Designed for intermediate users, the Explore Scientific FirstLight AR80mm f/11 Refractor Telescope is intended to take astronomic observation to the next level by providing a complete setup for viewing the Moon and planets. Its manual equatorial mount has precise Right Ascension (RA) and Declination indicators to find your subjects and dual slow-motion cables for tracking. As a more advanced mount, it allows users to find just about any visible object by just knowing its celestial coordinates. After the scope has been properly polar aligned, and the subject found, it can be easily tracked by making slight adjustments to the RA axis.
An adjustable-height stainless steel tripod provides a stable platform for sky watching. The included red-dot finder makes polar-alignment faster and is an essential tool for quick observations and star-hopping navigation. An included 90° star diagonal makes looking through the scope more comfortable, especially when aiming the telescope toward the zenith. The 25mm eyepiece yields a moderate 36x magnification, and with the included smartphone adapter that sleeves over the eyepiece, users can easily take and share images or video through the scope.
Optical Performance
- 80mm aperture
- f/11 focal ratio
- 900mm focal length
- Refractor-style light path
- Anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission to increase overall image contrast, sharpness, and color rendition
- Aluminum optical tube with white anodized finish
- Sturdy and strong rack-and-pinion focuser
- Large 40mm drawtube ensures that larger imaging sensors will be completely covered during astrophotography or imaging
Mount & Tripod
- 15-pound payload capacity
- Manual German equatorial
- Right Ascension and Declination indicator scales
- Latitude adjustment thumbscrew
- Slow motion control cables for tracking with reduced vibrations
- 5.75-pound counterweight with shaft
Tripod:
- 1.25" stainless steel legs
- Adjustable height from 24 to 41"
- Accessory tray with cutouts to hold three 1.25" eyepieces
Included Accessories
- 40mm-to-1.25" reducer allows the use of smaller eyepieces in the drawtube
- Removes easily for prime-focus astrophotography or imaging
Eyepiece:
- 1.25" diameter barrel
- Accepts most 1.25" astronomical eyepiece filters
- 25mm focal length eyepiece yields 36x magnification
Diagonal:
- 1.25" barrel and eyepiece holder
- 90° angle places head in a comfortable viewing position, especially when the optical tube assembly is aimed at or near the zenith
- Star diagonal design corrects image horizontally, but not vertically
Smartphone adapter:
- Attaches over eyepiece
- Allows any smartphone to be used for astrophotography
- Quickly and easily share photos or stream videos
Finder:
- Unmagnified for fast subject acquisition
- Red-dot center aiming point won't obstruct small subjects during alignment or navigation
- Red illumination protects night-adjusted vision
