Explore Scientific FCD100 ED80 Triplet APO with 0.8x Focal Reducer (OTA Package)

Premium Glass and Wide-Field Imaging Power

The Explore Scientific FCD100 ED80 Air-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Refractor paired with the 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener creates a premium wide-field astrograph in a compact package. Designed for astrophotographers who already own a mount, this bundle provides superior glass, faster imaging speed, and edge-to-edge sharpness without compromise.

The Telescope: FCD100 ED80 Triplet APO

The FCD100 version of the ED80 represents the top tier of Explore Scientific’s 80mm APO line. HOYA’s FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass delivers enhanced color correction and contrast, particularly in the red portion of the spectrum—perfect for capturing emission nebulae. Combined with Explore Scientific’s air-spaced triplet design and EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings, the result is a refractor that produces crisp, high-contrast, virtually color-free images.

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

• FCD100 ED triplet optics with outstanding chromatic correction

• Improved red sensitivity for richer nebula imaging

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

• Compact tube diameter (91mm) for easy transport or piggyback mounting

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

This is a telescope designed for imagers who demand premium glass in a portable package.

The Accessory: 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener

The included 0.8x Reducer transforms the ED80 from a versatile f/6 APO into a fast f/4.8 astrograph—perfect for wide-field astrophotography.

• Converts 480mm (f/6) into 384mm (f/4.8)

• Faster focal ratio allows shorter exposures and deeper results

• Flattens the field for pinpoint stars across APS-C and full-frame sensors

• Standard T-thread connection (55mm backfocus) makes DSLR or astro-camera hookup easy

• 2-element multi-coated design ensures excellent light transmission

This pairing creates a 5-element optical system (3 in the triplet + 2 in the reducer) that excels at imaging sprawling nebulae and star fields.

Cloudy Nights Insights

On Cloudy Nights, owners of the FCD100 ED80 with reducer consistently note:

• Sharper star fields and better contrast compared to the FCD1 version.

• Exceptional results on large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, the Rosette Nebula, and the Cygnus Loop thanks to the fast focal ratio.

• The FCD100 glass delivers richer red response and cleaner color balance, making emission nebulae stand out beautifully.

• Many describe this combination as a “travel-friendly premium astrograph”, capable of producing results that rival larger and more expensive instruments.

What’s Included

• Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm Air-Spaced Triplet APO OTA

• Explore Scientific 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener (with T-thread adapter & end caps)

• 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

Observing Tip

With the 0.8x reducer in place, the FCD100 ED80 becomes an f/4.8 wide-field powerhouse. Use it with a DSLR or cooled astro-camera to capture vast nebulae complexes like the North America and Pelican Nebulae in Cygnus in a single frame. For visual use, swap in the included 2" diagonal and enjoy the crisp lunar and planetary views that only a triplet APO can deliver.

Final Thoughts

The Explore Scientific FCD100 ED80 APO with 0.8x Reducer (OTA Package) is an ideal solution for astrophotographers who already have a mount but want a premium wide-field refractor with fast optics and superior glass. Portable, powerful, and refined, it’s a package that will satisfy both beginners stepping into imaging and experienced observers looking for a high-performance grab-and-go astrograph.