Explore Scientific ED80 Solar Kit

From Sunspots to Saturn — One Kit Covers All

Dream of shooting sunspots and galaxies? The Explore Scientific ED80 Solar Kit lets you capture both without juggling multiple scopes or sacrificing image quality.

Features

• True Apochromatic Optics: Features an air-spaced triplet lens design with genuine HOYA FCD1 ED glass for crystal-clear, color-free imaging — even on bright objects like the Moon or Sun.
• Dual-Purpose Observation: Includes a high-quality Sun Catcher solar filter for safe solar viewing and imaging. Simply remove it to switch seamlessly to deep-sky targets.
• Astrophotography-Ready Mount: Comes bundled with the iEXOS-100 GoTo equatorial mount — controlled via Wi-Fi and ASCOM-compatible, perfect for long-exposure tracking.
• Precision Focuser: Equipped with a 2" rack-and-pinion focuser plus two extension tubes, allowing for fine-tuned focus across a wide range of camera and eyepiece setups.
• Optimized for Portability: At just 91mm in outer diameter and lightweight enough to be travel-friendly, this kit is ideal for dark-sky site trips, eclipse chasing, or grab-and-go imaging.
• Enhanced Image Contrast: Proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings applied to all glass surfaces help reduce stray light and boost contrast in both solar and deep-sky photography.
• Complete Imaging Package: Includes flatteners, counterweights (DOB-CW), and mounting hardware designed to integrate perfectly — no guesswork, no extra accessories needed.

The ED80 Solar Kit is for you if…

• You’re ready to level up from beginner gear and want professional-grade optics without the complexity of piecing together a system from scratch.
• You want to capture both solar and deep-sky images with one trusted setup — from sunspot activity and partial eclipses to nebulae and Saturn’s rings.
• You’ve struggled with compatibility issues before and are looking for a well-matched, ready-to-use package that connects smoothly right out of the box.
• You travel for astrophotography and need a kit that’s compact enough for road trips but powerful enough to deliver gallery-worthy images under dark skies.
• You’ve been disappointed by chromatic aberration in lesser scopes and want the clarity of a true apochromat — no purple fringing, no soft edges.
• You value precision tracking and alignment and need a portable GoTo mount (iEXOS-100) that integrates with apps, guiding software, and your existing imaging workflow.

Whether you're capturing solar flares in real time or chasing deep-sky wonders under a new moon, the Explore Scientific ED80 Solar Kit is built to keep up with your passion — without compromise. This isn’t a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none setup. It’s a precision-crafted tool that transitions effortlessly between solar and night-sky imaging.

You’ve probably wrestled with systems that felt like Frankenstein builds — filters that don’t quite fit, mounts that slip during long exposures, or optics that fall short the moment you try to image a bright object. That’s where the ED80 shines. Every component in this kit is designed to work together seamlessly, so you can focus on imaging, not troubleshooting.

The included Sun Catcher solar filter isn’t an afterthought — it’s a certified, high-quality solution that lets you safely observe and photograph solar activity with confidence. Remove it, and you’ve got a true air-spaced triplet apochromat made with HOYA FCD1 ED glass, delivering razor-sharp contrast without chromatic aberration. Whether it’s solar granulation or Saturn’s rings, you’ll see the details others miss.

For astrophotographers seeking sharp, distortion-free images across the entire frame, this kit includes the ES-FF2F5/F7 field flattener. It preserves your telescope’s native f/6 focal ratio while correcting field curvature — essential for getting pinpoint stars all the way to the edges of your images. Whether you shoot with a DSLR or dedicated astro camera, your shots will be sharp, clean, and ready to process.

Matched with the iEXOS-100 GoTo equatorial tracker, you'll enjoy accurate polar alignment, smooth tracking, and full software compatibility with ASCOM and popular control apps. Balancing is a breeze with the included DOB-CW counterweights, which are compatible with this mount.

The kit also comes with the Explore Scientific 2" rack-and-pinion focuser, two extension tubes for imaging flexibility, and a Hybrid Finder Scope Base already installed on the tube. (Note: Finder scope not included, allowing you to add the one that best fits your workflow.)

Just starting out in astrophotography? This kit is also ideal for beginners ready to move beyond casual stargazing and into imaging — without worrying about outgrowing their gear. The components are professional-grade, but the setup is intuitive enough for your first deep-sky photo session.

The optical tube has a 91mm outer diameter, making it easy to upgrade your setup with rings, clamps, or piggyback mounts later on. Whether you're building your first rig or enhancing an existing one, this scope gives you the flexibility to grow.

Everything comes together in a compact, travel-friendly format — easy to transport to eclipse sites or dark-sky parks, without giving up on premium optics or tracking capability. Still comparing parts and compatibility across brands? With this kit, the guesswork is gone. You’re not just buying a telescope — you’re investing in a complete, thoughtfully designed system that performs from sunrise to starlight.