Sky-Watcher Esprit 80EDX Apochromatic Refractor

Designed primarily for demanding astro-imagers, the Sky-Watcher Esprit 80EDX is an 80 mm three-element Super APO apochromatic refractor with a 400 mm focal length and fast f/5 focal ratio.

Its optical system retains the f/5 configuration of the previous model and incorporates one premium Japanese Ohara FPL-53 ED glass element. The optical design is intended to provide highly corrected, detailed and high-contrast images with no detectable colour fringing even on the brightest objects.

Every air-to-glass surface of the objective features Sky-Watcher proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings MHTC. Stated light transmission approaches 99.5% to maximise the amount of light passing through the optical system.

The rear mechanical assembly has been redesigned. The capstan wheel used on the previous model has been removed, allowing the focuser itself to be rotated more easily. A second rotatable adapter fitted directly to the drawtube provides additional control over camera orientation and image framing.

The built-in dovetail foot of the previous generation has also been removed. The Esprit 80EDX is now supplied with a CNC-machined single clamshell tube ring and separate 45 mm dovetail mounting bar. A carrying handle is provided for convenient handling.

The telescope is supplied in a foam-lined aluminium-framed storage and carrying case.

Ohara FPL-53 Super APO Triplet

The 80 mm objective uses a three-element apochromatic design incorporating one Japanese Ohara FPL-53 ED glass element.

This optical configuration is designed to provide very high chromatic correction. Optical Vision states that no detectable colour fringing is visible even on the brightest objects, together with high contrast and sharpness.

The optical system is intended for demanding astronomical imaging while also providing excellent visual performance.

400 mm Focal Length at f/5

With a focal length of only 400 mm and an aperture of 80 mm, the Esprit 80EDX operates at a fast f/5 focal ratio.

This compact configuration is particularly suited to astrophotography, which is the primary intended application of the Esprit EDX series.

MHTC Coatings

Every air-to-glass surface of the triplet objective features Sky-Watcher proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings MHTC.

These metallic anti-reflection coatings are designed to optimise light transmission through the optical system.

Stated light transmission approaches 99.5%.

CNC Dual-Speed Linear Power Focuser

Focusing is provided by a CNC-machined hybrid rack-and-pinion Linear Power focuser.

Its dual-speed 11:1 reduction combines rapid coarse focusing with highly precise fine adjustment for imaging.

The focuser is designed with a high accessory payload capacity for supporting photographic equipment.

Optical Vision also specifies zero image shift.

2.8-Inch Indexed Drawtube

The focuser incorporates a 2.8-inch indexed drawtube.

The scale helps identify and reproduce a previously determined focus position.

A drawtube adapter is also supplied to accept a 2-inch star diagonal.

Dual Rotation System

The Esprit 80EDX provides two independent rotation options.

The focuser itself can be rotated separately.

An additional adapter fitted to the drawtube provides full 360° rotation.

This arrangement allows precise camera orientation and image framing without changing the position of the optical tube on the mount.

Optional Field Flattener

An optically matched field flattener is available separately for the Esprit 80EDX under Sky-Watcher product code 20187.

With the optional field flattener, Optical Vision specifies an image height of 32 mm.

The field flattener is not supplied with the telescope.

Non-Retractable Dew Shield

The Esprit 80EDX features a non-retractable dew shield.

The complete optical tube length is 420 mm.

Aluminium Optical Tube with Internal Baffling

The optical tube is manufactured from aluminium.

Internal baffling is incorporated to reduce unwanted reflections within the optical system.

CNC Tube Ring and Carrying Handle

The optical tube is supplied with a CNC-machined aluminium single clamshell tube ring.

A carrying handle is provided for convenient handling of the telescope.

45 mm Dovetail Bar

A separate 45 mm dovetail mounting bar is supplied.

Unlike the previous Esprit 80 model, the mounting foot is no longer built directly into the optical tube.

Finderscope Mounting Shoe

A finderscope mounting shoe is installed on the telescope.

It is compatible with all Sky-Watcher finderscopes.

Aluminium Carrying Case

The Esprit 80EDX is supplied in an aluminium-framed storage and carrying case.

The interior is foam lined to protect and secure the telescope during transport and storage.

Visual Observation

Although the Esprit EDX series is designed primarily for demanding astro-imagers, Optical Vision also describes these instruments as excellent telescopes for visual observation.

The drawtube adapter accepts a 2-inch star diagonal.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : Esprit 80EDX
• Product code : 10298
• Type : Super APO apochromatic refractor
• Optical design : ED triplet
• Objective diameter : 80 mm
• ED glass : Ohara FPL-53
• Number of lens elements : 3
• Focal length : 400 mm
• Focal ratio : f/5
• Optical coating : Metallic High-Transmission Coatings MHTC
• Stated light transmission : Approaching 99.5%
• Focuser : Hybrid rack-and-pinion Linear Power
• Focuser construction : CNC machined
• Focuser : Dual speed
• Reduction ratio : 11:1
• Focuser drawtube diameter : 2.8 inch
• Drawtube : Indexed
• Focuser accessory capacity : High load capacity
• Image shift : Stated zero
• Focuser rotation : Yes, independently rotatable
• Drawtube adapter rotation : 360°
• Star diagonal adapter : 2 inch
• Finderscope mounting shoe : Compatible with all Sky-Watcher finderscopes
• Dew shield : Non-retractable
• Optical tube : Aluminium
• Internal baffling : Yes
• Tube ring : CNC-machined aluminium
• Carrying handle : Included
• Dovetail mounting bar : 45 mm
• Optical tube length : 420 mm
• Optical tube weight : 3.97 kg
• Matched field flattener : Available separately
• Optional field flattener product code : 20187
• Image height with optional field flattener : 32 mm
• Carrying case : Aluminium framed and foam lined

Package Contents

• Sky-Watcher Esprit 80EDX optical tube
• CNC-machined aluminium clamshell tube ring
• Carrying handle
• 45 mm dovetail mounting bar
• 2-inch star diagonal adapter
• Finderscope mounting shoe
• Foam-lined aluminium-framed carrying case

Not Included

• Eyepiece
• Star diagonal
• Finderscope
• Optional field flattener 20187