Explore Scientific Apochromatic refractor AP 80/480 ED FCD-100 Hexafoc OTA (54022)

The FCD-100 optical apochromats represent the gold standard among small and medium-sized aperture telescopes. These three-element apochromats utilize special FCD-100 glass from Hoya, Japan, setting a new benchmark for color purity in this price range. The optical design achieves an impressive polystrehl value of 0.97, indicating exceptionally high correction.

Versatile Performance
This exceptional apochromat offers versatility for various astronomical pursuits:

• Fast aperture ratio allows for quick exposure times in astrophotography

• High image quality and exceptional contrast enable broad observations

• Delivers ultra-clear planetary views

Compact and Portable Design
The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact build, with a retractable dew cap for easy transport and storage.

Premium Focuser
A high-quality 2.5" Hexafoc drawtube with 1:10 reduction complements the superior optics. The large, free diameter of this focuser prevents vignetting with larger camera sensors, a common issue with smaller drawtubes.

Specifications

Optical System

• Type: Refractor (Apochromat)

• Aperture: 80 mm

• Focal Length: 480 mm

• Focal Ratio: f/6

• Resolving Power: 1.44 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 11.3

• Light Gathering Capacity: 130x (compared to human eye)

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 160x

Tube Assembly

• Material: Aluminium

• Coating: EMD

• Weight: 2.6 kg

• Length: 320 mm

• Diameter: 90 mm

• Construction: Full tube

• Lens Design: Triplet

• Glass Material: HOYA FCD-100

Focuser

• Type: Hexafoc

• Eyepiece Connection: 2"

• Fine Focusing: 1:10 reduction

• Backfocus: 150 mm

• Free Aperture: 64 mm

Mount

• Type: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)

• No mount included

• No GoTo control

Included Accessories

• Dew Shield

• 2" 90° Star Diagonal

• Finder Base: Meade/Explore Scientific T-Profile

• Vixen-Style Dovetail Rail

• Extension Tubes

Applications

• Moon & Planets: Yes

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: No

• Astrophotography: Very Good

• Solar Observation: Not recommended (Only with appropriate solar filter)

Recommended For

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: No

This telescope, part of the Professional Line series, is ideal for advanced amateur astronomers seeking high-performance optics for both visual astronomy and astrophotography. Its compact size and excellent optical quality make it a versatile choice for various astronomical applications.