What kind of mount is best for the Evostar EDX 80?
With an optical tube weight of just 7.3 pounds, the Sky-Watcher Evostar EDX 80 is well-suited for a wide range of portable equatorial mounts. For visual use, a mount with a 15-20 pound capacity is sufficient. For astrophotography, a mount like the Sky-Watcher HEQ5-R or a similar class with a 30-pound payload capacity is recommended to ensure stable, precise tracking.
Is the Evostar EDX 80 good for viewing Jupiter and Saturn?
Yes, the apochromatic FPL-53 optics make the Evostar EDX 80 an excellent instrument for planetary observing. Its 600mm focal length and diffraction-limited quality will provide sharp, high-contrast views of Jupiter's cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. For best results, pair it with a high-quality eyepiece to reach magnifications between 120x and its maximum of 157x.
How does the optional 0.85x reducer change my imaging with the Evostar EDX 80?
The optional 0.85x reducer/flattener transforms the Evostar EDX 80 into a faster, wider astrograph. It reduces the focal length from 600mm to 510mm and the focal ratio from f/7.5 to f/6.375. This provides two key benefits:
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Wider Field of View: You can capture larger deep-sky objects, like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), in a single frame.
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Shorter Exposure Times: The faster focal ratio allows you to collect the same amount of light in less time, improving your signal-to-noise ratio.
What else do I need to start astrophotography with the Evostar EDX 80?
The Evostar EDX 80 OTA comes ready to attach to a mount. To begin imaging, you will need a stable equatorial mount, a dedicated astronomy camera or DSLR/mirrorless camera with the appropriate T-ring, the optional field flattener or reducer/flattener for sharp stars across the frame, and a guiding system (guidescope and guide camera) for long exposures.
Can I use 2" filters with the optional 0.85x reducer/flattener?
The specification states that the optional Evostar 80ED 0.85x reducer/flattener does not natively accept 2-inch filters on its male M48 threads. You would need a separate filter holder or filter drawer that can be placed in the imaging train, maintaining the required 55mm back focus distance.
Is the Evostar EDX 80 a good choice for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?
Absolutely. At its native 600mm focal length, the Evostar EDX 80 perfectly frames the core of the Orion Nebula (M42), including the Trapezium cluster. If you add the optional 0.85x reducer for a 510mm focal length, you can capture the entire M42/M43 complex with its surrounding nebulosity, making it a versatile choice for this iconic winter target.
