ED80-FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope

Description

The Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope is a high-performance optical instrument built for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who demand sharp, color-accurate views without the bulk of a larger setup. At the heart of this scope is genuine HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass - a premium optical material delivering chromatic aberration correction comparable to the gold-standard Ohara FPL-53 glass. The air-spaced triplet design virtually eliminates color fringing, producing high-contrast images of lunar craters, planetary rings, and deep-sky nebulae with true-to-life color fidelity.

With an 80mm aperture, 480mm focal length, and a total weight of just 7.5 lbs, the ED80 is the ultimate grab-and-go refractor - fast to set up, easy to transport, and ready to perform wherever the sky is clear. It doubles as a versatile guide scope for larger imaging rigs, making it one of the most adaptable telescopes in its class. Proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings maximize light throughput, while the robust 2.5" hexagonal focuser handles imaging loads up to 10 lbs with confident precision.

Key Features

• HOYA FCD100 ED Glass: Genuine extra-low dispersion glass delivers superior chromatic aberration correction and color fidelity on par with Ohara FPL-53 - a benchmark in premium optics.
• Air-Spaced Triplet Optical Design: Three-element, air-spaced lens system virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations for pinpoint, high-contrast views across the entire field.
• EMD Multi-Layer Coatings: Proprietary Enhanced Multi-layer Deposition coatings optimize light transmission for brilliantly bright and detailed images.
• 80mm Aperture / f/6 Focal Ratio: 480mm focal length balances wide-field and planetary performance, making it capable across a broad range of targets.
• 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser: Rugged hex focuser provides precise, stable focusing control and supports imaging equipment up to 10 lbs.
• Lightweight & Portable: At just 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg), the ED80 is one of the most travel-friendly high-quality refractors available.
• Dual-Purpose Use: Functions beautifully as a standalone visual and imaging scope, or as a guide scope paired with a larger telescope for advanced astrophotography.
• Vixen Dovetail Compatible: Ships with a Vixen-style dovetail for broad compatibility with most equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.
• Dew Shield Included: Integrated dew shield helps prevent moisture buildup on the objective lens during long observing sessions.
• Limited Warranty: Backed by Explore Scientific's limited warranty - register within 60 days to activate full coverage.

Options & Which to Choose

• 80MM f/6: The classic ED80 configuration - 80mm aperture with a 480mm focal length at f/6. Compact, lightweight, and fast, this is the ideal grab-and-go refractor for visual observers and astrophotographers who want wide-field performance in a portable package.
• 80MM f/6 + iEXOS-100-02 Bundle: Everything in the 80MM f/6, paired with the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker with WiFi and Bluetooth. A ready-to-image bundle for those stepping into tracked astrophotography without piecing together a system from scratch.
• 102MM f/7: Steps up to a 102mm aperture for noticeably more light-gathering capability and finer resolution - great for observers who want sharper planetary detail and richer deep-sky views than the 80mm can deliver.
• 102MM f/7 CF: The 102mm f/7 with a carbon fiber tube - lighter and more thermally stable than aluminum, making it the preferred choice for astrophotographers working in variable temperatures where tube flex and focus shift matter.
• 102MM f/7 CF + iEXOS-100-02 Bundle: The carbon fiber 102mm scope paired with the iEXOS-100-02 tracker - a premium, all-in-one imaging system for serious astrophotographers who want the best of portability and guided performance.
• 127MM f/7.5: The largest aperture in the series - 127mm of light-gathering power at f/7.5 for the most detailed views and deepest images of any variant. Best suited for observers and imagers who prioritize resolution and light collection over portability.
• 127MM f/7.5 CF: The flagship 127mm in a carbon fiber tube for reduced weight and superior thermal stability. The ultimate choice for the dedicated astrophotographer who wants maximum performance without sacrificing thermal consistency during long imaging sessions.

What's Included

• ED80-FCD100 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
• 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser
• Dew Shield
• Vixen Dovetail
• Free Backpack Carrying Case (limited time bonus offer - automatically added at checkout)

Why You'll Love It

The Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 has earned its reputation among amateur astronomers and astrophotographers as one of the best value-to-performance refractors on the market. The use of genuine HOYA FCD100 glass - rather than lower-grade ED substitutes - means you're getting optical quality that competes with scopes costing significantly more. Whether you're imaging the Orion Nebula from your backyard or guiding a larger imaging rig at a dark-sky site, this telescope delivers consistently sharp, color-accurate results you can count on night after night. Its lightweight, compact form factor means it's always easy to bring along, and the heavy-duty focuser ensures your camera or eyepiece stays locked in without drift. Trusted by the astronomy community and backed by Explore Scientific's dedicated warranty and support, the ED80-FCD100 is a telescope you'll reach for again and again - from your first night out to years of serious sky exploration.

Product Specifications

FAQ