Sky-Watcher Esprit EDX 80 mm F/5 Optical Tube Assembly OTA (SW-2033)

Sky-Watcher Esprit EDX 80 mm F/5 Optical Tube Assembly (SW-2033)

The Esprit 80 EDX is the latest version of a compact astrograph from the prestigious Esprit series. It is a high-quality apochromatic triplet refractor with an optional screw-in field flattener, designed primarily for demanding astrophotography. This model builds upon the very popular Esprit 80, preserving its excellent optical performance while introducing mechanical improvements that enhance stability and ease of use with modern cameras and imaging accessories.

The optical system consists of three precisely matched lenses. The central element is made from low-dispersion ED glass produced by the Japanese company Ohara, while the remaining elements are crafted from Schott glass. This combination effectively reduces chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and astigmatism across the entire field of view. As a result, the telescope delivers exceptionally sharp and high-contrast star images without color fringing or distortion, even when capturing wide areas of the sky. Despite its fast focal ratio of f/5, the telescope remains free from typical off-axis aberrations such as distortion and astigmatism.

Esprit Series Overview

The Esprit 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-quality visual observation. They offer excellent contrast, high resolution, and a wide, perfectly corrected field of view. This makes them ideal for imaging wide nebulae and star fields, as well as observing the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters.

Key Improvements in the EDX Version

Compared to the previous Esprit 80 model, the EDX version introduces several improvements focused on mechanical performance and user comfort:

• Enhanced and more rigid focuser for stable operation with heavy imaging setups

• Improved drawtube guidance and greater focusing precision

• Optimized system of adapters and threaded connections for photographic accessories

• Increased overall stability when working with large-sensor cameras

• Refined mechanical components of the optical tube

Advanced Focuser System

The telescope is equipped with a Sky-Watcher Linear Power focuser with a diameter of 2.7 inches and an 11:1 microfocuser. The design is based on a steel track and four precision bearings, ensuring high load capacity and eliminating image shift even when using heavy astronomical cameras. The large focuser diameter minimizes the risk of vignetting when working with larger sensors. An indexed scale on the drawtube allows for precise and repeatable focusing, and a threaded 2.7"/2" adapter is included.

Astrophotography Performance

With a focal length of 400 mm and a fast focal ratio of F/5, the Esprit 80 EDX is a highly portable yet powerful astrograph. It offers a wide field of view and perfectly corrected stars across the entire frame. A screw-in field flattener ensures uniform sharpness all the way to the edges of the sensor, which is particularly important when imaging large areas of the sky. A backfocus of approximately 75 mm and the 2.7-inch focuser allow seamless compatibility with CCD and CMOS cameras as well as advanced imaging setups.

High-quality multi-layer MHT anti-reflection coatings and an advanced internal baffling system effectively eliminate stray reflections and enhance image contrast. Thanks to its compact size, mobility, and excellent optical correction, the Esprit 80 EDX is an ideal telescope for astrophotographers seeking a portable instrument that delivers image quality comparable to much larger optical systems.

Included Accessories

• Vixen dovetail bar

• Tube rings

• Aluminum carrying case

Technical Specifications

• Catalog number: SW-2033

• Optical design: Refractor

• Objective lens material: FPL53

• Mount type: Not included

• Aperture: 80 mm

• Focal length: 400 mm

• Focal ratio: f/5.0

• Limiting magnitude: 12.1

• Maximum useful magnification: 160x

• Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.79 arcseconds

• Resolution (Dawes): 1.45 arcseconds

• Light gathering power: 131x

• Optical tube weight: 4 kg

• Tube length: 420 mm

• Focuser type: Rack and pinion

• Focuser diameter: 2.8 inches

• Microfocus adjustment: Yes

• Mounting rail: Vixen standard

• Warranty: 60 months