Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Explore Scientific 102 mm Air Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope OTA

Explore Scientific 102 mm Air Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope

• The Explore Scientific AR102 comes packed full of accessories some of which include an 8×50 Finder Scope, a 2″ Diagonal with 1.25″ Adapter, and a dual speed 2″ focuser.

• Optics are Fully Multi Coated.

• The Explore Scientific AR102 has a lens cell you can collimate which allows for the precise alignment of telescope lenses thereby increasing overall contrast.

• The AR102 has a f/6.5 focal ratio, for a focal length of 663 mm.

The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102 mm Refractor.

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. These optics are an extreme value, produce stunning images of deep sky objects, double stars, planets, and the moon that are a small fraction of the price of comparable aperture apochromat refractors. Finally one can own a diffraction-limited high quality refractor for a relatively modest investment.

Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series has standard hardware which includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal Mirror, and an 8×50 Finder Scope. You can be confident that the quality and construction of these telescopes will allow heavy use for many years and are backed with the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty.

Optics, Optics, Optics!

The 102 mm optics in their lens cell are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. We precision collimate every Explore Scientific telescope at our factory to give optimum performance. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it. Contrast is further enhanced with multiple baffles that mask and deflect unwanted stray light.

The Focuser:

The Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series telescopes include a precision 2-inch two-speed focuser as standard equipment. The eyepiece holder uses a compression ring to prevent the eyepiece or camera barrel from scoring. Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed focuser, you will find that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration. So we included as standard equipment, on all Explore Scientific AR Series, a two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser with tension adjustment and a lock, to obtain and hold perfect focus. We think you’ll agree that such precision is worth it.

The Diagonal:

The Two-Inch Dielectric Diagonal includes a 1.25″ eyepiece holder adapter and dust covers to protect the mirror. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific’s Two Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment. Ultra-high reflective coatings (99% reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output.

Both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepiece holders use compression rings instead of a simple set-screw to more securely hold your valued eyepiece (or imaging device) and to minimize scoring of eyepiece barrels. You can thread standard 48 mm filters into the barrel.

The Finder:

The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder Scope provides a true field of view of 6 degrees. Its coated optics provide a bright high-resolution image, so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected, for precise aiming of your scope.

The Hybrid Finder Scope base can accept all legacy Explore Scientific finder scope brackets, as well as the mini dovetail type (Vixen, Synta, Celestron). Made of rugged, black anodized metal with chrome-plated metal screws.