The Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO telescope is a highly regarded instrument in the world of amateur astronomy, offering exceptional optical performance at a competitive price point. With its apochromatic design and compact size, it has become a popular choice for astronomers seeking high-quality visuals for planetary observations, astrophotography, and deep-sky imaging. In this article, we’ll explore the key features, advantages, and potential downsides of the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of whether this telescope is right for your astronomical needs.
Features of the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO Telescope
- Apochromatic (APO) Optics
The Evostar 80ED is equipped with an apochromatic (APO) lens, which helps reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum. This means that you’ll experience sharper, clearer images with accurate color representation, especially when observing planets or bright stars. The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass in the objective lens significantly reduces optical distortions, ensuring high-quality images. - 80mm Aperture
With an 80mm aperture, this telescope strikes a balance between light-gathering ability and portability. The 80mm aperture is ideal for planetary and lunar observations, as well as some brighter deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. While it’s not the largest aperture available, it offers a great introduction to deep-sky astronomy while maintaining a compact, manageable size. - Focal Length and Focal Ratio
The Evostar 80ED has a focal length of 600mm and a focal ratio of f/7.5. This relatively fast focal ratio allows for wide-field views, making it a great option for observing large nebulae and star clusters. The shorter focal length also allows for faster exposure times when used for astrophotography, especially when paired with a dedicated camera. - Versatile Mounting Options
The Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED is compatible with a wide range of mounts. While it’s often paired with an EQ3 or similar equatorial mount for accurate tracking, it can also be used on an Alt-Azimuth mount for a more straightforward observing experience. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for those who want to upgrade their mount as their experience in astronomy grows. - Crayford Focuser
The telescope comes with a 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser, which allows for precise and smooth focusing. The dual-speed mechanism ensures that you can achieve fine focus adjustments, essential when observing at high magnifications or when doing astrophotography. The focuser also accepts both 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces, providing flexibility for different observing preferences. - Lightweight and Portable
Weighing just 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), the Evostar 80ED is lightweight and easy to transport. Its compact size and sturdy construction make it a great option for those who want to take it on the go to star parties or remote locations. You won’t have to worry about bulky equipment taking up too much space or adding unnecessary weight to your gear. - Astrophotography Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED is its suitability for astrophotography. The APO optics provide high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration, making it an excellent telescope for capturing deep-sky objects. Whether you’re interested in photographing the moon, planets, or distant galaxies, the 80ED provides the quality needed for stunning astrophotography.
Pros of the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO Telescope
- Exceptional Image Quality
Thanks to its apochromatic optics and ED glass, the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED produces images that are crisp and clear, with minimal color fringing. This is particularly noticeable when viewing high-contrast objects like planets or the moon, where other telescopes may suffer from chromatic aberration. - Ideal for Astrophotography
The 80ED’s fast focal ratio and low chromatic aberration make it a fantastic option for astrophotographers, especially beginners. Whether you’re photographing the moon or capturing distant nebulae, the telescope delivers excellent results with minimal post-processing required. - Portability and Convenience
Its compact size and relatively light weight make the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED easy to transport. This is an important factor for those who wish to travel with their telescope to dark-sky locations or attend star parties. It’s an ideal grab-and-go telescope for casual stargazing as well as more serious astrophotography sessions. - Affordable High-Quality Optics
For the price, the Evostar 80ED offers one of the best apochromatic optics available in the market. While more expensive telescopes may offer larger apertures or additional features, this telescope strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, offering incredible value for money. - Ease of Setup and Use
The telescope is easy to set up, and its lightweight design makes it relatively simple to use for beginner astronomers. Whether you’re new to stargazing or an experienced user, the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED is a user-friendly instrument that doesn’t require a steep learning curve.
Cons of the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO Telescope
- Limited Aperture for Deep-Sky Observing
While the 80mm aperture is sufficient for planetary, lunar, and some deep-sky observations, it does have its limits. Faint deep-sky objects, such as distant galaxies or nebulae, may appear dimmer or less detailed compared to what you might see with larger-aperture telescopes. For dedicated deep-sky imaging, a larger telescope would be necessary. - Requires a Solid Mount for Stability
Although the 80ED is relatively lightweight, it does require a solid mount for stable performance, especially when observing at higher magnifications or using a camera for astrophotography. If paired with a low-quality or unstable mount, vibrations may cause poor image quality and frustration. Investing in a quality mount is essential to fully capitalize on the telescope’s performance. - No GoTo Functionality
The Evostar 80ED does not come with a GoTo mount, so users will need to manually locate objects in the sky or rely on a sky map or app. While this is not necessarily a disadvantage for experienced users, beginners may find this aspect of the telescope challenging, especially when trying to locate more obscure celestial objects. - Focal Length Limitations for Some Targets
With a focal length of 600mm, the 80ED provides relatively wide-field views, which is excellent for observing larger objects like star clusters and nebulae. However, it may not be ideal for highly detailed views of planets, the moon, or deep-sky objects requiring higher magnifications. You may need additional eyepieces to improve your observing experience in this regard.
Conclusion
The Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED APO telescope is an outstanding choice for those seeking high-quality optics in a compact and portable package. Its apochromatic optics, low chromatic aberration, and versatility in both visual and photographic applications make it an excellent choice for astronomy enthusiasts at various levels. While the limited aperture and absence of GoTo functionality may pose challenges for some, its value for money and exceptional image quality make it a top contender for anyone looking to upgrade their telescope for planetary observations, astrophotography, and deep-sky imaging.