What makes this ED80 bundle a good choice for starting astrophotography?
This bundle includes the three most critical components for successful deep-sky imaging: a high-contrast apochromatic telescope (the ED80), a precise tracking GoTo mount (the iEXOS-100), and an optical corrector (the field flattener) to ensure sharp stars across your images. It's a curated package that removes the guesswork of matching components.
How do I control the iEXOS-100 mount in this ED80 bundle?
The iEXOS-100 mount is controlled wirelessly via WiFi or Bluetooth using the free ExploreStars application 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.
Why is a field flattener included with the ED80 telescope?
A 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.
Can I use the ED80 telescope for visual observing as well as imaging?
Absolutely. 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.
How will this ED80 bundle perform for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?
This 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.
Is the iEXOS-100 mount stable enough for the ED80 refractor during a long exposure of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?
Yes, 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.
