Explore Scientific ED80 80mm f/6 FCD100 Triplet Refractor Telescope Astrophotography Package

Capture Stunning Celestial Images Faster and with Precision

Dreaming of capturing vibrant, detailed images of the night sky? The Explore Scientific ED80 FCD100 Telescope Astrophotography Package empowers you to achieve breathtaking astrophotography without the hassle of complex setups.

With its premium optics, advanced tracking, and complete accessory bundle, this package is designed to make astrophotography accessible and rewarding for enthusiasts and seasoned photographers alike.

Features

• High-Quality Optics for Unmatched Clarity
  With HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, this 80mm air-spaced triplet refractor minimizes chromatic aberration and captures stunningly vibrant colors for crisp, detailed images.
• Versatile Focal Reduction for Wider Field Views
  The included 0.8x focal reducer transforms the f/6 focal ratio to f/4.8, allowing wide-field shots of expansive celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Cygnus Loop.
• Advanced Tracking with German Equatorial Mount (GEM)
  The iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ equatorial tracker system ensures smooth and precise tracking, perfect for capturing stable long-exposure shots and eliminating frustrating field rotation.
• WiFi and Bluetooth Control for Seamless Operation
  Connect easily to the ExploreStars app via WiFi or Bluetooth for remote control, or integrate with ASCOM-compatible software for full customization from your tablet or computer.
• Lightweight, Travel-Friendly Design
  Weighing just 7.5 lbs for the telescope and 9.45 lbs for the mount head, this portable setup lets you take your astrophotography to dark-sky sites without the hassle of heavy equipment.
• Ready-to-Use DSLR Compatibility
  The 42 mm T-ring thread on the focal reducer allows seamless DSLR camera attachment, making it easy to capture high-resolution astrophotography without compatibility issues.
• All-in-One Astrophotography Solution
  Complete with a 99% reflective diagonal, 2.5-inch hexagonal focuser, dew shield, extension tubes, and glow-in-the-dark markers, this package offers everything you need to start shooting immediately.

The Explore Scientific ED80 FCD100 Astrophotography Package is for You If…

• You’re passionate about astrophotography and want to capture high-quality, wide-field images with stunning detail, even of faint objects like nebulae and distant galaxies.
• You’re looking for precision tracking to achieve clear, stable long-exposure shots without the frustration of star trails or image drift.
• You need a portable setup that’s lightweight and easy to transport to dark-sky locations, allowing for optimal imaging conditions and flexibility.
• You want seamless camera integration with a telescope that makes connecting your DSLR easy, saving you from complicated setups and backspacing issues.
• You appreciate smart technology and want remote control options through WiFi, Bluetooth, or ASCOM software to enhance your imaging experience from anywhere in the world.
• You value ease of use and setup with a ready-to-go package that includes all essential accessories, so you spend more time capturing and less time adjusting.

Imagine the thrill of capturing celestial wonders with vivid detail and precision. The Explore Scientific ED80 80mm f/6 FCD100 Triplet Refractor Telescope Astrophotography Package is built to deliver images that reveal the night sky’s finest details. At its core, the telescope is equipped with HOYA FCD100 ED glass, a high-end optical glass known for its advanced chromatic-aberration correction and superior transmission of red light, which makes it ideal for capturing the delicate red hues of nebulae and galaxies. Unlike conventional telescopes, the FCD100 glass is carefully engineered to minimize color fringing, allowing you to achieve crystal-clear, contrast-rich images with true color representation.

The included 0.8x focal reducer takes this package to another level for astrophotography, transforming the ED80 from a focal ratio of f/6 (480 mm) to f/4.8 (384 mm). This wider field of view is ideal for large celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or the Heart Nebula, letting you capture these expansive scenes in their entirety. The 0.8x reducer is a precision 2-element design, crafted for high-quality imaging, and connects effortlessly to any DSLR with a standard 42 mm T-ring. The precise backspacing of 55 mm (+/- 2 mm) ensures that you can attach your camera with optimal spacing for the best possible focus, eliminating one of the common frustrations in astrophotography setups.

With the iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker System, you get robust tracking and alignment capabilities for flawless long-exposure photography. The system’s German Equatorial Mount (GEM) design, praised for its accuracy and stability, keeps your telescope aligned with the rotation of the Earth, eliminating image drift and star trails in your photos. The PMC-Eight system features an 8-core microcontroller, with each core dedicated to a specific task for precise control and fast responsiveness, essential for smooth, uninterrupted tracking during long-exposure sessions. This powerful tracking system allows you to capture detailed shots of objects like the Orion Nebula or the Pleiades cluster with clarity that rivals professional setups.

Portability is key for astrophotographers who seek the best dark-sky locations. The ED80 telescope’s tube weighs a mere 7.5 lbs, while the iEXOS-100 mount head adds only 9.45 lbs, making it one of the most travel-friendly setups in its class. The lightweight travel tripod, which collapses to just 27.25 inches, enables easy packing and transportation, whether you’re driving to a remote site or hiking to an ideal stargazing location. Despite its compact design, the setup can handle up to 19 lbs of total weight, including counterweights and accessories, ensuring stability even with additional imaging equipment or larger cameras.

For control and ease of use, the package is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to operate it wirelessly from your tablet or computer. The ExploreStars app offers a vast database of celestial objects, guiding you through setup, alignment, and tracking with a few taps, while ASCOM compatibility allows integration with a variety of advanced astronomy software. This flexibility means you can control your telescope from anywhere within WiFi range, giving you the freedom to manage your astrophotography session from a warm spot indoors or even remotely if you’re capturing images over a prolonged period.

The Explore Scientific ED80 Telescope Astrophotography Package is crafted for astrophotographers who demand top-tier optical quality, reliable tracking, and the convenience of a travel-friendly setup. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or an enthusiast looking to level up, this package offers everything you need for professional-grade astrophotography. Capture the deep reds of the North America Nebula, the rich blues of the Pleiades, or the vast star fields of the Milky Way with ease and clarity—all with a setup designed to deliver excellence, wherever your night-sky adventures take you.

Everything You Need for Astrophotography—Right Out of the Box

This all-inclusive package brings together the precise equipment you need to elevate your astrophotography experience. At the heart of the setup is the Explore Scientific ED80 80mm f/6 FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope, designed with top-grade FCD100 glass to capture sharp, vibrant images of the night sky. The telescope is paired with a 2.5" HEX Focuser that can support up to 10 pounds of imaging equipment, allowing for secure attachment of your camera and any additional accessories.

For additional flexibility in your imaging setup, this package includes two extension tubes and an Integrated Vixen-Style Dovetail for secure mounting. You’ll also benefit from the Explore Scientific 2N1 Hybrid Finder Scope Base, which provides options for attaching finder scopes or other optical aids, and a 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal that ensures minimal light loss for brighter, more detailed images.

To maximize your field of view, the Explore Scientific 0.8x Focal Reducer is included, transforming the telescope’s focal length to capture wide-field shots of larger celestial objects. The package’s iEXOS 100 Mount with its built-in PMC-Eight system delivers the precise tracking needed for smooth, long-exposure photography. Mounted on a durable Stainless Steel Tripod, the setup offers both stability and portability.

Powering your equipment is made easy with a DC Power Supply with Cable and a Battery Pack Mounting Bracket, allowing you to take your setup to remote locations without worrying about power sources. For wireless control, the RJ-12 WiFi Channel Switch Dongle enables flexible connectivity options. The package also includes one motor cable and two 2.2 lb (1 kg) counterweights to ensure balanced, stable operation, even with heavier cameras and additional accessories.

With every essential accessory included, this package is thoughtfully designed to provide everything you need for professional-grade astrophotography in one convenient bundle.