Starfield Gear 80: 80mm f/6 Triplet APO Refractor (Ohara FPL-53)

The Starfield Gear 80 is a compact 80mm f/6 apochromatic triplet refractor engineered for wide-field imaging and high-contrast observing. At its core is an Ohara (Japan) FPL-53 extra-low dispersion element for strong chromatic correction, paired with a rigid mechanical platform built to carry real astrophotography payloads. Multicoated optics are standard, and each Gear series scope includes a hard case and optical test report.

Optical Design

Triplet APO objective with FPL-53 ED element

The Gear 80 uses a triplet apochromatic objective incorporating an FPL-53 ED element from Ohara (Japan), designed to deliver an image described as free of chromatic error and with strong correction versus comparable apochromats. The tube is also internally baffled to suppress stray light and preserve contrast.

Focuser, Rotation, and Framing

2.5" two-speed rack-and-pinion focuser built for imaging loads

A key mechanical feature is the 2.5" two-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with ball bearings. It is fully rotatable and designed to support heavy cameras and accessories. Optional motor focusers can be installed.

Self-centering rotational lock (no setscrews)

Rotation is secured using a self-centering rotational lock—no setscrews to loosen—helping maintain rigidity and alignment when framing or managing heavier imaging trains.

Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA) for framing without disturbing focus

The integrated Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA) is intended to make object framing straightforward without introducing flex or forcing you to change your focuser position.

Mechanical Build and Handling

Rings, dovetail, and accessory-ready handle

The OTA ships with HD CNC tube rings, an extra-long Vixen-style dovetail bar, and a handle for transport and accessory mounting.

Retractable dew shield for compact transport

A retractable dew shield supports easier packing and travel while protecting the objective during use.

Compatibility

2" and 1.25" accessory support

The focuser supports both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories, allowing flexible configuration for visual observing and imaging setups.

What’s Included

• Hard case
• Optical test report
• HD CNC tube rings
• Extra-long Vixen-style dovetail bar
• Accessory/transport handle
• Retractable dew shield

Technical Specifications

• Aperture: 80mm
• Focal length: 480mm
• Focal ratio: f/6
• Objective: Triplet APO with Ohara (Japan) FPL-53 ED element
• Coatings: Multicoated optics
• Tube: Internally baffled
• Focuser: 2.5" two-speed rack-and-pinion, ball-bearing supported, fully rotatable
• Rotation lock: Self-centering (no setscrews)
• Framing: Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA)
• Accessory support: 2" and 1.25"
• Mounting: HD CNC rings + extra-long Vixen-style dovetail

Independent Review

The Gear 80 has been reviewed by Alan Dyer in SkyNews Magazine. See the embedded review on this page.

Gear 80 FAQ

Is the Gear 80 optimized for astrophotography?

Yes. The 2.5" rotatable rack-and-pinion focuser (ball-bearing supported), the self-centering rotational lock, and the Camera Angle Adjuster are explicitly positioned as features for carrying imaging loads and framing without adding flex.

Does it support both 2" and 1.25" accessories?

Yes—both 2" and 1.25" accessories are supported.

What’s the focal length and focal ratio?

The Gear 80 is 480mm focal length at f/6.

Next Step

If you’re building a wide-field imaging setup and want a compact triplet refractor with a mechanically rigid focuser/rotator solution, the Gear 80 is designed to be a practical, repeatable platform for imaging trains and accessories.