{"title":"Explore Scientific ED Essential Series APO Refractors","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore Scientific ED Essential Series refractors are air-spaced triplet apochromats for visual observing and astrophotography. Apertures include the ED80, ED102 and ED127, plus the ED152 in a carbon fiber tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ED80 comes alone or in bundles: with a field flattener for f\/5 to f\/7 telescopes, with a 0.8x focal reducer and the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight equatorial tracker, or as a kit with accessories. It suits imagers starting out with a small, light refractor, while the larger tubes favor visual detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"explore-scientific-ed152-triplet-in-carbon-fiber","title":"Explore Scientific ED152 Triplet in Carbon Fiber","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e152mm (6\") Aperture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/8 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHOYA FCD1 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon Fiber Optical Tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20.5 lbs Optical Tube Assembly Weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.3\" Dual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExplore Scientific ED152 Triplet in Carbon Fiber\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Explore Scientific ED152 Triplet combines a large 152mm aperture with an f\/8 optical system to deliver high-contrast, color-pure images for serious observers and astrophotographers. Its air-spaced triplet design incorporates genuine HOYA FCD1 glass to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, while the advanced carbon fiber tube reduces the total weight to a remarkable 20.5 lbs. This instrument gathers 44% more light than a 127mm refractor, providing the resolving power needed for detailed planetary observation and deep-sky imaging from a surprisingly manageable platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e152mm f\/8 Triplet Optics: Apochromatic Correction with HOYA FCD1 Glass\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the ED152 is an air-spaced triplet objective lens featuring HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass. This apochromatic design corrects false color to an exceptional degree, ensuring that bright stars like Vega or Sirius resolve as sharp, white points without distracting purple halos. The f\/8 focal ratio provides a well-corrected field for imaging while keeping the optical tube a practical length, resulting in high-contrast views of lunar rilles, Jupiter's cloud bands, and the faint tendrils of nebulae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCarbon Fiber Construction: A 20.5 lb Six-Inch Refractor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA six-inch refractor is typically a heavy instrument, but the ED152's carbon fiber tube brings its weight down to just 20.5 lbs. This significant weight reduction makes the telescope compatible with a wider range of mid-sized equatorial mounts, such as the Losmandy G11, reducing the total payload requirement for a stable imaging setup. Carbon fiber also offers superior thermal stability, minimizing focus shift during long imaging sessions as ambient temperature drops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImaging-Ready Mechanics: 3.3\" Focuser and 2\" Diagonal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered for demanding imaging applications, the ED152 is equipped with a robust 3.3\" focuser. This large-aperture focuser is designed to handle heavy cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guiders without flexure, ensuring a rigid and reliable optical train. A 2\" diagonal is included for visual use, allowing you to take full advantage of wide-field 2\" eyepieces for sweeping views of the Milky Way or large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e125% More Light Than an ED102: The Power of a 152mm Aperture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 152mm objective provides a significant jump in light-gathering power over smaller refractors. Compared to the popular 102mm format, the ED152 collects 125% more light, and 44% more than the 127mm model. This light-gathering advantage translates directly to brighter images and shorter exposure times, allowing you to resolve fainter stars in globular clusters like M13 and capture more detail in the spiral arms of distant galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the carbon fiber tube on the ED152 improve performance?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carbon fiber tube offers two main advantages. First, it reduces the optical tube's weight to just \u003cstrong\u003e20.5 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it usable on lighter, more portable equatorial mounts. Second, carbon fiber has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it resists shrinking or expanding with temperature changes, keeping the focal point stable during long imaging sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount is required for the Explore Scientific ED152 CF?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven its \u003cstrong\u003e20.5 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e weight, the ED152 Carbon Fiber version works well on mounts with a payload capacity of 40 lbs or more for visual use, and 50 lbs or more for stable astrophotography. Mounts like the Losmandy G11 or similar-class mounts are excellent choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the ED152 triplet suitable for planetary viewing of Jupiter or Saturn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The \u003cstrong\u003e152mm\u003c\/strong\u003e apochromatic triplet optics are ideal for high-magnification planetary viewing. The HOYA FCD1 glass provides superb color correction, allowing you to see fine details like Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, and subtle surface shadings on Mars with exceptional contrast and clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat are the advantages of the 152mm aperture for deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large \u003cstrong\u003e152mm\u003c\/strong\u003e aperture gathers significantly more light than smaller refractors (\u003cstrong\u003e125% more\u003c\/strong\u003e than a 102mm), which is crucial for faint deep-sky objects. On the Orion Nebula (M42), this means you'll resolve the Trapezium cluster into more distinct stars and see fainter, more intricate structures within the surrounding gas clouds, both visually and in images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does \"air-spaced triplet\" mean for the ED152's optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \"air-spaced triplet\" refers to an objective lens made of three individual glass elements separated by a thin cushion of air. This design gives optical engineers more variables to work with to correct for chromatic aberration (false color) and other optical errors, resulting in the sharp, high-contrast, apochromatic images the \u003cstrong\u003eED152\u003c\/strong\u003e produces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the HOYA FCD1 glass in the ED152 affect image quality?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOYA FCD1\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-grade, extra-low dispersion (ED) glass that has optical properties similar to fluorite. Its primary function is to bend different colors of light to the same focal point. This drastically reduces chromatic aberration, leading to images that are free from color fringing and have much higher contrast and sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Refractor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e152mm (6\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlass Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHOYA FCD1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Tube Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon Fiber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.3\" Dual-Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded Diagonal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" Dielectric\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOTA Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20.5 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGTIN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e811803035102\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967207895325,"sku":"ES-TED15208CF-HEX33","price":5599.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Explore-Scientific-ED152-Air-Spaced-Triplet-in-Carbon-Fiber-TED15208CF-HEXDD3-TED15208CF-HEXDD3-1__94308.1594240396.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684338895"},{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-ed-0806-fr0-8x-iexos100","title":"Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope with 0.8x Focal Reducer and iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80mm Air-Spaced Apochromatic Triplet Refractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiEXOS-100-2 GoTo Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight Controller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes 0.8x Two-Element Focal Reducer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.5-inch Hexagonal Focuser with 10 lb Load Capacity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWireless Control via WiFi and Bluetooth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope with 0.8x Focal Reducer and iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis complete imaging package combines the Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series 80mm Triplet Refractor with a 0.8x focal reducer and the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo mount. The optical train is supported by a robust 2.5-inch hexagonal focuser capable of handling 10-pound imaging loads and includes a 99% reflective 2-inch diagonal for brilliant visual use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e80mm ED Triplet \u0026amp; 2.5-inch Focuser for High-Contrast Views\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of this package is the ED80, a true apochromatic refractor featuring an air-spaced triplet optical design with genuine HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. This design virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, producing sharp, high-contrast images with no distracting color fringing on bright objects like Jupiter or Vega. For astrophotography, this means pinpoint stars with true color from edge to edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe optical tube is equipped with a heavy-duty 2.5-inch hexagonal focuser, engineered to carry up to 10 pounds of camera equipment without flexure or image shift. This stability is critical when using DSLRs, cooled astronomy cameras, and filter wheels. The package also includes a 99% reflective 2-inch diagonal for visual observers seeking the brightest possible views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded 0.8x Reducer for Faster, Wider-Field Astrophotography\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included 0.8x focal reducer transforms the telescope into a faster, wider-field imaging instrument. By shortening the effective focal length, this two-element reducer significantly increases the speed of the optical system, allowing your camera to gather more light in less time. This reduces required exposure times, minimizing the impact of tracking errors and thermal noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wider perspective is ideal for capturing expansive deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Veil Nebula complex. The reducer terminates in a standard 42mm T2-thread, ensuring direct and secure connection to most DSLR and dedicated astronomy cameras via a T-ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eiEXOS-100-2 Mount with 8-Core PMC-Eight GoTo Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iEXOS-100-2 is a German Equatorial Mount (GEM) that provides the precise tracking essential for long-exposure astrophotography. Its GEM design follows the sky's rotation on a single axis, preventing the field rotation that can ruin images taken on alt-azimuth mounts. At its core is the revolutionary PMC-Eight controller, which uses an 8-core microcontroller to deliver responsive, smooth, and accurate GoTo slewing and tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can control the mount wirelessly via WiFi or Bluetooth using the free ExploreStars app on Windows, Android, or Apple tablets. For advanced users, ASCOM compatibility allows the mount to interface with virtually any PC-based astronomy software. User-friendly features like a polar alignment tunnel, an integrated bubble level, and glow-in-the-dark markers make setup in the dark straightforward and efficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of astrophotography is this ED80 and iEXOS-100-2 package best for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis package is optimized for wide-field deep-sky astrophotography of large nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The combination of the \u003cstrong\u003e80mm apochromatic optics\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003e0.8x focal reducer\u003c\/strong\u003e creates a fast imaging system ideal for capturing faint, expansive targets. The \u003cstrong\u003eiEXOS-100-2 mount\u003c\/strong\u003e provides the accurate tracking necessary for crisp, long-exposure images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I control the iEXOS-100-2 mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iEXOS-100-2 mount can be controlled wirelessly using its built-in \u003cstrong\u003eWiFi or Bluetooth\u003c\/strong\u003e. You can use the free \u003cstrong\u003eExploreStars application\u003c\/strong\u003e on a Windows, Android, or Apple tablet (sold separately). Alternatively, you can connect it to a PC and use the ASCOM driver to control it with popular astronomy software like N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, or Stellarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat do I need to add to this ED80 package to start imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very complete package, but you will need to provide a few items:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Camera:\u003c\/strong\u003e A DSLR with a T-ring or a dedicated astronomy camera.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Source:\u003c\/strong\u003e The mount requires 8 'C' batteries (not included) or an external 12V DC power supply.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinder Scope:\u003c\/strong\u003e While a finder base is installed, a finder scope itself is not included and is recommended for initial alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the ED80 with the 0.8x reducer frame the entire North American Nebula (NGC 7000)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, this is an excellent system for very large targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). The \u003cstrong\u003e0.8x focal reducer\u003c\/strong\u003e creates a wide field of view specifically designed to fit large celestial objects into the frame of a camera with an APS-C or smaller sensor, allowing you to capture the full expanse of such nebulae in a single shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the iEXOS-100-2 mount sufficient for imaging Jupiter with the ED80?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. While the package is optimized for wide-field imaging, the \u003cstrong\u003eiEXOS-100-2's precise equatorial tracking\u003c\/strong\u003e is also ideal for planetary work. For imaging Jupiter, you would typically remove the focal reducer and use a Barlow lens (not included) to increase magnification. The mount will keep the planet centered on your camera's small sensor for the high-frame-rate video capture used in planetary imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is an apochromatic triplet like the ED80 better than a standard doublet refractor?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn apochromatic (APO) triplet uses a third lens element, including one made from \u003cstrong\u003eextra-low dispersion (ED) glass\u003c\/strong\u003e, to correct for chromatic aberration. Standard doublet refractors can struggle to bring all colors of light to the same focal point, resulting in a purple fringe around bright stars. The ED80's triplet design ensures all wavelengths focus together, yielding sharper images with true-to-life color and higher contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e0.8x Focal Reducer with Caps \u0026amp; Adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eiEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e2.5-inch Hexagonal Focuser\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eFocuser Extension Tubes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eHybrid Finder Scope Base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eBuilt-in Dew Shield\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDust Cover \/ Lens Cap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Explore_Scientific_PMC-Eight_iEXOS-100_Booklet_English_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909134971165,"sku":"ES-ED-0806-FR0.8x-IEXOS100","price":1680.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-ED80-Essential-Series-Air-Spaced-Triplet-Refractor-Telescope-with-0-8x-Focal-Reducer-and-iEXOS-100-2-PMC-Eight-Equatorial-Tracker-System-1_0d2b6b4a-ae51-469b-9147-ecdbfa7e4f61.jpg?v=1789060438"},{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-ed-0806-ff-iexos100","title":"Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope (Bundle)","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eED80 Air-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Refractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiEXOS-100 GoTo German Equatorial Mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWireless PMC-Eight Precision Motion Control System\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes Photographic Field Flattener for Coma Correction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplemental Counterweight Included for Balancing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope (Bundle)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series bundle combines a true apochromatic refractor with the smart iEXOS-100 GoTo mount for a complete, portable imaging solution. The ED80 optical tube's air-spaced triplet design uses premium HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass to deliver high-contrast views with virtually no chromatic aberration. The included iEXOS-100 mount with its PMC-Eight control system provides accurate, wireless navigation, while the bundled field flattener and supplemental counterweight make this package ready for astrophotography right out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eED80 Triplet Optics: True Apochromatic Color Correction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of this package is the ED80 refractor, a true apochromat designed for crisp, color-pure images. Its air-spaced triplet objective lens, featuring premium HOYA FCD1 ED glass and proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings, virtually eliminates false color (chromatic aberration), ensuring that stars appear as sharp points of light against a dark background. This diffraction-limited optical system provides stunning contrast, making it exceptional for viewing fine details on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and the brightest Messier objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eiEXOS-100 Mount: Wireless GoTo Control with PMC-Eight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iEXOS-100 is a modern German equatorial mount engineered for both portability and precision. At its core is the PMC-Eight motion control system, which uses eight independent CPUs for responsive slewing and reliable tracking accuracy essential for long-exposure astrophotography. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, you can control the mount wirelessly from a tablet using the free ExploreStars app, accessing a database of thousands of celestial objects. For advanced users, the system is fully ASCOM-compatible, allowing it to integrate with most popular astronomy software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImaging-Ready Bundle: A Coma-Free Field with the Included Flattener\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefractor telescopes naturally exhibit field curvature, which can cause stars at the edge of an astrophoto to appear smeared or comet-shaped—an aberration known as coma. This bundle directly addresses this by including an Explore Scientific field flattener, an essential optical accessory designed to produce sharp, point-like stars across the entire imaging sensor. Combined with the included supplemental counterweight for precise balancing, this system provides the core components you need to capture stunning, wide-field images of deep-sky objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat makes this ED80 bundle a good choice for starting astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bundle includes the three most critical components for successful deep-sky imaging: a high-contrast apochromatic telescope (the \u003cstrong\u003eED80\u003c\/strong\u003e), a precise tracking GoTo mount (the \u003cstrong\u003eiEXOS-100\u003c\/strong\u003e), and an optical corrector (the \u003cstrong\u003efield flattener\u003c\/strong\u003e) to ensure sharp stars across your images. It's a curated package that removes the guesswork of matching components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I control the iEXOS-100 mount in this ED80 bundle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iEXOS-100 mount is controlled wirelessly via \u003cstrong\u003eWiFi or Bluetooth\u003c\/strong\u003e using the free \u003cstrong\u003eExploreStars application\u003c\/strong\u003e on a Windows, Android, or Apple tablet. This app allows you to perform alignment, browse celestial objects, and command the mount to slew to targets. It can also be controlled from a PC via its ASCOM driver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is a field flattener included with the ED80 telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA field flattener is a photographic accessory that corrects for the natural field curvature of a refractor's optics. Without it, stars at the edges of your camera's sensor would appear elongated. The included flattener is designed to work with telescopes like the ED80 to ensure your astrophotographs have sharp, pinpoint stars from corner to corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the ED80 telescope for visual observing as well as imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The ED80 is an exceptional visual instrument. Its apochromatic optics provide high-contrast, color-free views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. Simply remove the field flattener, insert a diagonal and eyepiece into the 2-inch focuser, and you're ready for a night of stargazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will this ED80 bundle perform for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bundle is an excellent choice for a target like the Orion Nebula (M42). The ED80 provides a wide field of view that can frame the entire nebula complex, while its apochromatic optics will render the faint outer dust lanes and the bright Trapezium core with sharp detail and high contrast. The iEXOS-100's tracking will allow for the long exposures needed to capture the nebula's vibrant color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the iEXOS-100 mount stable enough for the ED80 refractor during a long exposure of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the iEXOS-100 mount is designed to carry portable refractors like the ED80. When properly balanced with the included counterweights, it provides the stability and tracking accuracy required for long exposures of large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The German equatorial design ensures you can capture deep images without field rotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Explore_Scientific_PMC-Eight_iEXOS-100_Booklet_English_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909150634269,"sku":"ES-ED-0806-FF-IEXOS100","price":1680.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-ED80-Essential-Series-Air-Spaced-Triplet-Refractor-Telescope-Bundle-1_d277d692-c0c2-44a1-93f7-770e2a627405.jpg?v=1789060499"},{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-ed-0806-ff","title":"Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope + Field Flattener f\/5 to f\/7 (Bundle)","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80mm Aperture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir-Spaced Apochromatic Triplet Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures HOYA FCD1 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes Field Flattener for f\/5 to f\/7 Telescopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires 55mm (+\/- 2mm) Camera Sensor Spacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope + Field Flattener f\/5 to f\/7 (Bundle)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series bundle pairs a true apochromatic 80mm triplet refractor with a matched field flattener designed for systems from f\/5 to f\/7. The included flattener ensures round stars across your camera sensor by correcting field curvature, requiring a precise 55mm spacing for optimal results. Its diffraction-limited optics, featuring HOYA FCD1 glass, deliver high-contrast images through its 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApochromatic 80mm Triplet Optics with HOYA FCD1 Glass\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the ED80 is its air-spaced triplet lens assembly, which provides true apochromatic correction. By using premium HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass, the optical design virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, preventing the distracting purple fringing seen on bright objects in lesser scopes. The result is a sharp, high-contrast view with neutral color, whether you're observing the bands of Jupiter or resolving tight double stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll optical surfaces feature Explore Scientific's proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings to maximize light transmission. This ensures the brightest possible images, allowing you to pull faint details out of deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImaging-Ready: Bundled Field Flattener for f\/5 to f\/7 Systems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bundle is specifically designed for astrophotography. Refractors naturally exhibit field curvature, which can cause stars at the edge of an image to appear elongated or comatic, especially with larger camera sensors. This dedicated field flattener is designed to work with telescopes in the f\/5 to f\/7 focal ratio range, correcting this distortion to deliver sharp, point-like stars across the entire frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo achieve a perfectly flat field, the flattener requires a precise back focus distance of 55mm (+\/-2mm) from the flattener's shoulder to your camera's sensor. Note that this component is for photographic use only and is not intended for visual observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePortable Design with a 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ED80 Essential Series is built as a compact, lightweight \"grab-and-go\" instrument. It's easy to transport to a dark sky site and sets up in minutes on a light-to-medium duty mount, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous observing sessions or as a wide-field imaging scope to complement a larger instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocusing is controlled by a 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser, providing a stable and reliable mechanism for achieving sharp focus with both eyepieces and heavy imaging trains. The telescope also includes a pre-installed Hybrid Finder Scope Base, ready for your preferred pointing device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does \"Apochromatic Triplet\" mean for the ED80's views?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003eApochromatic (APO) Triplet\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a three-lens objective to bring the red, green, and blue wavelengths of light to the same focal point. The ED80 uses an air-spaced design with \u003cstrong\u003eHOYA FCD1 glass\u003c\/strong\u003e to achieve this. The practical benefit is the near-total elimination of chromatic aberration, or false color, resulting in exceptionally sharp, high-contrast images with pure color rendition, especially on bright targets like the Moon, planets, and bright stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is the Field Flattener necessary for the ED80 Essential telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe field flattener is essential for astrophotography with a fast refractor like the ED80. It corrects for the natural curvature of the focal plane, which would otherwise cause stars at the edges of your photos to appear stretched or comatic. This bundle includes a flattener specifically matched for telescopes with focal ratios between \u003cstrong\u003ef\/5 and f\/7\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring your deep-sky images have sharp, pinpoint stars from corner to corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I achieve the required 55mm spacing for the ED80 and its field flattener?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e55mm back focus\u003c\/strong\u003e is a standard distance in astrophotography. It is measured from the rear flange of the field flattener to your camera's sensor. Most dedicated astronomy cameras and DSLR\/mirrorless cameras with a standard T-ring adapter are designed to meet this 55mm spacing requirement automatically. You may need additional M48 extension rings if your imaging train has other components like an off-axis guider or filter drawer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the ED80 Essential telescope for visual observing without the flattener?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The ED80 is an excellent visual instrument on its own. Simply remove the field flattener and insert a 2-inch or 1.25-inch diagonal and eyepiece into the focuser. Field curvature is generally not noticeable during visual observation, so the flattener is not needed or recommended for visual use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the ED80 and flattener perform on a wide-field target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis setup is ideal for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The ED80's short focal length provides a wide field of view, allowing you to capture the entire galaxy and its satellite companions in a single frame with most astronomy cameras. The field flattener ensures that the thousands of stars across the field remain sharp, preserving the stunning detail of M31's dust lanes and bright core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the ED80 a good choice for imaging planets like Saturn with a high-frame-rate camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the ED80 can show you Saturn's rings visually, it is primarily a wide-field instrument. For serious planetary imaging, a telescope with a much longer focal length (like an SCT or Maksutov) is preferred to achieve the necessary image scale. You can use a Barlow lens with the ED80 to increase its magnification for planetary work, but it is optimized for capturing large deep-sky objects, not fine planetary detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909164560669,"sku":"ES-ED-0806-FF","price":1120.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-ED80-Essential-Series-Air-Spaced-Triplet-Refractor-Telescope-Field-Flattener-f-5-to-f-7-Bundle-1_d41eed0b-1559-438d-892d-521000355774.jpg?v=1789060550"}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/collections\/explore-scientific-ed-essential-series-apo-refractors.oembed","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}