Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor: A Stargazer's Best Companion

I admit it—I never had a knack for stars. As a child, my only "astrophotography" was pointing my parent-procured disposable camera at the night sky, producing results that even Ansel Adams couldn't love. Now, armed with some discretionary income and a reasonably sized balcony, I'm eyeing the "Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor." And no, I didn't just choose it for its revoltingly long name, though it did intrigue me. This telescope is like the fine wine section at a gourmet store, beckoning serious enthusiasts and hapless wanderers alike with promises of "expertly matched glass" and "outstanding color correction." Consider me captivated—and somewhat hungry for cheese.

What's In It for Me in Expertly Matched Glass?

The EvoStar series is flaunting a doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element. Funny, fluorite sounds like something I'd try to remove from my teeth, but here it's a precious gem meant to deliver excellent color correction for both visual and photographic uses. If only everything in life used some kind of fluorite element—I might understand my plumber's invoice better.

The phrase "expertly matched glass" conjures up images of artisans in white lab coats, carefully creating glass that makes everyday skies feel like you're gazing into Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night."

Tack Sharp Images That Do the Talking

Apparently, scientists at Sky-Watcher decided that using the finest glass just wasn’t enough. They threw in something called Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC). Yes, it’s as posh as it sounds—like having a golden ticket, but for photons. These coatings are like the invisible braces of the astronomy world, aligning light waves to create tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations. They managed to do what my seventh grade art teacher couldn't: produce clarity of vision. And thanks to this magic, it seems I won't have to point out constellations by saying, "See that big smudgy thing over there?"

Evolves with My Skills (Or Lack Thereof)

As it turns out, this telescope doesn't just work for people like me, who dabble in stargazing after they've exhausted all their Netflix options. It's suitable even as your skills traverse from "fiddle in the dark" level to full-fledged astrophotographer. No need to replace the rig as you evolve from "Newbie with a Telescope" to "Person Who Owns an Embarrassingly Expensive Rig and Talks Astrophysics at Parties."

A Focuser that Offers More Speed Than My WiFi

No, the 10:1 dual-speed focuser has nothing to do with that arbitrary ratio, Greek myths, or legendary sea battles. This one's all about ease and precision, letting you find your focus smoothly whether you're using an eyepiece or a camera. In fact, this focuser might work better than my current WiFi—a low bar, but still an impressive feat.

A Complete Package for Complete Enthusiasm

The EvoStar 80 is more pampered than I was at my last birthday party. Imagine a foam-lined aluminum hard case, which reassures me that I'm not the only one unsure about transport paranoia. Add an 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, and a 1.25” Adapter, all snugly cradled. It’s like buying a cake but getting the bakery thrown in for free.

And let’s not forget the Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail—words I’d previously only associated with raptor documentaries but now are every bit as essential as oatmeal at breakfast.

Table of Product Specs

Exploring the celestial wonders cries for the companion indeed worthy of the night sky. This telescope has my name written all over it, figuratively if not literally. The name may be a mouthful, but that's nothing compared to the vistas it promises. It's an intriguing blend of simplicity and sophistication, much like my early attempts at trying different types of pasta. Only this time, the journey into the unknown doesn’t clash with tomato sauce.

Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy (S11100)

$1080   Only 4 left in stock (more on the way).

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Step Into My Universe with the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Refractor

As someone who once tried to figure out the mysteries of the cosmos using an old pair of opera glasses taped to a broomstick, I can tell you that a good telescope is a real treasure. Enter the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor – a name so long it sounds like the title of a Victorian novel. Thankfully, what it lacks in brevity, it more than compensates with its spectacular view of the universe, presented with perfect precision and not a whiff of post-modern irony.

Why Choose the EvoStar 80?

The EvoStar 80 is the kind of telescope that laughs in the face of mediocrity. Forget about squinting through murky lenses and seeing stars that look suspiciously like small flecks of dandruff. This marvel of engineering gives you a view so clear, you might as well be carted off to the planetarium for a personal show.

The Glass Act

The business end of the EvoStar 80 features a matched doublet objective, including one synthetic fluorite element. While that might sound like something you'd find in a chemistry set, what it actually means is superior clarity and color correction. When you look through this telescope, there's hardly a distortion or aberration in sight – just a pure, tack-sharp spectacle, like hitting the high-definition jackpot.

Designed for Every Stargazer

Whether you're starting out and can barely tell the difference between a constellation and a burnt-out street lamp, or you're a seasoned astrophotographer with several planetary selfies under your belt, the EvoStar 80 is designed to grow with you. Consider it your loyal sidekick on this cosmic journey, ready to reveal the universe's secrets as you discover them.

Focus on Details

The telescope’s 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser is like having a personal DJ for the stars, mixing the perfect focus with a mere twist. Whether you're using a camera or an eyepiece, getting that crystal-clear picture is as effortless as humming a favorite tune in the shower.

All-Inclusive: Astronomer’s Delight

It’s not just clever marketing speak when I say the EvoStar 80 comes equipped with everything you need. It arrives in a foam-lined aluminum hard case – which kind of makes me feel like I’m receiving a nuclear launch code. Inside this sleek, bulletproof vault: an 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, a 2” Dielectric Diagonal, and two LET Eyepieces (5mm and 25mm).

Let me explain: the Finderscope ensures you’re looking at the right patch of sky, while the Diagonal gives you the correct orientation, because nobody wants to observe the universe upside down unless they’re very avant-garde. The LET Eyepieces allow you to switch up focal lengths, for the ambidextrous observer who enjoys variety.

Here's a handy table to break down all these specs so you don't need to feel overwhelmed:

Tailored for Portability

Despite the impression you might get from its elaborate features, the EvoStar 80 is pleasantly compact and portable. Whether you're planning to set it up on a balcony in the city or lug it to a remote hilltop where the air seems to hum with the magic of the cosmos, this optical tube transitions like a seasoned traveler, drawing only admiring glances.

An Invitation to Astrophotography

And here lies my favorite part. For those of us who enjoy taking pictures of more than just suave squirrels or peculiarly shaped clouds, the EvoStar 80 opens the doorway to astrophotography. Capture the lunar surface in all its majestic glory, or immortalize the gentle twinkle of distant stars. Imagine showing your friends not a generic print from a science magazine, but the actual image taken by your own hand.

Why You'll Love It

There's something about looking through a telescope and seeing, really seeing, the universe that's inexpressibly satisfying. The EvoStar 80 helps knit you into the very fabric of existence, gently reminding you that life isn't just about finding the nearest Wi-Fi signal. With this telescope, you'll forever be able to get lost in the detail, the vastness, and the sheer beauty of the sky that has always been right above your head.

In a world where everything is ephemeral, isn't it delightful to own something that helps you hold on to the stars?