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The Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm f/8 Alt-Az Refractor Telescope is ideal for users who want a portable observation platform for making observations or taking images of the moon and planets. Its moderate aperture and shorter focal length produce a fast focal ratio for improved resolution, and a larger 40mm drawtube to help avoid vignetting with larger imaging sensors or wide-field eyepieces.
The scope features the manual Twilight Nano alt-azimuth mount with dual-axis control cables that allow users to track objects as they move across the night sky. Its stainless steel tripod provides a stable observation platform; and several observational accessories are provided that include a 25mm eyepiece, a 90°-star diagonal, a universal smartphone eyepiece adapter, and an unmagnified red-dot finderscope.
Optical Tube
- 80mm aperture
- f/8 focal ratio
- 640mm focal length
- Refractor-style optical configuration
- Fully multi-coated optics improves light transmission for increased image contrast and brightness
- Sturdy rack-and-pinion focuser
- 40mm drawtube helps to reduce vignetting with larger imaging sensors or wide-field eyepieces; 1.25" holder accepts the most popular sized eyepieces and accessories
Mount
- Manual alt-azimuth single-arm fork mount
- Dual-axis slow motion tracking cables
- Cables terminate in easy-to-manipulate knurled knobs
- Quick-detach Vixen-style dovetail saddle
Tripod
- 1.25" Stainless steel legs
- Two leg sections with thumbscrew locks
- Accessory tray doubles as leg stabilizers for additional rigidity and vibration-reduction
Included Accessories
- 1.25" 25mm Plössl eyepiece yields 25x magnification
- 1.25" 90°-star diagonal places head in comfortable position, especially when OTA is aimed at or near the zenith
- Smartphone adapter attaches over eyepiece and allows any smartphone to be used for astrophotography
- Un-magnified red-dot finder allows for fast subject acquisition and easy star-hopping, with variable red illumination to protect night-adjusted vision
