Experience true apochromatic clarity in a compact package with the ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor from Explore Scientific. Designed for high-contrast, near-chromatic-free views, this 80mm refractor brings razor-sharp detail to everything from lunar textures to planetary rings and bright Messier targets, all with impressive ease of transport.
At the heart of the ED80 is an air-spaced triplet optical design paired with premium HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass. This combination minimizes color fringing and delivers crisp, true-colour images across the visible spectrum. Proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings further boost light transmission and contrast, so you see more detail with less scatter — perfect for both wide-field adventures and planetary scrutiny.
Key features that set this scope apart:
- 80mm aperture with diffraction-limited performance for crisp, detailed views
- Air-spaced triplet design delivering true apochromatic correction
- HOYA FCD1 glass reduces chromatic aberration for cleaner star imaging
- EMD multi-layer coatings maximize contrast and transmission
- 2" rack-and-pinion focuser with extension tubes for precise focusing and ergonomic balance
- Pre-installed Hybrid Finder Scope Base adds flexible alignment options right out of the box
- Lightweight and portable ideal for spontaneous observing sessions or as a reliable secondary scope for astrophotography setups
Why this ED80 is a smart choice for serious amateurs and curious beginners alike: it delivers apochromatic performance in a transport-friendly form factor, so you don’t have to sacrifice image quality for convenience. When you’re under dark skies, the ED80 reveals smooth lunar maria, delicate Saturnian ring structure, and bright nebulae with a level of clarity that rivals larger setups, without the bulk or setup time.
Use cases that showcase its versatility:
- Spot-and-track planetary details during quick 30–60 minute observing sessions — perfect for family astronomy nights or after-work stargazing.
- Capture crisp, color-faithful wide-field views of star fields and bright deep-sky objects, serving as an excellent companion to a larger imaging rig.
- As a portable travel scope, it travels light enough to carry on weekend getaways yet remains robust enough for steady, repeatable performance.
Who benefits most from the ED80 Essential Series? Anyone who values optical purity without a cumbersome setup: astronomy newcomers seeking legitimate APO performance, seasoned observers seeking a ready-to-go grab-and-go refractor, or astrophotographers who want a reliable secondary instrument for quick captures and wide-field work.
In short, the ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor isn’t just another small telescope—it’s a thoughtfully designed instrument that combines premium materials, advanced coatings, and a practical chassis to deliver high-fidelity celestial views with everyday usability. For observers who demand sharp, accurate images and a portable, reliable platform, this ED80 is a standout choice within the Explore Scientific lineup.
Shipping Policy
Effective Date: 11/18/2025
1. Introduction
At Hobby Tech Supply, we aim to provide a seamless and transparent shipping experience for our customers. This Shipping Policy outlines the terms and conditions related to the delivery of products purchased from our website, hobbytechsupply.com.
2. Shipping Destinations
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Countries We Ship To:
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United States
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Future Expansion:
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We are continually working to expand our shipping destinations. Please check back for updates.
3. Shipping Costs
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Domestic Shipping (United States):
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Standard Shipping: FREE standard shipping for all orders over $100
- The free shipping threshold applies to the subtotal after discounts and before taxes.
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Expedited Shipping: Calculated based on item weight and priority selection (FedEx)
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Flat Rate Shipping: $5 flat rate for orders under $100.
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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No Hidden Fees:
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All shipping costs and sales taxes are calculated and displayed at checkout. There are no hidden fees.
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4. Order Processing Time
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Processing Time:
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Orders are processed within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays). Note: Processing time does not include weekends or carrier transit time.
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Order Cut-Off Time:
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Orders placed before 12:00 PM EST start processing the same day. Please note that shipping timelines depend on each vendor’s schedule, so same-day shipping cannot be guaranteed.
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Weekend and Holiday Orders:
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Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed on the next business day.
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Note: If your order contains items from multiple vendors, they may ship separately, and each shipment will have its own tracking number.
5. Estimated Delivery Time
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Domestic Shipping:
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Standard Shipping: 3-5 business days
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Expedited Shipping: 1-2 business days
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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Note: Delivery timeframes are estimates. Actual processing and transit times vary by vendor and carrier and cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for supplier delays or carrier issues caused by factors outside our control, including vendor shipment issues or weather-related carrier disruptions.
6. Shipping Methods and Carriers
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Reliable Carriers:
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Domestic Carriers: USPS, FedEx, UPS
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We partner with reputable carriers to ensure your package arrives on time and safely.
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Shipment Tracking:
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All orders include tracking information, which will be provided via email once your order has shipped.
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Orders fulfilled by multiple vendors may arrive in separate packages. Each will include its own tracking number.
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Insurance:
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Most shipments include limited carrier insurance. Additional coverage may be provided by certain vendors. If your order arrives damaged or missing items, please contact us so we can assist with a resolution.
7. Order Tracking
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Tracking Information:
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After your order has been shipped, you will receive an email containing:
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Tracking Number
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Carrier Name
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Link to Track Your Package
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How to Track Your Order:
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Visit hobbytechsupply.com/track-order or the carrier's website.
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Enter your tracking number to view the status and estimated delivery date.
- If your order is split into multiple shipments, you will receive separate tracking emails for each package.
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Assistance:
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If you have questions or need assistance with tracking, please contact our Support team at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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8. Delivery Issues
8.1 Delayed or Lost Packages
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Delayed Delivery:
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If your package is delayed beyond the estimated delivery time, please contact us at support@hobbytechsupply.com or (412) 520-1022.
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Lost Packages:
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If your tracking information indicates that your package was delivered but you have not received it, please complete the following steps:
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Verify the shipping address provided.
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Check with neighbors or building management.
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Contact us for further assistance.
- We may also ask you to file a missing package claim with the carrier so we can proceed with a replacement or resolution.
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8.2 Damaged Packages
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Reporting Shipment Damage:
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If your package arrives damaged:
- Contact us within 7 days at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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Note: Returns will NOT be authorized if damage is caused by customer misuse or improper setup.
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Take photos of the damaged packaging and items.
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Resolution:
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We will work with you to arrange a replacement or refund as appropriate.
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9. Missing or Incomplete Items
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Reporting Missing Items:
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If any items are missing from your order:
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Contact us within 7 days of receiving your package.
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Provide your order number and details of the missing item(s).
- Note: refunds will NOT be authorized if missing items are reported late.
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Resolution:
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We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly by sending the missing item(s) or offering a refund.
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10. Return and Refund Policy
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Returns:
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Damaged or Missing Items:
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These must be reported within 7 days of receiving your package so we can file the appropriate claims with the carrier or supplier.
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General Returns (not related to damage or missing items):
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You may request a return within 30 days of receiving your order.
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After approval, you will receive return shipment instructions.
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Conditions for General Returns:
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Items must be unused, undamaged, with all components present, and in their original packaging.
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Certain items (e.g., personalized goods, gift cards) may not be eligible for return.
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Return Shipping Costs:
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Customer Responsibility: Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item is defective or not as described.
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Restocking fees vary by manufacturer and will be clearly communicated before a return is approved.
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Company Responsibility: If the return is due to our error, we will cover the return shipping costs and associated fees.
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Refunds:
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Refunds are processed within 14 days after receiving the returned item.
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Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
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For More Information:
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Please refer to our Return and Refund Policy for detailed information.
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11. Incorrect Address
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Address Accuracy:
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Please ensure that all shipping information is correct. We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer.
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Once an order is placed, if an error is identified, contact us immediately. If the item has not yet shipped, we may be able to update your address as requested.
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Returned Packages:
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If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect address:
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We will contact you to arrange reshipment.
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Additional shipping charges may apply.
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12. International Customs and Duties
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Coming Soon!
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please contact us:
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Customer Service Email: support@hobbytechsupply.com
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Customer Service Phone: 412-520-1022
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM EST.
14. Changes to This Shipping Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Shipping Policy at any time. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon posting on the website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Thank you for shopping with Hobby Tech Supply!
We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with exceptional service.