The Explore Scientific ED80 FCD100 Astrophotography Package is a complete, ready-to-image bundle that pairs a premium HOYA FCD100 triplet refractor with a smart GoTo equatorial tracker — everything you need to start capturing deep-sky objects without piecing together separate components.

Key Features

• Premium HOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass — The air-spaced triplet design delivers virtually zero chromatic aberration with superior red-light transmission, producing tighter star profiles and richer color in emission nebulae compared to standard ED doublets.

• Fast f/4.8 Imaging with the Included 0.8x Focal Reducer — Transforms the native f/6 (480mm) focal length to f/4.8 (384mm), giving you a wider field of view for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, Heart Nebula, and Cygnus Loop. The 2-element reducer connects directly to any DSLR or mirrorless camera via a standard 42mm T-ring with 55mm backspacing.

• iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight GoTo Equatorial Tracker — A full German equatorial mount with wireless control through the ExploreStars app (iOS, Android, Windows) or any ASCOM-compatible software. The 8-core PMC-Eight controller provides smooth, responsive tracking for long-exposure imaging.

• Genuinely Portable — The optical tube weighs just 7.5 lbs and the mount head adds only 9.45 lbs. The stainless steel tripod collapses to 27.25 inches, making this one of the most travel-friendly astrophotography rigs in its class.

• Heavy-Duty 2.5" HEX Focuser — Supports imaging payloads up to 10 lbs with precise rack-and-pinion control, so your camera and accessories stay locked in focus throughout long sessions.

• DSLR-Ready Out of the Box — No adapter hunting. The focal reducer’s T-ring thread connects directly to Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera systems with the appropriate T-ring (sold separately).

Ideal For

• First-time astrophotographers who want a complete, well-matched imaging system without the guesswork of choosing individual components — the optics, mount, and reducer are already optimized to work together.

• Experienced imagers who travel and need a capable wide-field setup that fits in a carry-on. At under 23 lbs total, this rig goes wherever dark skies are.

• Visual observers who also want imaging capability — swap the focal reducer for the included 99% reflective diagonal and add an eyepiece for bright, high-contrast views of the Moon, planets, and star clusters.

Accessories & Compatibility

• Camera connection: Standard 42mm T-ring thread on the focal reducer. Requires a T-ring adapter for your camera brand (Canon EOS, Nikon F, Sony E-mount, etc. — sold separately). Backspacing is 55mm ±2mm.

• Autoguiding: The iEXOS-100 supports autoguiding through ASCOM-compatible software. A guide scope and guide camera are not included but can be mounted using the integrated Vixen-style dovetail.

• Reducer compatibility: The 0.8x focal reducer also works with the Explore Scientific ED102 and FCD100-102 telescopes.

• Power: The mount runs on 8 C batteries (not included) with an included battery bracket mount, or use the included DC power cable with a portable power station.