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Sky-Watcher Evostar EDX 80 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Evostar EDX 80 represents the next generation of the legendary 80ED, blending proven apochromatic performance with significant mechanical refinements. While maintaining the high-contrast optics that made its predecessor a staple in the astronomy community, the EDX series introduces a modern, imaging-friendly design that eliminates the traditional bottlenecks of entry-level refractors.
Featuring a premium Ohara FPL-53 ED element, the EDX 80 delivers exceptional color correction and pinpoint stars. Whether you are capturing deep-sky nebulosity or observing the subtle banding on Jupiter, this telescope provides the high-fidelity performance expected from a professional-grade apochromat in a portable, 80mm format.
Premium FPL-53 Glass and MHTC Coatings
The heart of the Evostar EDX 80 is its doublet objective lens, which utilizes an extra-low dispersion (ED) element made from Japanese Ohara FPL-53 glass. This high-index fluoride glass is widely regarded as the gold standard for doublet refractors, virtually eliminating chromatic aberration (false color) on bright objects. Combined with Sky-Watcher’s proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), light throughput approaches an impressive 99.5%.
The result is a "textbook" diffraction pattern: sharp, high-contrast images with a jet-black sky background. This optical integrity makes the EDX 80 a versatile tool, performing as a wide-field astrograph for photography or a high-power spotting scope for planetary observation.
Mechanical Upgrades for the Modern Observer
The most significant evolution in the EDX series is the overhauled mechanical suite. Replacing the standard 2-inch focuser found on older models, the EDX 80 features a robust 2.8-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser. This larger drawtube reduces vignetting for larger camera sensors and provides a more stable platform for heavy imaging trains.
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Integrated Rotator: The focuser includes a built-in 360° camera rotator, allowing for effortless framing of targets without having to loosen the entire imaging assembly.
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Retractable Dew Shield: For improved portability, the EDX 80 now features a sliding dew shield, significantly reducing the OTA’s storage length while providing excellent stray light protection and dew prevention in the field.
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Utility Top Rail: The tube rings are joined by a top-mounted rail that serves as a convenient carrying handle and provides additional mounting space for guidescopes, Pegasus power boxes, or other accessories.
Compact Performance for Travel and Home
At just 4kg (8.8 lbs) and featuring a new retractable design, the EDX 80 is the ultimate "grab-and-go" apochromat. Its 600mm focal length hits the sweet spot for many iconic deep-sky targets like the Pleiades or the North American Nebula.
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How does the EDX 80 differ from the older 80ED DS-Pro?
The primary differences are mechanical. The EDX 80 features a larger 2.8" focuser (compared to 2"), an integrated 360° camera rotator, a retractable dew shield for better portability, and a top rail/handle. Optically, both use the high-quality FPL-53 doublet design, but the EDX offers a much more streamlined experience for modern astrophotography.
Is this telescope suitable for full-frame cameras?
The new 2.8" focuser provides a larger clear aperture than older 2" models, reducing vignetting. However, to achieve a perfectly flat field for full-frame sensors, we highly recommend using the dedicated Sky-Watcher 0.85x Reducer/Flattener designed specifically for this optical system.
Can I use the EDX 80 for visual observation?
Absolutely. While many users buy this for photography, the FPL-53 glass provides stunning visual views. Its 80mm aperture and f/7.5 ratio are excellent for the Moon, planets, and bright double stars. It is compatible with all standard 1.25" and 2" diagonals and eyepieces.
What mount do you recommend for this telescope?
Because of its light weight, the EDX 80 can be used on a wide variety of mounts. For visual use, a simple alt-azimuth mount like the AZ-GTi is perfect. For astrophotography, a mount in the HEQ5 or EQ6 class will provide the rock-solid stability needed for long-exposure imaging.
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| Optical Design |
Apochromatic Doublet |
| Aperture |
80 mm |
| Focal Length |
600 mm |
| F/Ratio |
f/7.5 |
| ED Glass Element |
Ohara FPL-53 |
| Optical Coatings |
MHTC (Metallic High-Transmission) |
| Focuser |
2.8" Dual-Speed Crayford (11:1) |
| Dew Shield |
Retractable |
| OTA Weight |
4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) |
| OTA Length |
475mm (Retracted) / 557mm (Extended) |
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Aluminum Carrying Case
× 1
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Tube Rings & V-style Dovetail
× 1
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- Sky-Watcher 2-Year Limited Warranty
