• Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm apochromatic refractor telescope with 0.8x focal reducer
  • Close-up of the Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm refractor front lens cell and dew shield
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Explore Scientific

Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm Refractor + 0.8x Focal Reducer Bundle — Premium Apochromatic Astrophotography Kit

Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm Refractor + 0.8x Focal Reducer Bundle — Premium Apochromatic Astrophotography Kit

$830.00
$1,299.99 $830.00
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The Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm Refractor is a premium air-spaced triplet apochromatic refractor telescope built for astrophotography. Its objective uses genuine HOYA FCD100 extra-low-dispersion glass — comparable to Ohara FPL-53 — to virtually eliminate the color fringing that softens lesser refractors, delivering pinpoint stars and true, high-contrast color.

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 are captured wide, bright, and sharp corner to corner with shorter exposures.

Who it's for

Astrophotographers and serious hobbyists who want a portable, high-end 80mm apo for fast wide-field imaging. 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

  • HOYA FCD100 ED triplet optics — top-tier color correction and contrast for standout astrophotos
  • Included 0.8× focal reducer — turns the scope into 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, travel-friendly tube for grab-and-go imaging trips

Specifications

Optical design Air-spaced triplet apochromat
Glass HOYA FCD100 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 ~7.5 lb
SKU ES-FCD100-0806-FR0.8x

Frequently asked questions

What does the 0.8× focal 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 — ideal for large nebulae and galaxies.

How is FCD100 different from standard ED glass?
HOYA FCD100 is a premium ED glass comparable to Ohara FPL-53, delivering even better color correction and contrast than ordinary ED optics — a real difference in demanding astrophotography.

Is a mount included?
No. This is the optical tube plus the reducer; you'll need a tracking equatorial mount and a camera for imaging.

Can I use it visually too?
Yes — it gives crisp, high-contrast visual views. The reducer is for photography; remove it for visual use at native f/6.

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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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