• Explore Scientific ED 80mm apochromatic refractor telescope with 0.8x focal reducer for astrophotography
  • Explore Scientific ED 80mm apochromatic refractor optical tube with 2.5-inch focuser and diagonal
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Explore Scientific

Explore Scientific ED 80mm Refractor + 0.8x Focal Reducer Bundle — Apochromatic Astrophotography Kit

Explore Scientific ED 80mm Refractor + 0.8x Focal Reducer Bundle — Apochromatic Astrophotography Kit

$570.00
$799.99 $570.00
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The Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Refractor is an 80mm f/6 air-spaced triplet apochromatic refractor telescope — a portable, astrophotography-grade scope that delivers pinpoint stars with very little false color. Its air-spaced triplet lens uses genuine HOYA ED glass for crisp, high-contrast views and images at a friendly price.

This bundle adds a matched 0.8× focal reducer that speeds the scope to a fast f/4.8 (384mm) and flattens the field, so large deep-sky targets come in wide, bright, and sharp with shorter exposures.

Who it's for

Keen beginners and up who want genuine apochromatic optics for wide-field astrophotography without a premium price. This is an optical tube with reducer — a mount and camera are sold separately. Getting into imaging? See our astrophotography for beginners guide.

Key features

  • Air-spaced triplet apo optics with HOYA ED glass — minimizes the purple fringing cheaper scopes show
  • Included 0.8× focal reducer — a fast f/4.8 wide-field imaging system
  • 2.5" HEX focuser holds up to 10 lb of camera gear rock-steady
  • Built-in retractable dew shield and Vixen dovetail for easy mounting
  • Compact, grab-and-go tube for travel and quick setups

Specifications

Optical design Air-spaced triplet apochromat
Glass HOYA FCD1 ED
Aperture 80 mm
Focal length 480 mm (f/6) — 384 mm (f/4.8) with reducer
Focuser 2.5" HEX, up to 10 lb capacity
Resolution 1.45 arcsec
Included 0.8× focal reducer, dew shield, Vixen dovetail (OTA only — no mount)
Weight ~6 lb
SKU ES-ED-0806-FR0.8x

Frequently asked questions

What does apochromatic triplet mean?
It's a premium three-lens design that brings colors to the same focus, so stars look sharp and true instead of fringed with color — a real step up from doublet and achromatic refractors.

How is this different from the FCD100 version?
Same 80mm f/6 triplet layout, but the FCD100 version uses higher-grade HOYA FCD100 glass for even better correction. The Essential ED delivers excellent results at a lower price.

What does the 0.8× reducer do?
It shortens the focal length to 384mm and speeds the scope to f/4.8, giving a wider field and shorter exposures while keeping stars sharp to the edges.

Is a mount included?
No — this is the optical tube plus reducer. You'll need a tracking equatorial mount and a camera for imaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

With a beginner telescope you can see a surprising amount — the craters and mountains on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and star clusters like the Pleiades. As you get more comfortable, you can also spot nebulae and distant galaxies. Not sure which beginner telescope is right for you? Check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
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All telescopes on Telescope Wolves are hand-picked with beginners in mind. If you're unsure which telescope is right for you, check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
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