easily Store】Ensure your telescope's longevity with cover. Shield it from all weather types with all-season protection waterproof and durable. Reduce cleaning time, extend service life, and store with confidence
- 【 Adjustable Drawstring Fit 】Elastic drawstring at bottom secures cover around tripod legs to prevent wind displacement and dust entry
- 【Where To Use】Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this cover protects telescopes in various settings, including backyards, balconies, and garages. It is designed for year-round use, offering protection in summer and resistance to snow and moisture in winter
With the documented 900 mm focal length, the included 25 mm eyepiece gives 36x magnification, and the 10 mm eyepiece gives 91x. Those are the manual’s calculated combinations, not guarantees of how much useful detail a particular target will show. Used listings may have missing or substituted accessories, so verify contents rather than assuming every resale example matches the manual’s package.
How does it work for a first telescope?
The XT4.5’s Dobsonian base moves in altitude and azimuth, so the user points the tube by hand rather than using a motorized tracking mount. That simple arrangement keeps operation mechanically direct: aim, center a target, focus, and adjust the eyepiece as needed. The manual covers assembly, finder alignment, focusing, and eyepiece use.
Rank #2
- 420D OXFORD FABRIC: Made from durable 420D Oxford fabric with a water-resistant outer surface, this telescope cover helps reduce direct exposure to light rain, dust, leaves and everyday outdoor debris. The flexible material is designed for repeated covering and removal while keeping compatible telescopes cleaner during storage
- SILVER-COATED INNER LAYER: The inside features a silver-colored coating that adds another layer between the telescope and the outer fabric. It helps reflect sunlight and reduce heat buildup during outdoor storage, making the cover practical for patios, backyards, observation areas and other suitable spaces
- ZIPPERED ACCESS FOR EASY HANDLING: A zipper opening makes the cover easier to place over and remove from compatible telescope setups without excessive pulling or stretching. The lightweight construction allows quick daily use while helping the fabric follow the shape of the optical tube and mount more naturally
- ADJUSTABLE DRAWSTRING FOR A SECURE FIT: The lower edge includes an elastic drawstring with an adjustable stopper that can be tightened around the setup after the cover is positioned. This helps reduce loose fabric and keeps the cover more neatly in place during storage when outdoor air movement increases
- ALL-WEATHER STORAGE COVERAGE: Designed for regular outdoor storage, the cover helps limit contact with sun exposure, moisture, dust, fallen leaves and common debris throughout changing seasons. When the telescope is ready for use, the flexible cover can be removed, folded and stored in a compact space
Its 4.5-inch aperture is a practical limit as well as a defining feature. What can be seen depends on the target, sky darkness, atmospheric conditions, and the observer’s setup; neither the manual nor the cited review supports a guarantee about views under any specific sky. The manual mount also means the observer must keep moving the telescope to follow objects across the sky.
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Rank #3
- 【FULL EQUIPMENT STORAGE COVERAGE】: Outdoor Telescope Cover for Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic, extends over the optical tube, mount, and upper tripod area to add a practical outer layer between viewing sessions. The roomy shape helps reduce direct contact with light rain, leaves, dirt, and common debris while equipment is stored
- 【ADJUSTABLE DRAWSTRING CLOSURE】: Lower cords allow the opening to be tightened around compatible setups after placement. This adjustable design helps manage excess fabric near the base and makes it easier to position the material around different tripod layouts without adding a rigid fastening system
- 【 EXTENDED SIZE】: Measuring about 59 in long with a top width near 31.5 in and lower width near 33 in, the tapered profile provides room for larger optical assemblies and mounted accessories. Check overall height and maximum width before ordering to determine suitability
- 【EASY ON, EASY OFF DESIGN】: The open-bottom construction slips over assembled equipment without requiring the optical tube and mount to be separated first. Flexible fabric makes removal straightforward when it is time to observe and folds down afterward for convenient storage with other accessories
- 【GARAGE, PATIO & BETWEEN-SESSION USE】: Suitable for temporary storage in garages, covered patios, porches, sheds, and home observing areas. Before purchase, compare the dimensions with your tube position, mount width, tripod height, and attached accessories to determine whether the shape suits your setup
What maintenance should you expect?
Like other Newtonian reflectors, the XT4.5 can require mirror collimation—adjusting optical alignment. Orion’s manual says the optics are factory aligned but may need adjustment after rough handling. It includes a collimation cap and a center mark on the primary mirror to help with alignment; it does not say to collimate before every observing session.
For storage, the manual recommends keeping the dust caps on and storing the telescope and small accessories in a clean, dry place. It treats collimation and optic cleaning in separate appendices; consult the model manual for those procedures instead of improvising cleaning methods.
Rank #4
- Barlow lens & moon filter, which are indispensable for astronomical telescopes, improve the working efficiency of eyepieces and expand the eyepiece magnification of 1.25-inch telescope to 2.5 times.
- 5x Barlow lens has a magnification of 2.5 times in the actual measurement.
- Works with telescopes from Celestron, Skywatcher, Mead, Orion, and most brands.
- Universal M42 thread connection, you can also connect an SLR camera. Connect one end to the T-ring, then the SLR, and finally the entire assembly to the astronomical telescope to begin photography.
- Both the 5x Barlow lens and Moon Filter frame are processed by precision CNC. The anti-rust surface treatment is suitable for long-term use.
Is the XT4.5 still available?
Adorama’s exact-model page reported “This item is no longer available” when accessed on October 7, 2026. That is the status of that retailer’s listing, not evidence that no used or marketplace examples exist. Do not assume a new unit is in stock based on an old product page; confirm availability directly before making plans to buy. The listing identifies the telescope as a 114 mm Newtonian with a 900 mm focal length and 1.25-inch rack-and-pinion focuser (Adorama’s XT4.5 listing).
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What to check on a used example
- Inspect the primary and secondary mirrors for condition and visible damage.
- Check that the focuser moves smoothly and holds an eyepiece securely.
- Test finder alignment and confirm that the finder and bracket are present.
- Move the tube through both axes to assess the base motion.
- Compare the eyepieces, collimation cap, and other accessories with the seller’s description and the manual’s parts list.
What safety precautions matter?
Orion’s manual warns: “Never look directly at the Sun through your telescope or its finder scope—even for an instant—without a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front of the instrument, or permanent eye damage could result.” The filter must cover the front of the instrument; a finder also must not be used to view the Sun without appropriate full-aperture protection. Follow the manual’s safety and care instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Applicable models】for Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian 2001–2022
- 【Premium Quality】Our telescope cover is made of high quality Oxford fabric, which is super reliable and tear resistant. The silver plated outer layer provides extra protection from all weather conditions including rain, dust
- 【Easily Store】Ensure your telescope's longevity with cover. Shield it from all weather types with all-season protection waterproof and durable. Reduce cleaning time, extend service life, and store with confidence
- 【 Adjustable Drawstring Fit 】Elastic drawstring at bottom secures cover around tripod legs to prevent wind displacement and dust entry
- 【Where To Use】Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this cover protects telescopes in various settings, including backyards, balconies, and garages. It is designed for year-round use, offering protection in summer and resistance to snow and moisture in winter
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.
