. Using a Celestron Minus V filter when imaging planets seems to eliminate the CA in the images, but leaves some in long exposure star images if a brighter star is in the field. Dielectric-Coated 99-percent Reflective 2-inch Mirror Diagonal with 1.25-inch Adapter. When it finally cleared I had a chance to look at Jupiter and several winter objects. I use this scope both visually and for astrophotography. Big 4" aperture fully multicoated achromatic doublet refractor optics, Great scope I use it on my new mount and will use it. As I said, this is a great scope, I would highly recommend it for beginners or a grab and go. The Explore Scientific AR102 has a lens cell you can collimate which allows for the precise alignment of telescope lenses thereby increasing overall contrast. EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet 599,00 € * Shipping Weight 7.7 kg Dual-speed Crayford-style focuser: 2" focuser, with adjustable tension and lock knobs. Several times the set screws come out all together when I am attempting to get them loose enough to work. Like its two larger brothers, the AR127 and the AR152, these optics produce stunning images of deep-sky objects and planets. With an aperture of F/7, and focal length of 714mm, deep sky astrophotography targets such as nebulae, star cluster, and large galaxies are well suited for this wide-field APO. I’m using a Mead LX70 EQ Mount and my scope has been easy to balance. The Explore Scientific AR102 102 mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet is an excellent choice for those looking for a rich field refractor telescope, with a superbly engineered focuser and lens cell. The purpose of a diagonal is to securely hold your eyepiece and to give you a comfortable viewing angle. The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102mm Explore Scientific AR102 … Equatorial & Altazimuth Accessories & Adapters, Personal Planetariums / Electronic Sky Guides, Rechargeable Batteries And Power Supplies, Astronomics Used, Demo, Closeout, Spring Cleaning Page, Explore Scientific Sky Rocket to Savings In August, Explore Scientific APO Triplet Carbon Fiber, Explore Scientific APO Triplet FCD100 Carbon Fiber, Explore Scientific APO Triplet FCD100 Series, Explore Scientific APO Triplets Essential Series, Sky-Watcher Truss Tube Collapsible Dobsonian, Explore Scientific AR102 4" f/6.5 achromatic doublet refractor optical tube, Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 4.2" F/5 Dual ED/Four Element Optical Tube, Explore Scientific115mm f/5.5 FPL-53 Carbon Fiber APO Triplet Refractor With 3" Hexagonal Focuser, Astro-Tech AT92 f/5.5 Triplet Apo Refractor OTA, Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 Carbon Fiber FCD100 ED Triplet Refractor. The Explore Scientific AR Air-Spaced Doublet Series telescopes are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic f/6.5 refractors with a superior-class optical figure. Amazon.com : Explore Scientific AR102 102mm Air-Spaced Doublet Achromat Refractor, 663mm f/6.5, 1.14 arcsec, 2" 2-Speed Focuser, 8x50 Straight-Thru Finderscope : Camera & Photo © 2021 OPT Telescopes. We will be glad to help. Dovetail and tube rings: The optical tube comes with two split and hinged tube rings for installing the optical tube on your mount. But, most important the optics are excellent. The star tests were very good as well as the chromatic aberration being much better controlled than I anticipated. It has become one of my favorite scopes of all times. It's good enough optically to be the heart of a reasonably-priced serious observing system when mounted on one of the many equatorial mounts and go-to altazimuth mounts from Celestron, iOptron, and others. The right knob also has a smaller concentric knob with 10:1 ratio reduction gear microfine focusing. The ES is an excellent buy and I would recommend it for both the beginner and the seasoned amateur astronomer. There are two coarse focusing knobs. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific's 2-Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the polished diagonal flat mirror, ensuring precision alignment. Explore Scientific manufactures these in their own factories in China. I recently picked up a Explorer Scientific AR102 f/6.5 Refractor Telescope. Most observers feel the relatively limited amount of chromatic aberration visible is a small price to pay for the scope's many other virtues of portability, sharpness, contrast, and optical clarity. There was just a hint of color along the edge of the crescent. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it. When you use photometric filters then the CA ceases to be an issue. Hi guys! This provides exceptionally precise image control during high power visual observing or critical DSLR or CCD imaging. Buy Explore Scientific AR152 152mm f/6.5 Achromatic Refractor Telescope (OTA only) featuring 152mm Aperture, 988mm Focal Length, f/6.5 Focal Ratio, Achromatic Doublet Lens System, 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser, 2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal, Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate, Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle, 8x50 Finderscope, OTA Only - Mount and Tripod Required. Read our 101 article or get in touch. Reviews & ratings: Explore Scientific AR102, 102mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope MFR: DAR102065-01. I still get out the Celestron 6" refractor from time to time especially when Mars is at opposition but the AR102 is easier to use and balance. Like its two larger brothers, the AR127, and the AR152, these are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractors with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. My original intention was to buy this telescope as a grab and go scope. I have a 6" F/8 refractor that I use for planetary imaging but it had to have the focuser and finder modified to use with a camera. As stated in other reviews, visually the optics are excellent, with little chromatic aberration even on very bright objects. 8 Review(s) This mount is controlled manually and comes with a sturdy ST1 tripod with 1.25" stainless steel legs that extend from 25.5" to 45 Achromatic refractor optics: 4" (102mm) aperture, 663mm focal length, f/6.5 air-spaced crown and flint glass doublet lens. Now, with bigger eyepieces and camera adapters my scope has become end heavy. Whether you choose the AR102 (4"), AR127 (5") or AR152 (6") model, you will be impressed by the stunning images revealed to you at the eyepiece, and all at a small fraction of the price you’d pay for a comparably sized apochromatic refractor, and you'll love the light weight … Since I wrote the earlier review my AR102 has been used most clear nights. The AR102/Twilight set-up is also perfect for terrestrial use! Ultra-high reflective coatings (99-percent reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output. I purchased this scope as an upgrade from a similar sized 102mm refractor that was of less quality. Multicoated optics: Fully coated on all surfaces with multiple layers of antireflection materials for high light transmission and good contrast. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. I will probably eventually replace the compression ring with a Baader click-lock. 680 24th Avenue SW Norman, OK, 73069, USA © 2021 Astronomics.com. The Explore Scientific Twilight I mount and tripod are the perfect companions to the AR102. There is some aberration, but I expected that and it isn't very bad. Also improves visual and photographic contrast by shielding the lens from off-axis ambient light (the neighbor's yard light, moonlight, etc.). Removable Dew Shield; Front and Rear Dust Covers; Cradle Rings with Handle and Univsersal Saddle Plate; Two-Speed Focuser 2.0" I.D. Crater detail was excellent, especially along the terminator. It was still there but visually could be controlled with a Minus V filter. Wow! Explore Scientific AR-102. Explore Scientific have rightly gained a good reputation for delivering high quality instruments at reasonable prices. The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102 mm Aperture Refractor. I'd highly recommend this Scott Helgeson. Great little scope for the price. Still a great bang for the buck! With tension adjustment and lock to hold perfect focus, one knob works for fast focusing while the other works on fine focusing. Focuses by loosening the trim ring behind the objective lens cell, screwing the lens cell in or out to focus, and tightening the trim ring to lock in the correct focus. Its coated optics provide a bright high-resolution image so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected for precise aiming. Great starter scope. This triplet apochromatic refractor telescope blends portability and performance into a single, sleek package. 800-483-6287 Package includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 99-percent Reflective 2-inch Diagonal Mirror, and an 8x50 Finder Scope. A standard single-speed focuser, can be put out of focus from a simple nudge. As far as I can find out they are not sold under any other brand names. Explore Scientific AR102 f/6.5 Air-Spaced Achromat Telescope . | The Explore Scientific 8X50 Finder Scope provides a true 6-degree field of view. Collimatable lens cell: The 4" Explore Scientific lens is precision collimated at the factory to give optimum performance. Hello all, I have a Skywatcher Evostar 80 ED that I love! The Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet CF was built for astrophotography. I finally settled on a 2" Wratten #8 to attenuate the worst of the CA. The diagonal uses durable 99% reflectivity for maximum light transmission and long life. 102mm, f6.5, air-spaced doublet achromat. The 4" Explore Scientific is a great grab-and-go scope for quick looks at the sky when mounted on a suitable altazimuth mount. Dust covers: Front and rear dust covers are provided. InternetSales@optcorp.com, 800-483-6287 I use this as a grab n go scope along with my Stellarvue SV80ED. Check out our 2021 telescope buying guide here! Buy Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Achromatic Refractor Telescope (OTA only) featuring 102mm Aperture, 663mm Focal Length, f/6.5 Focal Ratio, Achromatic Doublet Lens System, 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser, 2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal, Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate, Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle, 8x50 Finderscope, OTA Only - Mount and Tripod Required. The Explore Scientific AR127 Air-Spaced Doublet is a classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractor, reborn with the aim to produce superior-class optical figure in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. This highly portable 4" achromatic refractor optical tube (only 25.5" long, with a weight of 11.3 pounds) is a sensational value! Each detail of the scope is obviously carefully constructed and tested. Great value, if you don't need perfection. At about $300 ($400 as of 8/19/2017), it's a bargain for a fast (f/6.5) telescope. The focus knobs have ribbed gripping surfaces so they are easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens in cold weather. Explore Scientific’s Universal Mounting Plate is made from extruded aluminum for added strength. The 2" eyepiece holder uses a non-marring brass compression ring to hold the supplied 2" star diagonal in place without scratching the diagonal barrel. This highly portable 4" Explore Scientific achromatic refractor optical tube (only 25.5" long, with a weight of 11.3 pounds) is a great value for spur-of-the-moment grab and go astronomy . I generally use it to observe while I am taking photos with other scopes, and I use it at public star parties. InternetSales@optcorp.com. That being the case, I looked at the moon at about 27x. Dew shield: The removable 190.5mm (7.5") diameter dew shield slows the formation of dew on the lens in cold weather to extend your undisturbed observing time. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is due to the compression ring where the diagonal attaches to the scope. Aberration is even tolerable photographically except on highly stretched images. The Explore Scientific AR Series is equipped with standard hardware that includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 99-percent reflective 2-inch diagonal mirror, dew shield and an 8X50 Finder Scope. My criticisms are minor. The AR152 has received several good reviews since it came out, along with all of Explore Scientific’s products, and is offered at the unbelievable price of $750. Finderscope: 8 x 50mm straight-through achromatic design, in a dual-ring six-point adjustment bracket with a quick release mounting shoe. It is being used with an ATIK414 camera and doing high level photometry. The 127 caught my attention first but the price was over my budget. You will be able to set up in moments wherever you are and glide effortlessly from one object of interest to another. The Explore Scientific ED102CF telescope brings a nice balance of weight and light gathering power. Your input is very much appreciated. Aperture: 4" (102mm), Type: Refracting Telescopes Astronomics is a family-owned business that has been supplying amateur astronomers, schools, businesses, and government agencies with the right optical equipment and the right advice since 1979. Sign up for OPT news, exclusive offers, and updates on the latest gear! Like its two larger brothers, the AR127, and the AR152, these are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractors with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. Over the years I find myself using the 6" less and less and the 4" ES more and more! The scope arrives with the tubes wrapped in tissue paper. This telescope works quite well even for color imaging, especially on planets. Be confident that the quality and design of these telescopes are meant for many years of use and is endorsed by its Explore Scientific Lifetime Warranty! However, Highpoint has been extremely helpful in all my dealings with them. If you use RGB color filters on a mono camera you eliminate the effects of CA entirely on your images. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. My first telescope was the ES AR 102. Small enough and light enough to mount on my Nextstar mount. Internal light baffles: Multiple internal knife-edge baffles in the optical tube mask and deflect unwanted stray light for improved contrast. I have only had it out once, and the waxing moon was out as well. See more ideas about scientific, explore, telescopes. Read our 101 article or get in touch. Set it up on your deck or in your backyard and explore the local terrain. Your wishlist has been temporarily saved. The Explore Scientific AR102 Doublet Refractor are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic f/6.5 refractors with a superior-class optical figure. I currently use this scope as my main imaging telescope using a 3.5 pound SBIG ST-8E and the dual speed focuser handles that weight quite well! By the way I am not affiliated with HighPoint Scientific or Explore Scientific in any way! All Rights Reserved. Buy now & save $90. You also can use Photoshop to eliminate the worst of the CA around bright stars. We only send interesting emails and will never sell your data. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the ES102D allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it due to a fall or very rough handling. EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet: The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102mm! Please Log in to save it permanently. • Optical Tube Assembly Weight (with all standard accessories): 11.3 lbs - 4.67 kg • Shipping Box Dimensions: 40 x 10 x 10 inches; 101.6 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm • Shipping Weight: 17 lbs; 7.7 kg If you were going to use this telescope for long duration color images you would probably want to get an ADP or ED version but you still can work with this one, with a little care. The objective lens cell is fully collimatable, using push/pull collimation screws, so you can optimize your image quality. The precision-made 2" focuser has dual-speed focusing. These are finely crafted telescopes and a real joy to handle. I can't wait to get it under dark skies. The Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor is a classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractor with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. All Rights Reserved. A carrying handle is conveniently fitted to the top of the tube rings. Rings. Its collimatable lenses are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. . Great planetary and deep sky visual or astrophotography! However, budget and size dictated the 102mm or 4" version. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too! However, the spurious color is well controlled and not unreasonable, thanks to careful optical design, and has little effect on deep space observing. The mount fits on many popular equatorial and Alt-Az mounts, including mounts supplied by Explore Scientific, Celestron, Vixen and others. Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano EQ3 Mount Explore Scientific EXOS Nano Equatorial Mount for FirstLight telescopes. Extended lifetime warranty: This individually serial numbered Explore Scientific telescope is backed by a limited one year warranty, which will be extended to an Explore Scientific transferable Life of the Product Limited Warranty when its warranty card is registered with Explore Scientific within 60 days of purchase. Overall it is one of my favorite telescopes to use and the best buy I ever got on a new scope! Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Telescope The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102mm! Dielectric star diagonal: 90° viewing angle first surface mirror 2" star diagonal with 1.25" eyepiece adapter. Scope weight is 11.3 pounds (4.67 kg). Its diffraction limited optics are sharp and well suited to serious deep space observing of binary stars, star clusters, and the brighter nebulas and galaxies, in addition to excellent high contrast planetary and lunar images. These are hands down the best bang for the dollar that you can find. My original intention was to buy the 5" or 127 mm version of this scope. This has been a "Big Bang for the Buck!" Plus the weight and size … Aperture: 4" (102mm), Type: Refracting Telescopes Add Your Review. This has been a great scope. Whether you choose the AR102 (4"), AR127 (5") or AR152 (6") model, you will be impressed by the stunning images revealed to you at the eyepiece, and all at a small fraction of the price you’d pay for a comparably sized apochromatic refractor, and you'll love the light weight … Buy EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet online from your expert for ☄telescopes! Like its two larger brothers, the AR127 and the AR152, these optics produce stunning images of deep-sky objects and planets. Perfect for those who want large refractor performance at a modest price. As a standard on all Explore Scientific AR Series, a two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser is included. This highly portable 4" achromatic refractor optical tube (only 25.5" long, with a weight of 11.3 pounds) is a sensational value! translation missing: en.products.notify_form.description: Notify me when this product is available: The Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor is a classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractor with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. The Best Dedicated Astronomy Cameras for Beginners. Start Chat When it arrived the clouds played havoc with trying to test it for several months. The rings are connected to a dovetail mounting plate that slips into the industry standard Vixen-style dovetail groove on altazimuth and equatorial mounts from Astro-Tech, Explore Scientific, Celestron, iOptron, and others. This is a modest, 102mm air-spaced triplet refractor that will deliver excellent color correction for visual use or astrophotography. We will be glad to help. This is my second Explore Scientific telescope. Great scope for the cost! However, I eventually decided to do some research on 6″ achromats and took the plunge with an Explore Scientific AR152, a 6″ (152mm) f/6.5 achromatic refractor. Telescope Expert EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Brand: Explore Scientific ★ Price: 558.3£ Category: Astronomy Astronomy Brand: Explore Scientific™ ★Price: 558.3€ Category: Telescopes Advanced Amateurs Their price is a small fraction to that of comparable aperture apochromatic refractors making them an extreme value. Purchased the Explore Scientific 102mm 4 AR Achro. Adjustment screws and locking bolts to allow adjustments to position the angle of the telescope when it is placed on its mount. Jan 14, 2013 - Explore Astronomics's board "Explore Scientific", followed by 368 people on Pinterest. It has a 102mm (4") diameter multicoated doublet objective lens (663mm focal length f/6.5). Explore Scientific AR102 f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromat Refractor Telescope. It actually rivals the Stellarvue in contrast. I bought the 6" doublet a couple of years back and purchased this scope this last winter. Explore Scientific's AR152 Air-Spaced Doublet is a diffraction-limited six inch f/6.5 refracting telescope complete with mounting rings, 8x50 finderscope, and two-speed two-inch focuser. Tube diameter is 3.96" (100.7mm) and the tube length with dewshield installed is 25.5" (648mm). The optics are very clear and with absolutely no distortion. I often have a hard time getting the diagonal to go in at all. Optical Tube Assembly Weight (with all standard accessories): 11.3 lbs - 4.67 kg; Shipping Box Dimensions: 40 x 10 x 10 inches; 101.6 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm; Shipping Weight: 17 lbs; 7.7 kg; SCOPE OF DELIVERY. Some chromatic aberration is visible on stars and objects of 2nd or 3rd magnitude and brighter, as you would expect in an achromatic refractor with such a fast focal ratio. Explore Scientific AR102 f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromat Refractor Telescope. It was visually stunning. The AR102 has a f/6.5 focal ratio, for a focal length of 663 mm. I use a fringe killer filter that helps quite a bit. Bought this for a white light solar scope (herschel wedge) and it works great. Cradle Rings with Handle and Universal Saddle Plate. Fit and finish was nice. Still not sure what is the right gear for you? How do you all combat this problem and bring y… I'm very glad I did. Comes with a nice 2" diagonal. Add description, images, menus and links to your mega menu, A column with no settings can be used as a spacer, Link to your collections, sales and even external links. Construction is quality. The Explore Scientific AR Air-Spaced Doublet Series telescopes are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic f/6.5 refractors with a superior-class optical figure. Way cheaper than buying an APO scope. 21% Off: Explore Scientific FirstLight 1000mm f/9.8 AR102mm Refractor Telescope with EXOS Nano EQ3 Mount, White MFR: FL-AR1021000EQ3.