{"product_id":"es-ed80-fcd100-refractor-field-flattener-iexos-100-2-package","title":"Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 Triplet Refractor with Field Flattener and iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo Mount","description":"\u003ch2\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis package pairs the Explore Scientific ED80-FCD100 80 mm f\/6 air-spaced triplet refractor with the field flattener for f\/5 to f\/7 refractors and the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight equatorial tracker system. It is a complete imaging setup that works at the telescope's native 480 mm focal length, with the corrector spent on field flatness rather than speed, on a computerised GoTo mount with tripod and counterweights included.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis suits an imager using an APS-C or larger sensor, where field curvature shows most plainly, and anyone who prefers native framing to the wider, faster field a reducer gives. It is also a straightforward first complete rig: telescope, corrector, and mount are matched at purchase, so the dovetail, saddle, and payload rating all line up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eED80-FCD100 80 mm f\/6 air-spaced triplet, HOYA FCD-100 ED glass, 480 mm focal length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eField flattener matched to f\/5 through f\/7 refractors for edge-to-edge star sharpness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight GoTo equatorial tracker with WiFi and Bluetooth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEight-core PMC-Eight motion control, with CPUs assigned to separate tasks for smoother tracking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree ExploreStars app for Windows, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets, plus an ASCOM driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.5-inch hexagonal focuser rated to 10 lb, 99% reflective 2-inch diagonal, two extension tubes, counterweights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOptical and Mechanical Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eField curvature makes stars near the frame edge stretch radially into small comet shapes; the flattener sits ahead of the camera and returns the focal plane to flat so corner stars come to focus with the centre. The objective gives 1.45 arcsecond resolution and a limiting magnitude of 12, in a 7.5 lb tube of 85 mm diameter. The mount head weighs 9.45 lb on a 5.35 lb tripod with 1 kg counterweights, rated at approximately 9 lb of equipment alone, 15 lb photographic and 19 lb visual with counterweights. Tripod height runs 25.5 inches collapsed to 45 inches extended with the head fitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracked deep-sky imaging at native f\/6 with round stars into the corners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImaging with APS-C and larger sensors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMosaic projects needing consistent star shapes panel to panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGoTo-assisted visual observing with the included 2-inch diagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe flattener is specified for f\/5 to f\/7 refractors, which covers this telescope at f\/6. Corner performance depends on getting the spacing between flattener and sensor right, so plan on the T-thread adapters and spacers that match your camera — we can work the stack out for your body. The Vixen-style dovetail seats in the mount's saddle as supplied. A tablet or computer for GoTo is not included, and a finder scope is separate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEyepieces, camera adapters, and a tablet or laptop are separate. Power for the PMC-Eight comes from a battery pack or a 12 V DC supply, which we stock. Explore Scientific publishes no packing list for this configuration, so the included items above reflect the tube, flattener, and mount specifications they do publish — ask us if you need it confirmed before ordering. Published weights are 7.5 lb tube, 9.45 lb mount head, 5.35 lb tripod, 1 kg per counterweight; the checkout shipping weight is the sum of those rounded up to the next whole pound.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e Assembly is quick. Two things reward care: polar alignment, for which Explore Scientific publishes a guide, and flattener-to-sensor spacing, which we can specify for your camera so it is right first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlattener or 0.8x reducer?\u003c\/strong\u003e The flattener keeps 480 mm at f\/6 and flattens the field; the reducer shortens to 384 mm at f\/4.8 for wider, faster framing. Larger sensors favour the flattener.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a computer?\u003c\/strong\u003e For GoTo, yes — a tablet running ExploreStars, or a laptop with ASCOM software.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I observe visually?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, using the included 2-inch diagonal and an eyepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA premium 80 mm apochromat, its matching flattener, and a GoTo mount together in one package, set up for flat-field imaging at native focal length. Get in touch and we will spec the camera spacing for you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53955301933167,"sku":"ES-FCD100-0806-FF-IEXOS100","price":2355.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/FCD100-0806-FF-IEXOS100.jpg?v=1785951221","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/es-ed80-fcd100-refractor-field-flattener-iexos-100-2-package","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}