Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet Refractor with 2" Field Flattener

A True APO with Flat-Field Imaging Capability

The Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet has already earned a reputation as one of the best values in small apochromatic refractors. By bundling it with the Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, this package transforms the ED80 into a powerful wide-field imaging telescope that delivers pinpoint stars from center to edge.

Whether you’re exploring the rugged valleys of the Moon, resolving the delicate rings of Saturn, or capturing the expansive majesty of deep-sky nebulae, this package offers premium optical performance and imaging-ready precision in a grab-and-go size.

The Telescope: ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet

At its core, the ED80 is a true apochromatic refractor built around an air-spaced triplet objective with premium HOYA FCD1 ED glass. Proprietary EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings maximize light transmission, producing brilliant, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration.

• 80mm aperture at 480mm focal length (f/6)

• Diffraction-limited performance with superb color correction

• Compact and versatile — tube diameter just 91mm

• 2.5" hexagonal focuser supports heavy cameras and accessories (up to 10 lbs)

• Built-in dew shield, 2" diagonal, and extension tubes included

The ED80 is equally suited for visual astronomy or as a compact astrograph. It’s portable enough for spontaneous stargazing sessions yet optically refined enough to serve as a primary imaging scope or as a guidescope on a larger rig.

The Accessory: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener

The included 2" Field Flattener is designed for refractor-type telescopes with focal ratios between f/5 and f/7 — making it a perfect match for the f/6 ED80.

• No change to focal length – preserves the ED80’s native 480mm focal length

• Fully multi-coated optics ensure maximum light throughput

• 2" barrel design fits directly into standard 2" focusers

• 38mm clear aperture maintains excellent illumination for imaging sensors

• 55mm back focus (+/- 2mm) makes DSLR and astro-camera connection simple

• T-thread interface – just add your camera-specific T-ring

• Premium glossy anodized finish adds durability and style

With this field flattener in place, the ED80 becomes a sharp, flat-field imaging telescope, eliminating the edge distortions that can otherwise appear in wide-field photos.

Cloudy Nights Community Insights

On Cloudy Nights, the ED80 Essential Series is frequently highlighted as one of the most approachable ways to step into true APO imaging. Owners praise its:

• Consistent color correction compared to budget doublets

• Mechanical stability of the hex focuser under heavy imaging loads

• Versatility — equally at home for visual observing or as an astrophotography workhorse

When paired with the Explore Scientific Field Flattener, users report sharp stars across the entire imaging frame, making it a highly recommended combination for DSLR astrophotographers and beginners looking for a turnkey wide-field rig.

What’s Included

• Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series APO Triplet OTA

• Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener

• 99% reflective 2" diagonal

• 2.5" hexagonal rack-and-pinion focuser with 2 extension tubes

• Hybrid Finder Scope Base (finder not included)

• Built-in dew shield and dust cover/lens cap

Observing Tip

For visual use, pair the ED80 with a wide-field 24mm or 30mm eyepiece to sweep open clusters and nebulae. For imaging, the field flattener ensures edge-to-edge sharpness, making it especially well-suited to capturing large objects like the North America Nebula, the Double Cluster, or the entire Sword of Orion region.

Final Thoughts

Compact yet powerful, the Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet with 2" Field Flattener is a dual-purpose powerhouse:

• A grab-and-go APO refractor for spontaneous stargazing

• A flat-field astrograph for wide-field imaging

This package represents one of the most versatile small refractor kits on the market, delivering APO performance and flat-field imaging without compromise.