Quick answer

Choose the Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet if you want the lower-priced, portable 80mm refractor for astrophotography and planetary viewing. Choose the 80mm FCD100 Apochromatic Refractor if you want Hoya FCD100 glass and are willing to pay more for the higher-spec optics.

Glass and optical design: what separates these two 80mm apos

The 80mm FCD100 uses Hoya FCD100 optical glass, which the catalog describes as very similar in characteristics to Ohara FPL-53. The ED80 Essential Series is an air-spaced triplet, a three-element design that helps control color fringing. Both are apochromatic refractors, but the FCD100 is positioned as the higher-quality optic of the two, and that positioning is reflected in its higher catalog price.

For deep-sky imaging, glass type and element count affect how tightly stars focus and how much false color appears around bright stars. The FCD100's FCD100 glass is the more premium material on paper, while the ED80's triplet design is a proven approach to color correction. The practical difference will depend on your camera, seeing conditions, and processing, so treat the glass spec as one factor rather than a guarantee of better images.

Price and value: where the ED80 pulls ahead

At catalog prices of USD 643.19 for the ED80 Essential Series and USD 683.19 for the 80mm FCD100, the gap is about USD 40. Both are listed with higher comparison prices (USD 959.99 and USD 1119.99 respectively), so the relative discount is similar. The ED80 is the lower-cost entry point, while the FCD100 asks a small premium for its upgraded glass.

If your budget is tight and you still need money for a mount, camera, or filters, the ED80 leaves a little more room. If the optical spec is your priority, the FCD100's premium is modest in absolute terms.

Portability and everyday use

Both are 80mm refractors, a class that is generally easy to mount and transport. The ED80's catalog description specifically calls out portability as a strength, along with simplicity and convenience. That makes it a natural grab-and-go scope for nights when you do not want to set up a larger instrument.

The FCD100 is also an 80mm refractor, so it shares the same compact class, but the catalog does not make portability claims for it. If travel weight and setup speed are your top concerns, the ED80's stated portability is the clearer signal.

What the catalog does not tell you

Neither record supplies focal length, focal ratio, optical tube weight, focuser type, or included accessories. Those details matter for framing targets, matching a mount, and budgeting for a field flattener or reducer. Because they are absent here, use this comparison to narrow the choice, then confirm the missing specs on the product pages before you buy.

The records also do not list available option types, so do not assume a bundled case, dovetail, or diagonal is included. Check the individual product listing for what ships in the box.

Trade-offs to weigh before you choose

  • Optical glass vs price: The FCD100's Hoya FCD100 glass is the higher-spec optic, but it costs about USD 40 more at catalog price. The ED80's air-spaced triplet is a capable design at a lower price. Decide whether the glass upgrade is worth the premium for your camera and targets.
  • Imaging vs visual balance: The ED80 is explicitly described as terrific for astrophotography and planetary viewing. The FCD100 is described around its optical quality and Messier-catalog visual targets. If you split time between imaging and planetary observing, the ED80's stated versatility is the stronger match.
  • Portability claims: Only the ED80's catalog entry calls out portability and convenience. The FCD100 is also an 80mm refractor, but no portability claim is supplied for it. For a grab-and-go scope, favor the ED80's documented portability.
  • Missing specs: Focal length, focal ratio, weight, focuser type, and included accessories are not in the supplied records for either scope. Confirm those specs on the product page before committing, especially if you plan to add a flattener or reducer.

Product facts at a glance

Which 80mm apo fits you?

Best for

  • Imagers who want an 80mm refractor for astrophotography and planetary viewing at the lower catalog price
  • Buyers who value documented portability and simplicity for frequent setup and travel
  • First-time apo buyers who want to leave budget for a mount and camera

Not for

  • Buyers who specifically want Hoya FCD100 glass and are willing to pay the small premium
  • Anyone who needs confirmed focal length, weight, or included accessories before buying, since those specs are not in the supplied records