This versatile daytime and nighttime observing bundle is ideal for those who want to explore sunspot activity, lunar detail, planetary structure, and bright deep-sky objects—all in one high-performance setup.
The lightweight AR80mm f/8 achromatic refractor features fully coated Crown-and-Flint optics, a 640mm focal length, and a sleek carbon fiber-style finish. A professional-grade SolarLite® filter from Thousand Oaks Optical is included for safe solar observation of eclipses, sunspots, and transits.
Mounted on the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker, this package offers precision GOTO tracking, wireless or wired control, and 8-core responsiveness through the powerful PMC-Eight™ system. Whether you're capturing sunspots, observing Saturn's rings, or chasing galaxies, this system keeps your target centered with minimal vibration and maximum flexibility.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
Optical Tube Assembly (AR80mm CF OTA)
- 80mm aperture / f/8 achromatic refractor with fully-coated Crown-and-Flint optics
- 640mm focal length provides crisp lunar and planetary views and wide-field deep-sky framing
- Over-the-lens SolarLite® filter (Thousand Oaks Optical) for safe solar viewing
- Carbon fiber-style finish for added durability and sleek aesthetics
- Built-in dew shield reduces glare and lens fogging
- 25mm fully coated Plössl eyepiece (25.6x magnification, 1.95° TFOV)
- 1.25" 90° diagonal for comfortable viewing angles
- Red dot finder for quick and intuitive target acquisition
- Smartphone camera adapter for easy astro and solar photography
- DSLR camera adapter with T2 threads (T-ring sold separately)
- Compatible with Vixen-style mounts
Mount (iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker)
- German equatorial mount with sidereal tracking and clutched RA/DEC axes
- 8-core PMC-Eight™ control system ensures fast, stable communication and precision
- Belt-driven stepper motors with dual-axis worm gears for quiet, smooth motion
- ExploreStars app compatibility (iOS, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire)
- ASCOM driver support for use with Stellarium, NINA, and other major software
- Manual balance and polar alignment sight tunnel
- Altitude adjustment knob for fine-tuned alignment
- Glow-in-the-dark markings for easy nighttime operation
- Battery bracket for 8 C-cell batteries (batteries not included)
- Two 1 kg counterweights included for proper balance
🌟 Who It’s For
- Astronomy enthusiasts seeking day-to-night observing capability
- Solar observers and eclipse chasers
- Beginners and intermediate users looking for GOTO tracking in a portable format
- Astrophotographers using DSLR cameras or smartphones
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- Solar features like sunspots, solar eclipses, and planetary transits
- Moon’s surface detail, including craters, mountains, and maria
- Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Mars' polar cap
- Bright deep-sky targets like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Pleiades
- Capture high-quality images using smartphone or DSLR cameras
🎒 What’s Included
- FirstLight AR80mm Carbon Fiber Refractor OTA
- 25mm Plössl eyepiece
- 1.25" 90° diagonal
- Red dot finder
- SolarLite® solar filter (over-the-lens, safe for direct sun viewing)
- Smartphone camera adapter
- DSLR adapter with T2 threads (T-ring required and sold separately)
- iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Mount
- Two 1 kg counterweights
- Tripod with glow-in-the-dark markings
- Battery holder bracket (8 x C-cell batteries not included)
- Access to ExploreStars app & ASCOM driver software
Specs
| Optical Diameter (Aperture) | 80 mm |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 640 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/8 |
| Magnification (with 25 mm eyepiece) | 25.6× (not 125× — 125× would require a 5.1 mm eyepiece) |
| Eyepiece (Included) | 25 mm Plössl |
| Viewfinder | Red Dot Viewfinder |
| Diagonal | 1.25" 90° |
| Focuser | 40 mm draw tube focuser |
| Smartphone Adapter | Included |
| DSLR Adapter | Included (requires T2 ring per brand) |
| Solar Filter | Over-the-lens SolarLite® filter |
| OTA Material | Metal tube with carbon fiber look |
| Software | Downloadable astronomy software |
Warranty Information:
This product is covered by a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, valid when registered within 60 days of purchase. To activate your warranty, please visit the Explore Scientific website and complete the registration form at: