Takahashi FSQ 85EDX Telescope Review
Manufacturer: The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX is produced by Takahashi, a well-respected name in the astronomy community. The company is known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and precision optical instruments. Their reputation stands on decades of engineering expertise and a focus on delivering reliable and high-performing telescopes.
Price
The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX comes at a premium price point of approximately $4,280. It is aimed at advanced amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who value quality over cost. This cost reflects both the build quality and the extensive performance boosts that Takahashi has engineered into this telescope.
Introduction: The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX is designed for those who take astrophotography and deep-sky observation seriously. It is basically the “baby” version of the venerable FSQ106, which many feel is the gold standard when it comes to astrograph refractors. I have been involved with astrophotography for several years and have seen many instruments come and go. The FSQ 85EDX, however, stands out for its optical precision, extremely high quality and robust engineering. It is a refractor telescope that uses a Petzval quadruplet design with ED glass, including two FPL-53 elements, to reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring that star images remain sharp and colors true. This telescope is especially appealing to those who require a flat field for imaging, as it has been built with features that support high-quality astrophotography without the need for an additional field-flattener.
Key Features
The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX includes several attributes that make it a noteworthy choice for serious enthusiasts. The following are some of the features that have caught my attention:
- Excellent optical clarity and minimal chromatic aberration
- A Petzval quadruplet design optimized for flat field astrophotography
- Robust build quality with precision engineering
- Lightweight design that does not compromise rigidity
- Compatibility with a range of astrophotography accessories
Specifications
- Focal Length: 450 mm, offering a wide but detailed field for imaging
- Focal Ratio: f/5.3
- Aperture: 85 mm, balancing light gathering with excellent resolution for its class
- Optical Design: Petzval quadruplet with two FPL-53 ED elements to minimize aberrations
- Image Circle: 44 mm, supporting full-frame sensor astrophotography
- Weight: 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs), making it easier to transport and mount
- Length: 525 mm (322 mm when fully collapsed), preserving a compact design that is ideal for portability
- Tube Diameter: 95 mm
- Dew Shield Diameter: 114 mm
- Included Dew Shield: Retractable, to minimize condensation during long viewing sessions
- Focuser: Rack-and-pinion with 1:7 microfocuser for precise focusing
I appreciate that Takahashi provides clear specifications that help users match the product with their needs. Understanding questions around focal lengths and field flattening has always been important in astrophotography, and the FSQ 85EDX addresses these needs directly.
Product Overview
The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX offers a blend of precision and performance that many enthusiasts find appealing. I have spent time studying its optical layout and the engineering behind its design. The main aim of this telescope is to provide a sharp, flat image, which is highly sought after when capturing deep-sky objects or wide-field views of star clusters and nebulae.
The optical train is built around a Petzval quadruplet lens. This setup significantly reduces the common issues seen with conventional refractors, such as chromatic aberration, where stars might display unwanted color fringes around their edges and coma, where stars in the corners look more like commas than points. This refinement is not merely cosmetic. It supports better image detail and ensures that observational experiences are more enjoyable, both visually and technically.
The robust mechanical structure of the FSQ 85EDX also stands out. The use of high-quality materials in the tube and lens mounting supports reliability and longevity. The careful engineering helps maintain focus even during long exposure imaging sessions. This is an essential quality for astrophotographers who spend hours capturing images in varying conditions.
Furthermore, the design makes it easier to attach additional components like focal reducers for wider fields-of-view, guiding scopes, and other accessories that improve performance. Despite the premium price, the FSQ 85EDX fits well into a system designed for serious imaging, and its balance of portability and high performance makes it a practical option for regular field use.
For those interested in portable astrophotography, the FSQ 85EDX provides the benefits of a full-featured instrument without the bulk often associated with similar systems. Its light weight and compact dimensions allow me to set up quickly at remote locations. This is a significant advantage when photographing under dark skies away from urban light pollution. The careful choice of materials also minimizes temperature-induced changes, ensuring that the telescope remains stable in various weather conditions.
Performance in the Field
The performance of the Takahashi FSQ 85EDX in observatory conditions and in the field reflects the rigorous design principles that Takahashi upholds. From what I have seen in detailed reviews and user reports, this telescope performs well in both star testing and long-exposure astrophotography. Online forums often provide comments highlighting its effectiveness in reducing optical aberrations, which is particularly beneficial for imaging delicate details of galaxies and nebulae.
It is important to consider that performance also depends on the accessories used. The FSQ 85EDX works particularly well when paired with high-quality field flatteners and custom focuser solutions. I believe that careful selection of compatible equipment can step up the performance even further, provided that the user understands the technical requirements of their imaging setup.
The overall consensus in the field speaks to its impressive build and optical precision. It offers a balance between portability and performance that few telescopes in this category can claim. Many users appreciate that it minimizes the need for additional corrective measures, thanks to its inherent optical quality. These qualities have led to its positive reputation on online astronomy communities.
Pros and Cons
The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX comes with several advantages and a few limitations that potential buyers should consider. I have summarized the pros and cons below based on research and reports from users with hands-on experience.
Pros:
- Exceptional optical clarity that minimizes unwanted color fringing
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for portable astrophotography setups
- Solid construction using high-quality materials ensures long-term reliability
- Optimized for a flat field with an image circle of 44mm, which is ideal for full-frame sensor imaging
Cons:
- The premium price can be a barrier for users with limited budgets
- Limited availability in certain regions may cause longer wait times for acquisition
- The compact size, including the aperture, while beneficial for portability, might not offer the light grasp some users expect compared to larger instruments
Additional Considerations
For users who are exploring telescope options, the Takahashi FSQ 85EDX represents a blend of innovation and practical design that caters to modern astrophotography. It exemplifies the move toward premium instruments that deliver outstanding optical performance in a compact form factor. Keep in mind that the technology keeps improving, and several manufacturers have entered the field, producing very good equipment for reasonable prices. Takahashi, however, remains at the top when it comes to quality.
This telescope also performs well in varying environmental conditions. Its design reduces the effects of temperature changes on focus stability during long imaging sessions. This is especially helpful when shooting deep-sky objects where even small shifts in focus can lead to issues during post-processing.
Taking the time to understand your overall equipment system and matching each component thoughtfully will step up the benefits provided by the telescope. Enthusiasts who optimize their setups tend to enjoy the performance of the FSQ 85EDX to its fullest extent.
Wrap-Up
Whether you are well-versed in deep-sky imaging or looking for a high-quality instrument to grow your astrophotography skills, the FSQ 85EDX deserves a closer look. The combination of its optical design, robust construction, and user-friendly features provides a platform that I believe meets the demands of modern astronomy enthusiasts.
Final Verdict 5/5 Stars
The Takahashi FSQ 85EDX is a solid choice for advanced astrophotographers and observers who seek high precision and a flat field for imaging. Its design, which combines quality optical elements with a sturdy yet portable construction, makes it stand out among similar instruments. The boosts offered by its Petzval quadruplet design ensure that users experience minimal chromatic aberration and high-quality star images.
The FSQ 85EDX is aimed at a specific audience that is willing to invest in premium equipment for the sake of performance. Enthusiasts who are serious about astrophotography will appreciate the attention to detail Takahashi has provided in this model. It is a well-balanced instrument that meets the demands of imaging deep-sky objects and wide areas of the night sky.
Overall, the Takahashi FSQ 85EDX impresses with its technical precision and reliable field performance. I find that it combines excellent optics with practical design elements, making it worth considering for anyone who demands simply the best.
