Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Triplet Refractor with 0.8x Focal Reducer and iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo Mount

Product Overview

This package combines the Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 80 mm f/6 air-spaced triplet refractor with the 0.8x focal reducer and the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight equatorial tracker system. The FCD-100 version uses Explore Scientific's premium HOYA ED substrate, and with the reducer fitted the system works at f/4.8 on a computerised GoTo mount with WiFi and Bluetooth, tripod and counterweights included.

Who It's For

This is for the imager who wants the best colour correction available in a compact 80 mm tube and a tracking mount to go with it, in one purchase. Where the Essential Series package is the value option, this one spends the difference on glass — worth it if the rig will be doing regular long-exposure work rather than occasional imaging.

Key Features & Design

• ED80-FCD100 80 mm f/6 air-spaced triplet, HOYA FCD-100 ED glass, 480 mm focal length
• 0.8x focal reducer producing an f/4.8 imaging system
• iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo equatorial tracker with WiFi and Bluetooth
• Eight-core PMC-Eight motion control with tasks distributed across CPUs for smoother tracking
• Free ExploreStars app for Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets, plus an ASCOM driver
• 2.5-inch hexagonal focuser rated to 10 lb, 99% reflective 2-inch diagonal, two extension tubes, counterweights

Optical and Mechanical Design

FCD-100 glass in an air-spaced triplet holds residual colour lower than the FCD-1 equivalent, which shows on bright stars and at high power on the Moon and planets. Resolution is 1.45 arcseconds, limiting magnitude 12, and the tube weighs 7.5 lb at 85 mm diameter. The German equatorial mount head weighs 9.45 lb with a 5.35 lb tripod and 1 kg counterweights, rated at approximately 9 lb of equipment alone, 15 lb photographic and 19 lb visual with counterweights counted. The tripod goes from 25.5 inches collapsed to 45 inches extended with the head fitted.

Recommended Uses

• Tracked deep-sky imaging at f/4.8 on nebulae, galaxies, and clusters
• Narrowband work, where the flat well-corrected field pays across the frame
• GoTo-assisted visual observing with the included 2-inch diagonal
• Portable dark-site setups that still need apochromatic performance

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The Vixen-style dovetail drops into the mount's saddle as supplied. The reducer carries a 42 mm T2 thread on the camera side, so add a T2 ring for your body; the barrel takes standard 2-inch filters. The mount is driven over WiFi, Bluetooth, or wired serial and works with any ASCOM-compatible software; a tablet or computer is not included. The Hybrid 2N1 finder base is fitted and a finder scope is separate.

Good to Know Before You Order

Eyepieces are not included, and a tablet or laptop is needed for GoTo. Power comes from a battery pack or a 12 V DC supply, which we stock. On weight: Explore Scientific publishes 7.5 lb for the tube, 9.45 lb for the mount head, 5.35 lb for the tripod and 1 kg per counterweight, and no figure for the reducer. The checkout shipping weight is the sum of those published figures rounded up to the next whole pound; it does not replace the specifications above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up? Assembly is quick. Polar alignment and the app's star alignment take a first evening to learn, and Explore Scientific publishes guides for both. We are happy to talk you through your first night.

FCD-100 or the Essential Series version? Same 80 mm f/6 triplet geometry. FCD-100 glass reduces residual colour further; the tube is 7.5 lb against 5.95 lb.

Do I need a computer? For GoTo, yes — a tablet running ExploreStars, or a laptop with ASCOM software.

Can I use it visually? Yes, with the included 2-inch diagonal and an eyepiece of your choice.

Bottom Line

Explore Scientific's best 80 mm ED glass, the matching reducer, and a GoTo mount in a single package that images at f/4.8 out of the box. Add a camera and an eyepiece and it is complete — our team can spec both.