Sky-Watcher Esprit 70 EDX Refractor (AP 70/490)
Technical sheet for the Sky-Watcher Esprit 70 EDX apochromatic refractor: description, specifications and strengths for astrophotography.
Description
The Esprit 70 EDX is a triplet apochromatic refractor from Sky-Watcher’s high-end range, dedicated to astrophotography. Its optical formula (70mm aperture, 490mm focal length, f/7) combines a HOYA FCD100 ED glass element with MHTC multi-layer coating for excellent chromatic correction and sharpness — all in a compact, lightweight tube that’s easy to transport.
The rugged, backlash-free dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser allows the fine focusing essential for long-exposure imaging, and the Vixen GP dovetail bar makes it easy to mount on most equatorial mounts.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Optical type | Apochromatic triplet, HOYA FCD100 ED glass |
| Aperture | 70 mm |
| Focal length | 490 mm |
| Focal ratio | f/7 |
| Optical coating | MHTC (Metallic High-Transmission Coatings) |
| Focuser | 2.8" dual-speed rack and pinion, 360° rotation |
| Eyepiece connections | 2" and M65×1 thread |
| Back focus (to sensor, with reducer) | ≈ 100 mm |
| Tube weight | 3.2 kg |
| Length | 368 mm (transport) / 420 mm (dew shield extended) |
| Dovetail | Vixen GP |
| Included | Tube rings + handle, dovetail bar, M65×1 to M48×0.75 adaptor, transport case |
Values from manufacturer specifications, to be refined with real-world use. Eyepieces, diagonal, corrector and finder sold separately.
Official product page: Sky-Watcher Esprit 70 EDX
Strengths
- Excellent chromatic correction and image sharpness thanks to the ED FCD100 triplet.
- Very compact and lightweight tube (3.2 kg): easy to pair with a mount like the EQ6-R Pro or even a NEQ-3.
- Precise, backlash-free focuser, essential for long-exposure imaging.
- Build quality and mechanical rigidity typical of Sky-Watcher’s high-end range.
Coming up
This sheet will be expanded with the corrector/flattener used, the camera imaging train configuration, and first imaging results.