ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope (Bundle)
ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor is a compact, true apochromatic telescope that delivers stunning, high-contrast views with virtually no chromatic aberration. Its 80mm aperture and diffraction-limited optics—featuring premium HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass and proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings—make it an exceptional choice for both beginner and experienced astronomers. Lightweight and highly portable, the ED80 is perfect for spontaneous stargazing or as a secondary scope for advanced astrophotography setups. Whether capturing the rugged beauty of the Moon, the elegance of Saturn’s rings, or the brightest Messier deep-sky objects, this grab-and-go refractor is built for crisp, detailed performance. Includes a precision 2" rack-and-pinion focuser with extension tubes and a pre-installed Hybrid Finder Scope Base.
Field Flattener f/5 to f/7
When doing astrophotography with refractor-type telescopes, the faster the focal ratio the more field curvature becomes a problem. Field curvature will appear in the corners of astrophotographs, making the stars smear perpendicular to the axis of the image. This is called coma - coma is Latin for comet, because the stars look like comets. The more the curvature, the closer to the center the coma appears. The larger the sensor, the worse the coma. Astrophotographers can easily correct the coma by using a field flattener – an optical device that goes between the telescope and the camera. Field fatteners are not interchangeable, because these devices are designed to work with a small range of focal ratios. The Explore Scientific field flattener is designed to work with telescopes with focal ratios between f/5 and f/7. Our device requires 55 mm (+/-2 mm) of spacing between the back of the device and the camera sensor.
NOTE: This device is for photographic use only. It is NOT intended for visual use.
- This is a field flattener for refractor-type telescopes with a focal ratio of f/5 to f/7
- Causes no change to the telescope focal length
- 2-inch barrel to easily attach to a two-inch focuser
- Fully multi-coated optics
- T-ring thread on the device so a T-ring can be used to easily attach a DSLR camera or a dedicated astrocamera
- 38 mm of clear aperture
- Requires 55mm (+/-2) of back focus/spacing between the device and the camera sensor
- Premium high glossy anodizing finish
iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with Wifi and Bluetooth
The iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth is a computerized German equatorial GOTO tracking system designed for portable astronomy and astrophotography. Combining Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight Precision Motion Control technology with a proven equatorial mount design, the iEXOS-100-02 delivers accurate tracking, smooth slewing, and wireless control for small telescopes and DSLR camera setups. The PMC-Eight motion control system uses eight independent CPUs dedicated to specific operational tasks, improving responsiveness, reliability, timing precision, and tracking accuracy compared to traditional single-processor mounts.
Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allow wireless control through the free ExploreStars app for Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets. Users can align the mount, browse celestial objects, navigate the night sky, and access information on thousands of astronomical targets. The system also supports wired or wireless ASCOM connectivity through the PMC-Eight ASCOM driver and POTH Client, making it compatible with most ASCOM-supported astronomy software. The German Equatorial Mount (GEM) design provides accurate sidereal tracking for visual observing and astrophotography while minimizing field rotation during long exposures.
Features include:
- PMC-Eight multi-processor motion control system
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Quiet dual-axis precision stepper motor belt drives
- Clutched worm gears for smooth balancing and repositioning
- Polar alignment sight hole through the RA axis
- Precision altitude adjustment controls
- ExploreStars app support for Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets
- ASCOM-compliant driver support
- Two included 1 kg counterweights
- Glow-in-the-dark mount and tripod markings
- Compatible with small telescopes and DSLR camera systems
- Portable design for observing and astrophotography
Smooth RA and DEC locking clutches allow precise balancing and quick repositioning of telescope or camera setups. The integrated bubble level and built-in polar alignment sight hole simplify field setup without requiring a separate polar scope. The included battery pack mounts directly to the tripod leg bracket and powers the PMC-Eight system using 8 C-cell batteries (not included). Standard alkaline batteries typically provide less than two hours of operation before voltage drop may affect motor performance. For extended use, Explore Scientific recommends a compatible lithium-ion power bank or AC power adapter. The mount supports payloads up to 19 lbs total, including the telescope, accessories, and counterweights. Additional counterweights may be required for heavier optical setups. Tablet, telescope, camera, and computer equipment are sold separately.
iEXOS-100 Counterweight 2.2 Pounds - Black
Supplemental 2.2 lb. Counterweight for iEXOS Mounts. Includes locking knob.