In contrast to planetary performance, deep space performance is impressive out of the box. This is due to the 2″ focuserand the 2″-28mm eyepiece that comes with the telescope. Although the eyepiece still can’t deliver XT8’s full potential, it takes full advantage of the 2″ focuser. As a result, galaxies, nebulas, star clusters look sharp, bright, and the image is wide enough to contain even the largest deep space objects.
The classic targets are easy to observe with the XT8. Some of these are the Andromeda, Orion, Hercules, Pleiades, and the Whirlpool. Most of the Messier Catalog is available for observation, but as you get close to city lights, your options will decrease.
Overall deep space performance of XT8 Plus is delightful. It doesn’t get any better than this as long as you don’t increase the aperture.