The Explore Scientific 80mm f/6 ED APO Triplet Refractor Telescopefeatures a triplet apochromatic lens system with Hoya's exceptionally engineered and crafted FCD100 extra low-dispersion (ED) glass and Explore Scientific's proprietary anti-reflection EMD fully multi-coated optics. This combination of glass, lenses, and coatings virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations for clear and bright high-contrast images without distortion across the entire field of view, with true color rendition. This is a versatile optical tube assembly that can be employed as a simple grab-and-go primary telescope, as a large finderscope mounted to a larger optical tube assembly (OTA) such as a Dobsonian, or set up on a dual-mount rig for astrophotography/astroimaging.

A mounting cradle-ring clamps over the OTA, and allows the user to adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balance, while avoiding interference with other equipment. For those with a reliable mounting and support system, the scope is offered without a mount or tripod, but a Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any GoTo, alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle. To handle heavier imaging rigs, the OTA is outfitted with a large 2.5" diameter hexagonal focuser that provides improved strength, stability, and rigidity over conventional round focuser tubes; and ends in a 2" eyepiece/accessory holder to accommodate larger gear. A 90° dielectric star diagonal is also included for more comfortable viewing with minimal light loss.

80mm Aperture Refractor OTA    480mm Focal Length, f/6 Focal Ratio    Apochromatic Triplet Lens System    Hoya FCD100 Extra Low-Dispersion Glass    Proprietary EMD Enhanced Multi-Coatings    2" Hexagonal Rack-and-Pinion Focuser    2" 90° Diagonal, 1.25" Reducer    Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate    Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle    OTA Only: Mount and Tripod Required

• 80mm aperture
• f/6 focal ratio
• 480mm focal length
• Refractor-style optical design
• Hoya FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for enhanced contrast and accurate color rendition across the entire visible spectrum
• Apochromatic triplet lens configuration reduces spherical aberrations and corrects distortion across the entire field of view
• Proprietary anti-reflection EMD enhanced multi-coatings on all optics improve light transmission to help produce bright and clear high-contrast images
• Resolution: 1.45 arcsec
• 2-speed 2.5" diameter hexagonal focuser with 2" eyepiece/accessory holder; 10-pound (4.5kg) payload capacity to handle heavier imaging systems without flexing or bending

• OTA only, mount and tripod required for proper use
• Vixen-style dovetail plate
• Compatible with any GoTo, alt-az, or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle
• Weight: 7.5 pounds (3.4kg)

Diagonal:
• 2" snout and eyepiece holder
• Dielectric-coated mirror offers greater than 99% light transmission to ensure bright and clear images
• Star configuration corrects view horizontally, but not vertically

Reducer:
• 2"-to-1.25" adapter allows the use of the smaller and more common size eyepieces and accessories

Finderscope mount:
• Pre-installed on OTA
• Requires optional finderscope

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the Hoya FDC 100 ED better than the standart ED ?Thanks

A: The FCD1 Glass is very very good for photography, not a lot of difference visually though between them.

Q: 2. I saw other sites which lists the complete iterms included in this SW package, but not here. So can someone here list all of the item included here? like aluminum box, the 2" - 1.25" eyepiece adaptors, etc, all that?

A: If you look at the right side of the page, you will see a what's in the box listing; In the Box Sky-Watcher Esprit ED APO 100mm f/5.5 Refractor Telescope Canon 48mm T-Ring Photo Adapter Tube Rings with CGE-Style Dovetail Bar Aluminum Foam-Lined Carrying Case Limited 2-Year Warranty

Q: 3. I purchased this scope a few weeks ago. I have yet to achieve focus using a dslr without the diagonal. I've purchased 2" extension tubes that just dont fit on the tubes that came with it. What extention tubes actually fit on this?

A: What make and model of camera are you using and where in the scope are you mounting the camera

Q: 4. Is a field flattner recommended with this refractor?

A: a field flattener is not necessary for visual use, but one can be used to improve image quality when using large image sensors for photography

Q: 5. What is the best tracking stand that works best with this scope?

A: The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod Kit is a very good choice.: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1584520-REG/sky_watcher_s30300_eq6_r_pro_equatorial_goto.html

Q: 6. How tall is the tripod ?

A: Sorry that information is not specified by Explore Scientific.

Q: 7. What mount is this for? Eq?

A: Would need to know if you want a manual, motorized or GoTo computer mount.

Q: 8. Can you put it on a nicer tripod; can it come off of the tripod it comes with?

A: The tripod that is included has a different thread then your standard tripod head mount. So you won't be able to use a different tripod unless you go about doing some modifications.

Q: 9. Can you use this with a cannon dslr camera and do you need a t mount

A: Yes but you will need a t mount. Might also want to get their field flattener.

Q: 10. Will this work as a travel scope?

A: The image will be backwards so it is not recommend to use as a terrestrial scope. But you could adapt it using an erect image diagonal such as this Celestron: https://bhpho.to/2eMF3WV