You do not need a big, bulky telescope to enjoy backyard astronomy. But a telescope with quality optics that ensure sharp images and a sturdy mount for steady images and easy navigation are two must-haves. And our compact but capable ShortTube 80 Equatorial Refractor Telescope fits the bill. And it's one giant step up in quality from those plastic-laden telescopes you see at big box stores that promise Hubble Telescope performance with their cheaply made optics and spindly tripods.
The ShortTube 80 EQ boasts a multi-coated 80mm (3.1") achromatic doublet lens with a short focal length of 400mm (f/5), which provides bright, crisp, wide-field views of star fields and deep-space objects. Aim it at the Moon and you'll simply be floored at the surface detail that floods the field of view. The 15.5" enameled aluminum tube is equipped with an aluminum rack-and-pinion focuser. T-threads on the focuser's drawtube collar allow direct attachment of a DSLR camera (with proper T-ring, sold separately) for prime-focus astrophotography.
Tracking celestial objects while viewing them in the ShortTube 80 telescope is a cinch with the smooth, stable EQ-1 equatorial mount and tripod. The mount is equipped with dual slow motion controls for easy manual tracking of objects as they move across the night sky. Or, you can add an optional DC electronic drive for convenient motorized tracking. The tripod has extendable channel-style legs and a large accessory tray to keep your extra eyepieces or your cup of coffee at the ready.
The ShortTube 80 EQ comes with a big 8x40 finder scope, 90° mirror star diagonal (1.25"), and 10mm (40x) and 25mm (16x) Sirius Plossl eyepieces. Also included are two great observing references created by Orion: the DeepMap 600 folding star chart and our MoonMap 260.
So if you're ready to get started exploring the night sky with a telescope that easily outperforms all others in its class, get the Orion ShortTube 80 EQ today.
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-447-1001.
Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
ShortTube 80 OTA
25mm Sirius Plossl
10mm Sirius Plossl
8x40 finder scope and bracket
90-degree mirror star diagonal
EQ-1 mount and aluminum tripod
Accessory tray
Counterweight, 2.2 kg
Counterweight shaft
Tube rings, pair
MoonMap 260
DeepMap 600
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A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.
Standard Delivery: $0.00
3 Day Delivery: $25.00
2 Day Delivery: $25.00
Next Day Delivery: $25.00