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Explore Scientific

Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 APO Triplet Refractor with Field Flattener — Premium Travel Scope Bundle for Wide-Field Astrophotography

Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 APO Triplet Refractor with Field Flattener — Premium Travel Scope Bundle for Wide-Field Astrophotography

Regular price $830.00
Regular price $1,299.99 Sale price $830.00
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The Explore Scientific FCD100 80mm Refractor is a premium air-spaced triplet apochromatic refractor telescope for astrophotography, built around genuine HOYA FCD100 extra-low-dispersion glass — comparable to Ohara FPL-53 — for outstanding color correction, pinpoint stars, and true, high-contrast color.

This bundle adds a matched field flattener that keeps stars sharp all the way into the corners of your frame at the scope's native f/6 (480mm) — exactly what wide-field deep-sky imaging demands.

Who it's for

Astrophotographers and serious hobbyists who want a portable, high-end 80mm apo with flat-field, edge-to-edge sharpness. This is an optical tube with flattener — a mount and camera are sold separately. Getting into imaging? See our astrophotography for beginners guide.

Key features

  • HOYA FCD100 ED triplet optics — top-tier color correction and contrast
  • Included field flattener — flat, edge-to-edge sharp stars at native f/6
  • 2.5" HEX focuser holds up to 10 lb of camera gear rock-steady
  • Built-in retractable dew shield and Vixen dovetail for easy mounting
  • Compact, travel-friendly tube for grab-and-go imaging

Specifications

Optical design Air-spaced triplet apochromat
Glass HOYA FCD100 ED
Aperture 80 mm
Focal length 480 mm
Focal ratio f/6
Focuser 2.5" HEX, up to 10 lb capacity
Resolution 1.45 arcsec
Included Field flattener, dew shield, Vixen dovetail (OTA only — no mount)
Weight ~7.5 lb
SKU ES-FCD100-0806-FF

Frequently asked questions

What does the field flattener do?
It corrects the natural curvature of the focal plane so stars stay sharp in the corners, not just the center — essential for clean wide-field astrophotos. It keeps the native f/6 focal ratio.

Field flattener or focal reducer — which should I choose?
A flattener keeps native f/6 for the flattest field and true focal length; a 0.8× reducer speeds the scope to f/4.8 for shorter exposures and a wider field. Choose the flattener for framing/scale, the reducer for speed.

How is FCD100 different from standard ED glass?
HOYA FCD100 is a premium ED glass comparable to Ohara FPL-53, giving even better color correction and contrast than ordinary ED optics.

Is a mount included?
No — this is the optical tube plus flattener. You'll need a tracking equatorial mount and a camera for imaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

With a beginner telescope you can see a surprising amount — the craters and mountains on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and star clusters like the Pleiades. As you get more comfortable, you can also spot nebulae and distant galaxies. Not sure which beginner telescope is right for you? Check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
Orders are usually processed within 1–2 business days, and standard delivery takes 4–8 business days after that. You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking number as soon as your order ships. Free standard shipping applies to the 48 contiguous US states. For full details, visit our Shipping Policy.
You have 30 days from delivery to request a return. Items must be unused, unassembled, and in their original packaging with all accessories. To start a return, email info@telescopewolves.com with your order number — returns sent without approval can't be accepted. For change-of-mind returns, you cover return shipping and a 5% restocking fee applies. Orders can be cancelled for a full refund before they ship, and refunds go back to your original payment method. See our full Refund Policy for details.
Yes! If you find a lower advertised price on an identical, new, in-stock item from an authorized online retailer within one month of your purchase, we'll refund you the difference (item price plus shipping, excluding taxes). Just email info@telescopewolves.com with your order number and a link or screenshot of the lower price. Learn more on our Price Match Guarantee page.
All telescopes on Telescope Wolves are hand-picked with beginners in mind. If you're unsure which telescope is right for you, check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If anything is damaged, defective, or incorrect, email info@telescopewolves.com within 48 hours of delivery with your order number, a short description, and photos of the item, and we'll arrange a replacement or refund.
Absolutely. Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm EST. The best way to reach us is by live chat or by email at info@telescopewolves.com. You can also visit our Contact Us Page.