Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet Refractor with 2" Field Flattener & iEXOS-100 GoTo Mount

APO Precision Meets Flat-Field Imaging

This Explore Scientific package combines the acclaimed ED80 Essential Series APO Triplet Refractor, the Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, and the versatile iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo Equatorial Tracker Mount—along with two extra counterweights for perfect balance. The result is a compact yet powerful astrophotography and observing system that is equally at home under suburban skies or at a remote dark-sky site.

The Telescope: ED80 Essential Series Triplet

The ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet is one of Explore Scientific’s most popular refractors for good reason. Built around HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and Explore Scientific’s EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings, it delivers crisp, high-contrast views of both the Solar System and deep sky.

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

• Triplet APO optics virtually eliminate chromatic aberration

• 2.5" hexagonal rack-and-pinion focuser supports up to 10 lbs of imaging gear

• Compact 91mm tube diameter makes it highly portable

• Built-in dew shield & dust cap for field protection

Visually, the ED80 excels at revealing the fine structure of Saturn’s rings, the rugged relief of lunar craters, and the brightest Messier deep-sky objects. For imaging, it becomes a true workhorse when paired with the included field flattener.

The Accessory: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener

Unlike a focal reducer, which changes the telescope’s speed and focal length, the 2" Field Flattener keeps the ED80 at its native 480mm (f/6) while correcting the natural curvature of the field. The result is pinpoint stars from edge to edge—essential for today’s larger DSLR and CMOS imaging sensors.

• Works with refractors in the f/5–f/7 range (ideal for the ED80)

• No focal length change – maintains native f/6 speed and field of view

• 38mm clear aperture ensures strong illumination across modern APS-C sensors

• 55mm backfocus (+/- 2mm) simplifies DSLR and astro-camera attachment

• Fully multi-coated optics maximize contrast and light throughput

• Standard T-thread interface for quick connection with a T-ring

• Glossy anodized finish for durability

For imagers, the difference is immediate: pinpoint stars across the frame without the edge distortion common to uncorrected refractors.

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

The iEXOS-100-2 is a lightweight yet capable German equatorial GoTo mount that uses Explore Scientific’s innovative PMC-Eight Precision Motion Control system. It provides the accuracy and versatility astrophotographers and visual observers need at an approachable price point.

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

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

• ASCOM compatibility for astrophotography software integration

• German equatorial design prevents field rotation for long-exposure imaging

• Smooth clutches, altitude adjustments, and polar scope tunnel simplify alignment

• Glow-in-the-dark markings and built-in bubble level aid setup at night

• Mount head just 9.45 lbs, tripod only 5.5 lbs — extremely portable

• Includes two 1kg counterweights plus two extra in this package

With its eight-core processor system, wireless control options, and robust tracking accuracy, the iEXOS-100 is a perfect match for the ED80’s optical performance.

Cloudy Nights Insights

On Cloudy Nights, owners consistently highlight this combination as one of the best entry-level astrophotography packages available:

• The ED80 Triplet is praised for its color correction, sharpness, and value.

• When paired with the 2" Field Flattener, imagers report pinpoint stars across the frame, making it a favorite for DSLR astrophotography.

• The iEXOS-100 mount earns high marks for wireless GoTo control and portability, with users noting that once balanced correctly, it tracks with surprising accuracy for such a compact mount.

The consensus: this package offers a turnkey path into astrophotography, with performance that belies its size and price.

What’s Included

• Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Triplet APO OTA

• Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener (with T-thread connection)

• iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker Mount with WiFi & Bluetooth

• Travel tripod with accessory tray

• 99% reflective 2" diagonal

• 2.5" hex focuser with two extension tubes

• Hybrid Finder Scope Base (finder not included)

• Built-in dew shield & dust cover

• Four counterweights total (two standard + two extras)

Observing Tip

With the field flattener installed, the ED80 is a superb tool for framing large nebulae and open clusters while keeping stars tight from edge to edge. For visual observing, leave the flattener off and drop in a wide-field eyepiece to enjoy breathtaking Milky Way sweeps. This dual-purpose flexibility is one reason the ED80 Essential Series remains a long-standing favorite.

Final Thoughts

The Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series APO with 2" Field Flattener and iEXOS-100 Mount is a complete astrophotography system in a portable package. It combines true triplet apochromatic optics, edge-to-edge flat-field imaging, and precision GoTo tracking—all at a price that keeps the stars within easy reach.