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Sky-Watcher Evostar EDX 80 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Evostar EDX 80 APO Doublet delivers high-contrast, color-pure images by pairing an 80mm objective with premium FPL-53 ED glass in a 600mm (f/7.5) optical system. This air-spaced doublet design achieves diffraction-limited (1/4 wave) performance, all within a lightweight 7.3-pound optical tube assembly ready for both imaging and visual use. The robust 2.8-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser provides the precise 11:1 fine-focus control necessary for critical sharpness at its maximum useful magnification of 157x.
FPL-53 Glass in a 600mm f/7.5 Doublet Design
The Evostar EDX 80 uses a matched air-spaced doublet lens system featuring one FPL-53 element to achieve its apochromatic rating. This design virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, rendering planetary details and stellar targets with sharp, high-contrast views against a dark sky background. The doublet configuration keeps the optical tube weight down to just 7.3 pounds, allowing for stable performance on lighter, more portable equatorial mounts.
Imaging-Ready with a 2.8" Dual-Speed Focuser
Designed for astrophotography, the Evostar EDX 80 incorporates a heavy-duty 2.8-inch Crayford focuser with an 11:1 dual-speed mechanism for precise focus adjustments. A camera angle adjuster is included, allowing for easy image framing without disturbing focus.
24% More Light Than a 72ED
The 80mm aperture of the Evostar EDX 80 gathers 24% more light than a 72mm refractor. This increase in light-gathering ability directly translates to brighter images and the ability to resolve fainter details. This advantage is noticeable when observing faint galaxies or resolving the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings at the Dawes limit of 1.45 arcseconds.
Field-Ready at 7.3 Pounds
The Evostar EDX 80 is built for portability without compromising stability. The aluminum optical tube weighs only 7.3 pounds and comes with essential mounting hardware, including tube rings and an 8-inch V-style dovetail. The entire package is protected during transport and storage by a foam-lined aluminum case, making it an ideal instrument for grab-and-go observing sessions or traveling to dark-sky sites.
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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.
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, and a guiding system (guidescope and guide camera) for long exposures.
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.
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| UPC |
810098970822 |
| Optical Specifications |
| Optical Design |
Apochromatic |
| Primary Aperture |
80mm |
| Focal Length |
600mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/7.5 |
| Lens Design |
Air-Spaced ED Doublet |
| ED Glass |
FPL-53 |
| Lens Coating |
Fully Multi-Coated (MHTC™) |
| Optical Quality |
Diffraction Limited (1/4 wave) |
| Collimatable Cell |
No (Self-Aligning) |
| Observational Info |
| Minimum Magnification |
11x |
| Maximum Magnification |
157x |
| Limiting Magnitude |
12 |
| Dawes Limit |
1.45 arcseconds |
| Rayleigh Limit |
1.75 arcseconds |
| Light Gathering (vs. 72ED) |
24% more |
| Intended Use |
Visual / Imaging |
| Mechanical Specifications |
| Focuser |
2.8" Dual-Speed (11:1) Crayford |
| Camera Angle Adjuster |
Yes |
| OTA Material |
Aluminum |
| OTA Weight |
7.3 lbs |
| OTA Length (Dew Shield Retracted) |
18.7" |
| OTA Length (Dew Shield Extended) |
22" |
| Dew Shield Diameter |
4.84" (123mm) |
| Mounting Hardware |
Mounting Rings & 8" V-style Dovetail |
| Shipping Information |
| Shipping Weight |
19.5 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions |
29.25" x 15" x 12" |
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Evostar 80EDX APO Refractor OTA
× 1
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2.8" Dual-Speed (11:1) Crayford Focuser
× 1
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Camera Angle Adjuster
× 1
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8" V-style Dovetail Bar
× 1
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Foam-Lined Aluminum Case
× 1
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- Sky-Watcher 2-Year Limited Warranty
