My first real telescope, often recommended as a great beginner scope for serious visual observation. Purchased around 2008 and still use it.
Current configuration includes a Telrad finder, an Orion 7020 9×50 Illuminated Right-Angle Finder Scope, Baader 8-24mm Hyperion Mark III Zoom Eyepiece and a mount for a cellphone for using Astro Hopper. Really like the simplicity of the Astro Hopper, not perfect, but can really save time finding objects.
Also, really like the zoom eyepiece because I hate changing eyepieces, plus if something drifts out of view, with a quick zoom out, you can usually find it again. Also shown is a DIY cart using mostly scrap wood and some cheap garden/mower wheels from the hardware store. Makes it easy to roll out and put away.
Picture below includes the XT8 with the Starblast in the background on my DIY tripod, originally built for the OpenAstroTracker (OAT), but turns out to be a good height and base for the Starblast.
Below is a very old picture from shortly after it was purchased and don’t have a digital version. Yes, it is daylight and yes he is looking through the finderscope and not the eyepiece and no it is not pointing at or near the sun. Before adding most of the current accessories.
