For astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers seeking precision and clarity in their observations, the right telescope can make all the difference. Among the many options available, the Explore Scientific ED80 stands out as a top-tier choice for those wanting high-performance optics at a reasonable price. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or an avid astrophotographer, the ED80 offers a combination of sharp optics, versatility, and build quality that’s hard to match in its class.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, pros, and cons of the Explore Scientific ED80, to help you determine if this 80mm apochromatic refractor is the right choice for your stargazing and astrophotography needs.
Features of the Explore Scientific ED80
- 80mm Aperture with Apochromatic Optics At the heart of the ED80 is its 80mm aperture, a size that strikes an ideal balance between portability and light-gathering power. The 80mm aperture allows for crisp, detailed views of celestial objects, including the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.What truly sets the ED80 apart, however, is its apochromatic (APO) optics. Featuring extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, the ED80 significantly reduces chromatic aberration, or color fringing, that can distort the sharpness of the image. The result is clearer, more accurate views with vibrant colors, particularly when observing bright objects like stars and planets. This makes the ED80 an excellent choice for those seeking true color fidelity and high contrast in their observations.
- FPL-53 Glass The Explore Scientific ED80 uses FPL-53 ED glass, a high-quality material that’s renowned for its ability to minimize chromatic aberration and enhance image clarity. FPL-53 is a top-tier glass that is commonly used in high-end telescopes, providing exceptional color correction and sharpness. Whether you’re observing the moon’s craters or capturing deep-sky objects in astrophotography, the FPL-53 glass helps deliver clear, crisp images.
- 2-inch Crayford Focuser The 2-inch Crayford focuser is another standout feature of the ED80. This high-quality focuser allows for smooth, precise adjustments when focusing on your subject. It’s ideal for astrophotography, where fine-tuning focus is crucial. The Crayford design is free of backlash, ensuring stable and consistent adjustments, even when using heavy eyepieces or camera equipment.
- Lightweight and Portable Weighing just around 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg), the ED80 is a highly portable telescope, making it an excellent option for those who want to travel to dark-sky sites for observing. The lightweight design doesn’t compromise on performance, as the telescope is still capable of delivering exceptional views of distant stars and galaxies. Its compact size and ease of transport make it an ideal choice for astronomers who prefer portability without sacrificing optical quality.
- Versatility for Astrophotography and Visual Observation The ED80 is not only designed for visual stargazing but is also highly capable for astrophotography. Its APO optics and smooth focuser make it an excellent platform for capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects. The telescope’s sturdy build and precise focus adjustments ensure that your images remain sharp, even during long exposures. Whether you’re photographing the planets or deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters, the ED80 provides a solid foundation for both beginner and advanced astrophotographers.
- Rugged and Durable Build The Explore Scientific ED80 features a well-built, aluminum tube that provides durability and long-lasting performance. The tube is designed to withstand the rigors of transport and usage in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for astronomers who venture outdoors. Its solid construction also helps to minimize vibrations, which can be especially important for astrophotography, where stability is key.
Pros of the Explore Scientific ED80
- Exceptional Optical Performance The ED80 offers exceptionally sharp and contrasty views thanks to its apochromatic optics and FPL-53 glass. This is a major advantage over standard achromatic refractors, as the ED80 produces clearer images with minimal chromatic aberration, even when observing bright stars or planets. Whether you’re observing the planets in the solar system or faint nebulae, the ED80 provides stunning clarity and color fidelity.
- Perfect for Astrophotography The combination of high-quality optics, a smooth Crayford focuser, and a stable build makes the ED80 an excellent choice for astrophotography. The telescope is designed to handle heavy camera setups without compromising the stability of the image. The wide field of view, coupled with the ability to focus with precision, allows astrophotographers to capture impressive, high-resolution images of the night sky.
- Compact and Portable The ED80 is compact and lightweight, which makes it a highly portable option for astronomy enthusiasts who enjoy traveling to remote locations for stargazing. It can be easily transported in a car or backpack and quickly set up for an evening of observations. Despite its compact size, it delivers exceptional optical performance that rivals larger telescopes.
- Great Value for the Price While the ED80 is positioned as a mid-range telescope, it offers exceptional value for the price. For those looking for apochromatic optics, the ED80 delivers high performance without the hefty price tag associated with other high-end telescopes. Its combination of optical quality, portability, and versatility makes it an excellent option for those who want the best bang for their buck in the mid-range market.
- User-Friendly and Low Maintenance The Explore Scientific ED80 is designed to be easy to use and maintain, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced astronomers. The telescope requires minimal collimation and has a solid build that doesn’t require frequent adjustments. The Crayford focuser’s smooth action ensures easy focus adjustments, making it a pleasure to use for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Cons of the Explore Scientific ED80
- Limited Aperture Size While the 80mm aperture of the ED80 is excellent for high-resolution planetary views and bright deep-sky objects, it may be a bit limiting for those interested in observing faint deep-sky objects like distant galaxies or nebulae. Larger telescopes with bigger apertures can gather more light, which improves visibility for faint objects. For avid deep-sky observers, the ED80 may not provide the light-gathering power needed for certain types of observations.
- Requires a Stable Mount To get the most out of the ED80, it’s important to pair it with a stable and sturdy mount. Since the telescope is designed for high-performance optics, a shaky or unstable mount can hinder the clarity of the image, especially at higher magnifications or during astrophotography sessions. While the ED80 itself is lightweight, the mount is a critical component to achieving optimal performance.
- Cost The Explore Scientific ED80 is priced higher than many entry-level telescopes. While it offers great value for the performance and features it provides, it may not fit into the budget of beginners who are just starting in astronomy. However, for those who are serious about getting into astrophotography or want top-tier optical performance, the ED80 offers a solid investment.
Conclusion
The Explore Scientific ED80 is a top-tier, high-performance telescope that offers stunning optics and versatility for both visual observers and astrophotographers. Its apochromatic optics, FPL-53 glass, and smooth Crayford focuser combine to deliver sharp, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration, making it a great choice for astronomers who demand high-quality performance.
While its 80mm aperture might be limiting for some deep-sky observations, the ED80 excels at planetary observation, astrophotography, and offering crisp views of brighter celestial objects. It is a perfect choice for users who prioritize optical quality and portability while still being accessible to those willing to invest in a higher-end telescope. If you are looking for a reliable and precise telescope that offers great value for its price, the Explore Scientific ED80 is undoubtedly one of the best options available in the mid-range category.