Orion's popular EON line of "apo" refractors just welcomed a new entrant -- the Orion EON 90mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Carbon Fiber Refractor
This smart looking apo offers exquisite optical and build quality for next-level astrophotographic exploits. The fully multi-coated 90mm (3.5") triplet lens assembly has a focal length of 540mm, for a speedy f/6 focal ratio. One lens element is made from FCD-100 extra low dispersion "ED" glass by Hoya (Japan), which does a masterful job of minimizing chromatic aberration. Contrast is maximized with multiple internal knife-edge baffles that prevent off-axis reflections.
The glossy carbon fiber optical tube provides high tensile strength and thermal stability as the temperature changes. It sports red and black anodized machined aluminum fittings, making this telescope so attractive you'll be reluctant to stash it away in its included hard carrying case when you're not using it. The extendable dew shield thwarts moisture build-up on the lens and blocks unwanted off-axis light. When the dew shield is retracted the telescope measures just 17-3/4" in length.
The EON 90mm ED Triplet boasts a 2.5" dual-speed, hybrid rack-and-pinion focuser with 10:1 fine focus control. In Orion's tests the focuser was able to hold 19.5 lbs. of payload without drawtube slippage - so it will definitely hold even a heavy imaging train. The focuser has a generous 90mm of drawtube travel and a backfocus distance of 147mm from the 2" accessory collar - sufficient to accommodate a camera and the component accessories you need in your imaging train.
The focuser can be rotated in two places, allowing camera framing to be set independently from positioning of the focus knobs at the desired orientation. Both the 2" accessory collar and 1.25" adapter feature a twist-tight locking mechanism. The focuser is also equipped with a dovetail finder scope base that accommodates optional Orion finder scopes and guide scopes.
Orion tested the EON 90mm ED Triplet with the Orion Field Flattener for Small Telescopes (#8893) and they are pleasantly surprised how flat the field was even with a full-frame camera. Only slight star elongation was evident at the edges of the 36mm x 24mm frame. With an APS-C camera sensor you'd be hard-pressed to see any.
The Orion Nebula complex photographed with the Orion EON 90mm ED Triplet Carbon Fiber Apo and a modified Canon EOS 6D DSLR, plus the Orion Field Flattener for Short Refractors
The EON 90mm ED Triplet comes with two CNC-machined hexagonal tube rings with multiple threaded holes on the sides for extra accessory mounting possibilities. The carry handle bolted to the top of the tube rings, which doubles as an accessory rail. The included Vixen-style dovetail mounting bar is 9.6" long and fits any compatible mount saddle. The solidly built EON 90mm ED Triplet weighs in at 9 lbs., 12.4 oz. So it is easily supported by a mid-sized mount.
Lastly, if you like to occasionally swap out a camera for an eyepiece and diagonal for some real-time observing. With the EON 90mm ED Triplet you'll discover that it makes a fine instrument for wide-field visual examination of nebulas and other deep-sky fare. Add a Barlow lens to boost the power and you will also enjoy crisp, vivid views of the major planets and the lunar surface.
Orion is excited about this new addition to our EON line of apochromatic refractors. The Orion EON 90mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Carbon Fiber Refractor is an affordably priced, feature-rich and attractively styled telescope that offers high-performance astrophotographic capability in a compact package. Get yours today!
