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Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Triplet Refractor with 0.8x Focal Reducer & iEXOS-100-2 GoTo Mount

SKU FCD100-0806-FR-iEXOS
Save 22% Save 22%
Original price $1,799.97
Original price $1,799.97 - Original price $1,799.97
Original price $1,799.97
Current price $1,399.94
$1,399.94 - $1,399.94
Current price $1,399.94
Availability:
In stock

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Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Series f/6 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor with 0.8x Focal Reducer & iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight EQ GoTo Mount

The combination of Explore Scientific's 0.8x focal reducer and FCD-100 80 mm Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor creates a 5-element wide-field astrophotography system ready to reveal wonders of the night sky.

Because the focal reducer can be replaced with a diagonal, the astrograph can transform into a visual instrument that offers stunning visual views of the night sky.

The 0.8x focal reducer turns this f/6 telescope (focal length 480 mm) into an f/4.8 telescope (focal length 384 mm), allowing users a field wide enough to photograph the entirety of the Andromeda Galaxy, the Cygnus Loop, or the Heart Nebula.

The 80 mm aperture allows more light to collect onto your camera sensor than telescopes with smaller apertures. This telescope gathers:

  • 1.3 times more light than a 70 mm telescope

  • 1.8 times more than a 60 mm telescope

  • 2.6 timers more than a 50 mm telescope

In addition, the telescope offers true diffraction-limited optics with genuine HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, that is very similar in characteristics to Ohara FPL-53.

Through technological innovation, we have successfully launched the mass production of high-performance optical glass at the apex of the FCD family.

Combining it with optical glass of high refractive index allows us to achieve unprecedented advanced chromatic-aberration correction.

Hoya FCD100 is considered the best glass ever produced by Hoya.

While the Essential Series 80 mm telescope with FCD1 glass is a fine instrument, if you want to dive deep into astrophotography, the FCD100 glass offers better transmission of red light (where many of the great nebulae shine) and better contrast. That means your photographs are going to pop.

Explore Scientific 0.8x Focal Reducer

The NEW Explore Scientific 0.8x Focal Reducer lets astrophotographers explore the wonders of wide-field astrophotography in an easy-to-use package.

The 0.8x Focal Reducer works with the following Explore Scientific telescopes:

  • ES-ED0806-02

  • ES-ED10207-02

  • FCD100-0806-02

  • FCD100-10207-02

  • FCD100-10207-CF-01

The 2-element 0.8x focal reducer turns the 480-mm-focal-length telescopes into devices with a focal length of 384 mm. This changes the telescopes from an f/ratio of f/6 to a much faster f/4.8.

The device turns the 102 mm telescopes, with a focal length of 714 mm, into telescopes with a focal length of 571 mm: From f/7 to f/5.6.

Compare this with smaller diameter wide-field telescopes. The Explore Scientific ES and FCD100 80mm telescopes offer significantly more light-gathering aperture. The ES and FCD100 telescopes gather:

  • 1.3 times more light than a 70 mm telescope

  • 1.8 times more light than a 60 mm telescope

  • A whopping 2.6 times more light than a 50 mm telescope

The faster f/ratio, coupled with more light-gathering aperture, allows more light to fall onto the camera sensor.

For instance, to capture the same amount of light as a 100-second exposure with the Explore Scientific 80 mm takes 256 seconds on a 50 mm, 178 seconds on a 60 mm, and 131 sec on 70 mm – assuming the same f/ratio.

This means that the Explore Scientific 80mm telescope with the 0.8x Focal Reducer can capture far more detail faster than the competition.

The focal reducer, which has 55 mm (+/- 2 mm) of back spacing, is threaded to accept a standard 42 mm T-ring, making attaching a camera easy. 

iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth®

The iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker System is a complete astronomical computerized Wifi or Wired GOTO Equatorial Tracker with integrated PMC-Eight™ electronics suitable for attaching Small Telescopes or DSLR Cameras attached to the Explore Scientific DSLR Camera Dovetail Assembly.

Use with the free ExploreStars App for Tablets (Windows, Android, Amazon and Apple), or with the free ASCOM Standards Compliant PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver and the ASCOM POTH Client from Explore Scientific (either wired or wireless) to work with virtually any sky software that supports ASCOM.

Tablet or computer must be purchased separately.

The iEXOS-100 utilizes a proven German equatorial mount design and Explore Scientific’s revolutionary PMC-Eight™ Precision Motion Control system to flawlessly navigate the night sky and track objects as they journey across it.

This combination provides superior observing and imaging performance without a prohibitive price tag.

GOTO systems play an important role in the world of amateur astronomy because they ensure users spend less time searching for particular objects and more time observing and imaging.

The PMC-Eight™ with its versatile connections supported with free to download apps for Windows computers or Android and iOS tablets only (tablets must have a screen of at least 7 inches), or through the free to download ASCOM PMC-Eight™ driver and POTH Client to connect to your favorite ASCOM Compliant Astronomical Software, can allow you to control the telescope from a few feet away or by communicating computer-to-computer with an Internet connection from virtually anywhere in the world.

One of the standout features of the iEXOS-100 system is its German equatorial design. When it comes to tracking the stars with a telescope, there is nothing that compares to a German Equatorial Mount (GEM) because it will precisely follow objects as they rise in the east and set in the west. For observers, a GEM makes it easy to keep your celestial target in your eyepiece.

For imagers, it helps you avoid common astrophotography pitfalls like field rotation.

Before you can track an object, you need to find it, and that objective can be daunting when you’re faced with a vast expanse of inky black sky or a bright city sky.

The iEXOS-100 puts a powerful GOTO system in your arsenal of astronomical tools that takes the frustration out of navigating the night sky.

This integrated version of Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight™ system transcends the industry standard single processor by utilizing an 8-core microcontroller with eight CPUs that operate independently of one another to focus on defined functions.

This delegation of tasks among the processors results in a system that offers superior responsiveness, efficiency, reliability and astoundingly fast timing intervals for smooth image acquisition and accurate tracking.

Although it is internally complex, the GOTO system can be easily operated from your own Apple, Android or Windows tablet using the ExploreStars app, which has an intuitive nature that makes it simple and quick to align your telescope, navigate the stars and learn specifics about tens of thousands of celestial objects.

This dynamic app is fueled by a database that is routinely updated to ensure it remains a relevant resource.

Our commitment to creating a streamlined GOTO mount is obvious in other design choices.

The iEXOS-100 has smooth locking clutches that will let you quickly reposition your telescope from one side to the other and an altitude knob for smooth height adjustments.

The mount base includes a small polar alignment tunnel that allows users to roughly align their observing setup with Polaris.

It also has a simple bubble level that comes in handy when stabilizing your tripod.

Other features include a bracket for holding the battery pack, which powers the PMC-Eight™ system through 8 C batteries (not included); two 1 kg counterweights for balancing (telescopes and accessories that weigh more than 6 lbs required additional counterweights); and glow-in-the-dark markers on certain points of the mount and tripod so you can stay oriented with your setup at night. The mount is designed to hold up to 19 lbs (scope, accessories, and counterweights added together).

The mount weighs 9.45 pounds (4.29 kg), while the lightweight Travel Tripod and accessory tray weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). The Travel Tripod, when collapsed is 27.25 inches (69.21 cm) tall.

 


Features:

  • 80mm Objective Lens: Offers exceptional light-gathering ability for crisp views of stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.

  • 157x Magnification: Delivers detailed observations of lunar craters, planetary surfaces, and star clusters.

  • 480mm Focal Length: Combines magnification and wide-field views for versatile stargazing and astrophotography.

  • FCD100 Optics: Premium Hoya FCD100 glass ensures sharp, color-accurate visuals with minimal chromatic aberration.

  • Air-Spaced Triplet Design: High-contrast imaging with virtually no color distortion for celestial clarity.

  • EMD Multi-Coatings: Enhanced light transmission and reduced glare for bright, vivid views.

  • 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser: Ensures precise focusing with stable support for accessories.

  • Integrated Dew Shield: Protects against dew buildup, ensuring clear, uninterrupted viewing.

  • Mounting Versatility: Compact 91mm tube fits larger telescopes for dual-purpose guiding or imaging setups.

  • Lightweight & Portable: At just 7.5 lbs, it’s perfect for spontaneous stargazing or travel-friendly exploration.

  • Expanded Compatibility: Works seamlessly with filters, cameras, and other add-ons for customized astrophotography.

  • Durable Construction: Built to withstand regular use and transport, offering reliability for all observation conditions.

 


Explore Scientific ED80 Telescope Highlights Video:

PMC-Eight Technology Sharing the Vision:

ExploreStars iPad and Android Tutorial:

 


What's included:

✓ ED80-FCD100 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope

✓ 0.8x Focal Reducer with ends caps and adapter with 42 mm T2 ring thread

✓ iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System w/ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

✓ 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal 

✓ 2x Focuser Extension Tubes

✓ 2.5-inch hexagonal focuser rugged enough to load 10 pounds onto the focuser

✓ Hybrid Finder Scope Base installed on scope. (Finder scope not included.)

✓ Built-in dew Shield

✓ Dust cover/lens cap

✓ Limited 1 year warranty

 


Specifications:

Item Number 

FCD100-0806-02

Focal Length 

480mm

Focal Ratio 

f/6

Limiting Magnitude 

12

Resolution 

1.45 arcsec

Tube Length w/ Dew Shield 

18.5"; 475mm

Tube Length w/out Dew Shield 

15"; 381mm

Diameter 

85mm

Weight 

7.5lb; 3.4kg

Dovetail 

Vixen

0.8x Focal Reducer 

Item Number 

ES-FR0.8x

Number of Elements: 

2

Diameter: 

2 Inches

Reduction Factor: 

0.8x

Camera Adapter Plate: 

42 mm thread for T2 ring

Filter:: 

Barrel threaded with standard 2-inch filter thread

iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth® 

Item Number 

ES-iEXOS-100-02

Mount head weight Instrument 

9.45 lbs.

Tripod weight 

5.35 lbs.

Tripod fully collapsed, no mount head 

25.5”

Tripod open, retracted legs, no mount head 

25”

Tripod open, retracted legs with the mount head 

38.5” at highest point, 36” to the center of the mounting bracket

Tripod open, legs fully extended, no mount head 

42”

Tripod open, legs fully extended with the mount head 

45” at highest point

Counterweights 

1 kg each

Mount weight capacity 

Approx. 9 lbs (equipment weight only),15 lbs Photographic (equipment and counterweights); Approx. 19 lbs Visual (equipment and counterweights)

 

Instructional Manual:

Download the ES ED80-FCD100 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System Instructional Manual

Download ExploreStars Software Here

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