Sky-Watcher Esprit EDX 100 mm F/5.5 Optical Tube Assembly OTA (SW-2034)

Sky-Watcher Esprit EDX 100 mm F/5.5 Optical Tube Assembly (SW-2034)

The Esprit 100 EDX is the latest generation of one of the most versatile astrographs in the prestigious Esprit series. It is a high-end apochromatic triplet refractor designed primarily for demanding astrophotography. This EDX version builds upon the very popular Esprit 100, retaining its excellent optical performance while introducing important mechanical upgrades and a new focuser system optimized for heavy cameras and modern imaging setups.

The optical system consists of three precisely matched lenses. One element is made from Japanese Ohara FPL-53 low-dispersion glass, while the remaining lenses are produced from Schott glass. This combination nearly eliminates chromatic aberration and effectively reduces spherical aberration and astigmatism across the entire field of view. As a result, the telescope delivers extremely sharp, high-contrast star images without color fringing or distortion, even when capturing wide areas of the night sky. Despite its fast focal ratio of f/5.5, the telescope remains free from typical off-axis aberrations such as distortion and astigmatism.

Esprit EDX Series Overview

The Esprit EDX series includes apochromatic refractors with the following configurations:

• 70 mm F/7

• 80 mm F/5

• 100 mm F/5.5

• 120 mm F/7

• 150 mm F/7

These telescopes are designed as advanced astrographs for demanding users, while also performing exceptionally well for high-end visual observation. They offer excellent contrast, high resolution, and a wide, perfectly corrected field of view, making them ideal for imaging large nebulae and galaxies, as well as observing the Moon, planets, and star clusters.

Key Improvements in the EDX Version

Compared to the earlier Esprit 100 model, the EDX version introduces several significant upgrades:

• New reinforced 3-inch Linear Power rack and pinion focuser

• 11:1 microfocuser for extremely precise focusing

• Integrated 360° rotator for easier framing during astrophotography

• Increased load capacity for heavy cameras, filter wheels, and correctors

• Redesigned rear tube section for improved ergonomics

• Enhanced compatibility with full-frame sensors

Advanced Focuser System

The telescope is equipped with a modern CNC-machined Linear Power rack and pinion focuser featuring an 11:1 microfocuser. The 3-inch drawtube includes an indexed scale and a rotating adapter that allows full 360° camera rotation, greatly simplifying composition during imaging. This design provides excellent rigidity, high load capacity, and eliminates image shift even when using heavy photographic equipment.

Astrophotography Performance

With a focal length of 550 mm and a fast focal ratio of F/5.5, the Esprit 100 EDX is an exceptionally versatile astrograph that offers a wide field of view and perfectly corrected stars across the entire image. A dedicated optional field flattener provides a flat image field with a diameter of up to approximately 44 mm, making the telescope fully compatible with large full-frame sensors.

High-quality multi-layer MHTC anti-reflection coatings provide light transmission of around 99.5%, while an advanced internal baffling system effectively eliminates stray reflections and improves image contrast. Thanks to its compact size, fast optics, and excellent optical correction, the Esprit 100 EDX is one of the most versatile wide-field astrophotography telescopes in its class.

Included Accessories

• 75 mm dovetail bar

• Tube rings

• Aluminum carrying case

Technical Specifications

• Catalog number: SW-2034

• Optical design: Refractor

• Objective lens material: FPL53

• Mount type: Not included

• Aperture: 100 mm

• Focal length: 550 mm

• Focal ratio: f/5.5

• Limiting magnitude: 12.6

• Maximum useful magnification: 200x

• Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.43 arcseconds

• Resolution (Dawes): 1.16 arcseconds

• Light gathering power: 204x

• Optical tube weight: 7.36 kg

• Tube length: 565 mm

• Focuser type: Rack and pinion

• Focuser diameter: 3 inches

• Microfocus adjustment: Yes

• Mounting rail: Losmandy standard

• Warranty: 60 months