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Explore Scientific 80mm f/6 Classic White "Essential Series" Air-Spaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor Telescope

4.0 (3 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Explore Scientific
Part Number ES-ED0806-01
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

About Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Refractors

When the designers at Explore Scientific set their sights on creating a top-quality crayapochromatic refractor that anyone would be proud to own, they decided on a traditional air-spaced triplet optical design in a rugged, adjustable lens cell. All materials had to be top-notch, so genuine Hoya extra-low dispersion (ED) Dense Fluor Crown (FCD1) glass was chosen, and then experienced craftsmen shaped and polished the elements that would form the foundation of a high-quality, true APO refractor.

All Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractors are diffraction-limited at .25PV or better. Special EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings are deposited on all optical surfaces, and the result is bright, high contrast images with virtually no light scatter. Interferometric data on your newly purchased and registered Explore apochromatic refractor is available upon request after 6 months of ownership. Time restrictions apply; please contact Explore Scientific Customer Service for more information.

While optics are definitely the most important component of any telescope, other features, like the focuser and the optical tube, play a crucial role in the design. Below you will find highlights on all of the ingredients used to create Explore Scientific Triplet APO refractors, including a very liberal warranty that speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their telescopes!

Explore ED80 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Highlights

  • The Explore ED80 Essential Edition telescope comes with a white aluminum tube with black accents.
  • Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Apochromatic Triplets have true APO optic and are diffraction limited at .25PV or better.
  • Genuine ED glass from Hoya Japan is used on all ED APO Triplets at Explore, for superb quality and light throughput.
  • Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings (EMD) are deposited on optical elements to boost contrast and eliminate light scatter; and contrast is further enhanced with the installation of matte black knife-edge baffles in the optical tube assembly.
  • While refractors seldom require additional collimation after initial factory adjustment, the lens cell design allows for consumer collimation. Sending your ED80 Triplet off to the factory is always an option, but is not required.
  • 80mm models come with a heavy-duty 2" dual-speed rotatable focuser.
  • To attach your Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Triplet telescope to a variety of mounts, a "Vixen-style" L-bracket is included. The "Vixen-style" plate fits mounts made by Explore, Meade, Celestron, Vixen & others.
  • All Explore Scientific products come with a STAR Extended-Life-of-the-Product Warranty. Upon registration, this product will be under warranty for as long as it is manufactured, plus five years.

The Critical Element: Optics

Explore Scientific uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) FCD1 (Dense Fluor Crown) glass developed and manufactured by Hoya Optical of Japan. Using the right glass with the appropriate properties enables the production of lenses that offer superior sharpness and color correction.

The optics used in Explore Scientific ED Air-Spaced Triplet refractors are truly diffraction-limited at .25PV or better. As a privilege of ownership, those who wish to obtain a copy of their interferometric data can request it up to 90 days after registration of their ED Triplet telescope by contacting the Explore Scientific Customer Service Department.

Deluxe Two-Speed Focuser

On pristine nights of steady seeing, Saturn's Rings can forever affect the hearts and minds of almost anyone who lays eyes on them. It's nights like these that astronomers like to set up their refractors and push the magnification to the limits, not only to see the magnificence of the planet at greater scale but to really test the optical and mechanical quality of the telescope.

Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed focuser, you will find that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration.

ES has included as standard equipment, on all Explore Scientific ED Series, a two-speed R&P precision focuser with tension adjustment and lock to obtain and hold perfect focus. We think you'll agree that such precision is worth it.

EMD Coatings

EMD (Enhanced Multi-layer Deposition) Coatings eliminates light scatter and maintains high image contrast. This proprietary coating is applied to all Explore Scientific lenses in multiple layers for added durability.

Contrast is further enhanced by the installation of multiple baffles in the optical tube that mask and deflect unwanted stray light.

Explore STAR Warranty

For as long as Explore Scientific manufactures a product, it is under warranty, no matter how many times it is sold or traded to another individual. And when they stop manufacturing a given model (referred to as the end of the Life of the Product), they will extend the warranty automatically for another five years.

Manufacturer part number: ES-ED0806-01

Reviews

4.0 (Based on 3 Reviews) 67% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      User Notes:
      Review by kc of SLC UTAH.
      1435622400
      Jun 29, 2015

      5.0 Good scope

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Good scope

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

      Skill Level
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      User Notes:
      Review by Jim of Long Island, NY.
      1422748800
      Jan 31, 2015

      5.0 Wow!

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate,Compact,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      Pros: The 80mm f/6 tube came well-collimated, optically it is an expected huge upgrade after 80mm f/5 achromat I was using for grab and go. Even low magnification views look much more impressive, very happy with the purchase.

      With the diagonal in place it fits the plane carry-in dimensions, it was one the requirements. The ability to rotate the focuser is an important convenience considering tight space for knobs.
      Rack and pinion mechanics is smooth, having two-speed is important, it holds the weight, not sliding out like some Crayfords. it should be good with DSLR.
      The dew shield can be conveniently retracted.

      Cons: It feels a bit too heavy for the size, probably due to weight of glass and steel compared to that of lower grade scopes including F/10 I was using in the past. It was hard to insert the diagonal, it is a very tight fit, and I have no intention to remove it. The dew shield can be too short compared to other scopes I had but no problem with dew so far.

      In summary: Quality optics and a great deal in terms of package and features, well worth spending.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

      Skill Level
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      User Notes:
      Review by Dan of Gaithersburg, MD.
      1385769600
      Nov 29, 2013

      2.0 Not thrilled...

      Pros:

      Lightweight

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The intent was to use this for astrophotography. I own an Atik monochrome camera which I use with a filter wheel, and the stock focuser was unable to heft the ~3.5 pounds of camera gear, even with focus lock tightened down as much as possible. The focus tension adjustment seemed vestigial, at best. The drawtube is not graduated.

      I had the feeling a lot of corners were cut by Explore Scientific to keep this scope at the price point it's at.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Telescope Aperture 3.15" (80mm)
      Manufacturer Explore Scientific
      Telescope Aperture Up to 80mm
      Telescope Series Exp Scientific ED Triplet