The Startravel 80mm Achromat Refractor is a two element, air-spaced, fully multi-coated which can generate rich field astronomical views and the AZ-GTe mount excels for both GoTo technology and shooting a video timelapse of the night sky. It can accomodate up to 11 lbs payload, therefore capable of mounting the included 80mm achromatic refractor or any midsized DSLR. It is also easily portable and can be taken on the fly to any observing session very quickly.

The AZ-GTe mount has built in WiFi control, making it simple and quick to align using the Sky-Watcher SynScan Pro App. The user has access to 42,900+ celestial objects they can view depending on the time of year, time of night and their coordinates.

The AZ-GTe comes with an adjustable 1.25" aluminum tripod with pier extension, however it can attach to any tripod with a 3.8" 16 thread and includes a 0.25" 20 thread adapter to attach to virtually any other tripod.

Handy for astrophotographers, an intervelometer timer isn't necessary due to the preset 60 second exposure setting that can trigger the DSLR using the auxiliary shutter release cable. Once the camera is plugged into the AZ-GTe and a shot is fired, 60 second exposures will continue until the cable is removed.

Included items consist of a red dot finder, 1.25" diagonal, 10mm and 25mm eyepieces and a Vixen style dovetail.

• The Sky-Watcher 80mm Achromat Refractor Optical Tube with AZ-GTe Mount and Tripod is great for both visual astronomers and astrophotographers who want flawless timelapse views of the night sky.
• 11 lbs payload capacity of the mount can handle the 80mm optical tube or any other midsized DSLR camera.
• Easily portable to take to different observing sites.
• The user can align and control the telescope using the Sky-Watcher SynScan Pro App via the WiFi connection.
• Comes with an aluminum tripod but can also connect to virtually any tripod with included thread adapter.
• Built with automatic 60 second exposure trigger system, removing any need of an intervelometer timer.
• Comes with a red dot finder, 1.25" diagonal, 10mm and 25mm eyepieces and a Vixen style dovetail.

The 80mm aperture provides a good balance between size and light-gathering ability, making it a great choice for beginners. It's compact enough to be portable but still powerful enough to show great views of the night sky.  The AZ-GTe mount is lightweight and easy to set up, making it ideal for beginners or those who want a simple, user-friendly experience. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, so it’s perfect for travel or taking to darker skies away from city lights.

The Startravel 80 uses an achromatic refractor design, which means you get clear, crisp views of celestial objects like the Moon, planets, and star clusters. The 80mm aperture allows for bright and detailed views, especially considering its portability.  The refractor design reduces chromatic aberration (color fringing), ensuring sharper images than some other types of telescopes in this price range.

The AZ-GTe mount features GoTo technology, which means it can automatically locate and track objects in the sky. This is especially helpful for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star maps or celestial navigation. Simply input the object you want to view, and the telescope will do the rest.  The Alt-Az mount provides smooth and intuitive movement, allowing for easy adjustments in both altitude and azimuth (up/down, left/right), so users can quickly locate and center objects in the eyepiece.

The GoTo system can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet using a dedicated app (such as SynScan Pro), making it easy to control the telescope without needing to touch the mount or eyepiece. This is great for more comfortable viewing, especially when you’re observing from awkward angles.

While primarily designed for visual observation, the Startravel 80 can also serve as an entry-level telescope for astrophotography. With the right accessories (like a camera adapter), it can capture stunning images of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The wide field of view is excellent for capturing larger celestial objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy or star clusters.

At its price point, the Sky-Watcher Startravel 80 AZ-GTe offers a great combination of performance and value. It delivers high-quality views and modern features like GoTo tracking, all while remaining reasonably affordable compared to other telescopes with similar specs.  The telescope is easy to assemble and operate, making it an excellent choice for those new to astronomy or for kids getting their first telescope. The GoTo mount is a big help in getting started quickly and enjoying the views without having to spend time manually locating objects.  Sky-Watcher is known for producing reliable and well-built telescopes, and the Startravel 80 AZ-GTe is no exception. It's made with quality materials that are durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions, yet light enough to be easily transported.