Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet Refractor with 0.8x Reducer and iEXOS-100 GoTo Mount Package

A Complete Wide-Field Imaging & Grab-and-Go Observing Package

Explore Scientific has bundled its popular ED80 Essential Series Triplet Apochromatic Refractor, the 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener, and the lightweight but capable iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo Equatorial Tracker Mount into one powerful package—complete with two extra counterweights to balance heavier loads.

This set is designed for the astronomer who wants diffraction-limited optics for visual use, faster focal ratios for astrophotography, and a GoTo system with wireless control that makes finding and tracking deep sky objects a breeze. Compact, portable, and exceptionally versatile, it’s equally at home in a backyard, on a road trip, or under dark skies at a star party.

The Telescope: Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet

The ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet is a true apochromat, built around HOYA FCD1 ED glass and Explore Scientific’s proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings. Its air-spaced triplet lens design virtually eliminates false color, delivering the crisp, high-contrast images that make lunar craters pop, Saturn’s rings glow, and faint nebulae shine with delicate structure.

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

• True apochromatic performance with HOYA FCD1 ED glass

• Proprietary EMD coatings maximize light transmission and contrast

• 2.5" hexagonal focuser supports up to 10 lbs of gear with smooth, precise focus control

• Grab-and-go portability — tube diameter just 91mm, compact enough to mount piggyback on a larger rig

The ED80 is beloved by beginners and advanced observers alike because it offers premium optical performance in a manageable size. On its own, it is an excellent all-purpose refractor for visual astronomy. As an astrograph, it becomes a workhorse for wide-field imaging.

The Focal Reducer: Explore Scientific 0.8x Reducer/Field Flattener

To unlock the ED80’s full astrophotographic potential, Explore Scientific includes their 2-element 0.8x Reducer/Field Flattener. This simple accessory does two things at once:

1. Reduces focal length from 480mm to 384mm (f/6 → f/4.8) for faster exposures and wider fields of view.

2. Flattens the field, minimizing star distortion across today’s larger imaging sensors.

This means you’ll capture more detail in less time and enjoy pinpoint stars across the frame. With standard 42mm T-ring threading and 55mm back focus, camera connection is simple.

Compared to smaller-aperture astrographs, the ED80 with reducer gathers significantly more light:

• 1.3× more than a 70mm scope

• 1.8× more than a 60mm scope

• 2.6× more than a 50mm scope

That translates to shorter exposure times and more detail per frame, making this package an incredible imaging value.

The Mount: iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo Equatorial Tracker

The iEXOS-100-2 German Equatorial Mount brings Explore Scientific’s advanced PMC-Eight Precision Motion Control system into a lightweight GoTo tracker. It combines robust engineering with flexible control options to make deep-sky observing and astrophotography easier than ever.

• 19 lb payload capacity (scope + accessories + counterweights)

• Wireless control via WiFi & Bluetooth with the free ExploreStars app (iOS, Android, Windows)

• ASCOM compatibility for seamless integration with astrophotography software

• German Equatorial design ensures accurate star tracking with no field rotation

• Smooth locking clutches and altitude adjustment knobs for intuitive setup

• Glow-in-the-dark markings and bubble level for quick nighttime alignment

• Comes with two 1 kg counterweights plus two extra included in this package

Despite its portable size (just 9.45 lbs for the mount head), the iEXOS-100 provides stable GoTo performance with features usually found on heavier mounts. For backyard imagers or traveling astrophotographers, it’s a near-perfect match to the ED80 refractor.

Cloudy Nights Community Insights

On Cloudy Nights, the ED80 is frequently praised as one of the best values in the small-aperture APO category:

• Users note its sharp optics, well-corrected color, and robust mechanical construction, especially given its approachable price point.

• Many astrophotographers highlight the f/4.8 performance with the 0.8x reducer, describing it as a “sweet spot” for wide-field imaging.

• The iEXOS-100 GoTo mount has gained a following among beginners and budget-conscious imagers. Members emphasize its lightweight portability, wireless control, and surprising accuracy when properly balanced.

• Overall, Cloudy Nights consensus is that this setup offers premium performance without the premium price tag, making it a favorite for first-time astrophotographers and seasoned observers who want a portable grab-and-go rig.

Observing Tip

The ED80’s wide field of view makes it an excellent telescope for sweeping the Milky Way, hunting down bright comets, or framing large deep-sky objects like the Pleiades or the Andromeda Galaxy. When paired with the 0.8x reducer and a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera, it becomes a wide-field imaging powerhouse. Many imagers on Cloudy Nights recommend it as a “first serious astrograph” because it delivers the perfect balance of portability, optical quality, and imaging speed.

Final Thoughts

This Explore Scientific package combines a true triplet apochromat, a proven focal reducer, and a lightweight GoTo mount into one versatile kit. Whether you’re stepping into astrophotography for the first time or need a portable grab-and-go system that won’t compromise on optical quality, this set is hard to beat. Buy it now at pre-tariff pricing, and enjoy premium performance that will keep you inspired for years to come.