Skywatcher 80ED Scope Review

This video review is all about the Skywatcher 80ED which is a f7.5 scope natively and a 600mm focal length. With its focal reducer it is a f6.3 and will have a 522mm focal length. Rather slow for todays standards but it will have excellent image quality since it is much easier to correct a slower scope anyway. I suppose you could use a 0.8x focal reducer for a little more speed but with only generic options available that are not dedicated ones they may not give as sharp a result.

#skywatcher #telescopereview

[astrogerard]

I've had mine for 4 years now and find it works fine on a full frame camera with the default focuser, with minimal vignetting on the reducer nose piece. Great scope for the price, both for visual on the moon and astrophotography.

[robertwoish]

Not a single word about planetary performance or the amount of detail you can see. This is not really a review the skywatcher Ed 80, is mostly a discussion on all the modifications and add-ons that the reviewer built for his scope. I think it's a good review for somebody who is mechanically inclined and who is into tinkering, or is a general discussion of astrophotography, but definitely should not be labeled skywatcher 80ED review.

[Astronurd]

Both my 120ED and 80ED are very well corrected. My 80ED is better corrected than my Zenithstar 80ED for visual. I changed the focusers on them which is a better. I only use my 80ED for solar and EAA now. Thanks for the video.

[photofair]

I own one and it covers full frame without any drama. However I doubt it will cover full frame when using the focal reducer

[dumpydalekobservatory]

I have to say I love my Skywatcher ED80 I swapped it for a 200P Newtonian quite some years ago now & previous to that I did own the Celestron version of the ED80 which I agree is pretty ugly but it done the job well. I don't like the stock focuser as I found it to be quite weak so I re-tensioned up the bolts which helped but its not perfect so I may update it but then I've been saying that for years lol. I think for anyone starting out they're hard to beat although a triplet would be better you're also adding a lot more to the price to. Like you say there's plenty of them on the second hand market & as Skywatcher aren't disclosing what glass is being used any more that does make me wonder if the quality will start to drop so I'd probably stick to buying the older versions. I use the Altair Astro 0.8 reducer on mine which works well enough using either a four thirds sensor or cropped sensor camera.
I agree it's a bit slow but for the price it's hard to beat especially when you get them at a steal.

[Gouranga_Man]

You mentioned that there are other scopes that are worth looking at. What would you recommend considering? I am at the stage of upgrading my setup. I have been using a visual newt for imaging.

[jamesonjabiru]

I disagree on its limitation on astrophotography. I use mine for terrestrial, viewing and astro. Perhaps its not as good at astro as my astrograph, but it travels so well its often with me and I have taken some great DSO shots with its.

[patrickpat]

Hi, which are main differences compared to the Gold Version or maybe Pro version. The pro version has not the same focuser (Crayford Style) as I saw. About the prices of the used ones, they are hight and close to the new one just because of the market, a lot of person wants and search for it so price depend mainly of it.
Comparing to a triplet ok is less quality But, is not heavy weight like a triplet and it does not cost than a triplet. This is 3.5kg, a triplet could be double heavy. This is a main point if we have a not so big mount for it, IMHO

[Astronurd]

The Skywatcher doublets are better corrected than all the Svbony FPL51 doublets.

[groundhoppingwlkp]

8:00 So what you recommed for AP for similar price?

[kombinarde]

What would you recommend for a beginner with an aps-c camera? I know you can’t have a scope doing everything but…

[svtskys]

i think i disagree with what you said about it not being good for astrophotography. your only reasoning seems to be it doesnt come with the right equipment... i dont think this should be the reason its not good. My images are incredible. Its a good scope for beginners who want something that can look at planets, nebulas, for astrophotography and just viewing. In my opinon, its a fantastic all rounder