Take your visual and astrophotography sessions to the next level with the Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor — a compact, high-performance apochromatic telescope designed for true color fidelity, contrast, and optical precision. Whether you're exploring craters on the Moon, chasing Saturn’s rings, or capturing deep-sky showpieces, this scope delivers razor-sharp, color-corrected images with ease.
This upgraded version of the original ED80 features premium HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, delivering optical performance that rivals the industry-standard FPL-53. Paired with a triplet air-spaced lens design and enhanced EMD multi-layer coatings, the FCD100-0806-02 delivers virtually zero chromatic aberration, making it a favorite among serious visual observers and astrophotographers alike.
Weighing under 8 lbs and measuring just over 18 inches long, this telescope is travel-friendly and mount-ready. The robust 2.5″ HEX focuser provides ultra-smooth control and supports up to 10 lbs of gear, making it perfect for DSLR or cooled astro-camera setups. It can even double as a precision guide scope for larger systems.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- HOYA FCD100 ED Glass – Delivers color correction on par with Ohara FPL-53 for true apochromatic performance
- Air-Spaced Triplet Lens Design – Minimizes spherical and chromatic aberration for razor-sharp imaging
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics – EMD enhanced coatings on all surfaces maximize brightness and contrast
- Compact & Lightweight – Ideal for grab-and-go observing or travel setups (only 91 mm outer diameter)
- 2.5″ HEX Focuser – Rigid hexagonal structure with 10 lb load capacity for heavy astrophotography gear
- Precision Dual-Speed Control – Smooth fine-tuning for focus-critical imaging or planetary viewing
- Versatile Mounting – Works as a standalone OTA or premium guide scope on larger rigs
- True Apochromat – Virtually eliminates false color and haloing around bright objects
🌟 Who It’s For
- Astrophotographers seeking a lightweight triplet APO with pro-grade glass
- Intermediate and advanced observers who want compact clarity without compromise
- Traveling stargazers needing a premium, mount-friendly OTA
- Imagers needing a reliable, precision guide scope to pair with larger optical systems
- Visual users looking for a clean, color-free view of planets, clusters, and nebulae
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- High-resolution lunar surface detail (rilles, craters, shadows)
- Crisp, chromatic-aberration-free views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons
- Color-accurate views of deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy
- Tight double stars like Albireo and colorful binaries
- Pinpoint stars and sharp edges on astrophotography targets across the frame
🎒 What’s Included
- Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 optical tube assembly
- 2.5″ HEX dual-speed focuser
- Integrated dew shield
- Vixen-style dovetail mounting rail
- Dust caps and finder base (finder not included)
- Instruction manual and registration info
Specs
| Item Number | FCD100-0806-02 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 480 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/6 |
| Limiting Magnitude | 12 |
| Resolution | 1.45 arcseconds |
| Tube Length (w/ Dew Shield) | 18.5 in (475 mm) |
| Tube Length (w/o Dew Shield) | 15 in (381 mm) |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 85 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Dovetail Plate | Vixen-style |
Warranty Information:
This product includes a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase.
To activate your warranty, register your product at:
www.explorescientific.com/pages/product-registration