{"product_id":"ed80-essential-series-air-spaced-triplet-refractor-telescope-with-0-8x-focal-reducer-and-iexos-100-2-pmc-eight-equatorial-tracker-system","title":"ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope with 0.8x Focal Reducer and iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor from Explore Scientific is a true apochromatic telescope designed for serious stargazing and disciplined imaging. Built around an 80mm aperture, it delivers bright, high-contrast views of the lunar surface, the delicate structure of Saturn’s rings, and deep-sky targets from the Messier catalog with remarkable color fidelity and edge-to-edge sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy this telescope stands out\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue diffraction-limited optics\u003c\/strong\u003e using genuine HOYA FCD1 ED glass and an air-spaced triplet design to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. The result is crisp stars with natural color rendition across a wide, flat field.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-contrast imaging\u003c\/strong\u003e achieved through proprietary EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings on all optical surfaces, maximizing light transmission while suppressing glare for every kind of observing—from planetary detail to faint deep-sky structure.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact, portable 80mm package\u003c\/strong\u003e with a 91 mm outside diameter tube, combining impressive light-gathering with grab-and-go practicality. It’s easy to carry, quick to set up, and flexible enough to pair with larger scopes for expanded imaging workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2\" rack-and-pinion focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e with two extension tubes ensures precise, repeatable focusing and ample back focus for camera setups. The included Hybrid Finder Scope Base is already mounted for fast alignment (finder scope not included).\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded 0.8x Focal Reducer\u003c\/strong\u003e unlocks wide-field imaging in a single, easy-to-use package. It shortens the focal length from 480 mm to 384 mm (f\/6 to f\/4.8) on the 80 mm class, and from 714 mm to 571 mm (f\/7 to f\/5.6) on the 102 mm equivalents, dramatically increasing brightness and field of view without a complex setup.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBack focus and threading compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e with 55 mm (+\/- 2 mm) back spacing and a threaded 42 mm T-ring interface, making camera attachment straightforward and reliable for astrophotography workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful Go-To tracking\u003c\/strong\u003e via the iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System, delivering precise object acquisition and smooth tracking so you can image or observe for longer sessions with fewer interruptions. This package includes two extra counterweights for balanced mounting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eReal-world use cases that maximize this setup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide-field astrophotography\u003c\/strong\u003e with the 0.8x reducer: capture sweeping star fields, large nebulae, and neighboring galaxies with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and naturally vibrant colors.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuided imaging on a larger telescope\u003c\/strong\u003e: the ED80’s compact size makes it an ideal portable guider or imaging companion, letting you separate guiding duties from a larger primary scope for longer, more productive sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-contrast visual sessions\u003c\/strong\u003e: enjoy crisp lunar terrain and planetary detail, including the graceful structure of Saturn’s rings, with color accuracy that stays true across the field.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravel-friendly setup\u003c\/strong\u003e: lightweight enough for quick trips to dark-sky sites while offering serious optical performance once you’re there.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eAstrophotographers who want a true apochromatic, color-corrected 80mm refractor that scales from wide-field imaging to guiding with a larger mount.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAmateur astronomers seeking a high-quality, compact instrument that delivers premium optics without sacrificing portability or ease of use.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eObservers and shooters who value a robust go-to tracker system (iEXOS-100-02) paired with reliable mounting hardware and the flexibility to expand their setup over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy choose this package over alternatives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eCompared with smaller refractors, you gain significantly more light-gathering capability and brighter field views, thanks to the ED glass and high-contrast coatings, while maintaining a compact form factor.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe 0.8x focal reducer isn’t a gimmick—it materially expands your field of view and light capture, dramatically reducing exposure times for many of the most popular deep-sky targets without compromising optical quality.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWith the iEXOS-100-2 tracker and two counterweights included, you have a ready-to-use, go-to tracking solution that simplifies alignment and enables longer, more productive imaging sessions from day one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003ePractical tips to get the most from your ED80\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlan imaging with the reducer in mind: the broader field and faster f\/ratio mean shorter exposures for the same signal-to-noise, but ensure you’ve accounted for the back focus requirements and camera spacing to maintain sharp corners across the frame.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBalance is key: use the included counterweights with the PMC-Eight system to achieve smooth slewing and accurate guiding, especially during long imaging runs.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eKeep optics clean and aligned: wipe only with approved optical cloths and store in a protective case to preserve coatings and ED glass performance over time.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePairing with larger telescopes: mount the ED80 on a larger instrument to separate guiding and imaging duties, expanding your imaging capabilities without sacrificing visual precision.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory and heritage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the Explore Scientific family, the ED80 Essential Series combines precision engineering with proven optical design. It sits at the intersection of accessible portability and professional-grade performance within the Cameras \u0026amp; Optics \u0026gt; Optics \u0026gt; Scopes \u0026gt; Telescopes category, making it a standout choice for serious hobbyists who demand true color fidelity, crisp detail, and a dependable, expandable imaging platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45160772894799,"sku":"ES-ED0806-FR0.8X-iEXOS100","price":849.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/2406\/7407\/files\/ES-ED0806-FR-iEXOS_1.jpg?v=1777688928","url":"https:\/\/hobbytechsupply.com\/products\/ed80-essential-series-air-spaced-triplet-refractor-telescope-with-0-8x-focal-reducer-and-iexos-100-2-pmc-eight-equatorial-tracker-system","provider":"Hobby Tech Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}