The Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 ED Triplet Refractor Telescopefrom Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 ED Triplet Refractor Telescopefeatures a triplet apochromatic lens system with Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and Explore Scientific's proprietary anti-reflection EMD fully multicoated optics. This combination of glass, lenses, and coatings virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations for clear and bright images without distortion across the entire field of view, with true color rendition. This is a versatile optical tube assembly that is powerful enough to clearly see the planets and bright deep sky objects. It has a relatively small form-factor that makes it perfect as a portable grab-and-go option, or set up on a dual-mount rig for astrophotography/astroimaging.

A mounting cradle-ring clamps over optical tube assembly (OTA). The cradle-ring assembly allows the user to adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balance, while avoiding interference with other equipment. The scope is offered without a mount or tripod, but a Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle. Its two-speed rack-and-pinion focuser helps make fine-focusing fast and precise. A 90° star diagonal is also included for more comfortable viewing. The mirror has dielectric coatings for a 99% light transmission for minimal light loss when using it.

102mm Aperture    714mm Focal Length, f/7 Focal Ratio    Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass    Proprietary EMD Enhanced Multicoatings    Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate    Apochromatic Triplet Lens System    Cradle-Rings with Vixen-Style Dovetail    Two-Speed 2" Rack-and-Pinion Focuser    1.25" Eyepiece Adapter    90° Star Diagonal

• 102mm objective lens
• 714mm focal length
• Focal ratio: f/7
• Refractor-style optical design
• Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass
• Triplet apochromatic lenses eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations for true color rendition and without distortion across the entire field of view
• Proprietary anti-reflection EMD enhanced multicoatings on all optics
• Two-speed 2" rack-and-pinion focuser

• Optical tube assembly only; mount and tripod required
• Vixen-style dovetail plate is compatible with any alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle
• Cradle-ring assembly for plate allows the scope orientation to be changed based on mount configuration
• Integrated carry handle on cradle-ring assembly

• One-piece 2" 90° star diagonal with highly-reflective dielectric coatings for up to 99% light transmission
• 1.25" eyepiece adapter
• Mounting bracket for user-supplied finderscope

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the Hoya FDC 100 ED better than the standart ED ?Thanks

A: The FCD1 Glass is very very good for photography, not a lot of difference visually though between them.

Q: 2. What other accessories are required to have a flat field with a ZWO ASI533MC-Pro?

A: Will you be using the 2" or the 1.25" for your astrophotohraphy.?

Q: 3. What parts do I need to mount my Nikon Z mirrorless to this scope?

A: You would need this T mount adaopter to connect the Nikon Z camera to a T mount slipped into the eyepiece mount of the telescope: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1494991-REG/vivitar_hf_t2_nik_z_t_mount_to_nikon_z_mount.html Then you will need to get the actual T mount : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/202135-REG/Celestron_93625_SLR_35mm_OR_Digital.html

Q: 4. Any notes on the total setup (OTA & Mount/Tripod) overall weight? Thanks.

A: About 28 lbs.

Q: 5. Viewing wise what size Mak-cas would be equal to a 102 mm refractor ?

A: You cant match the field of view (how much of sky you see) with a mak but a mak 130 to 150 would yeld the same viewing resolution

Q: 6. just starting getting into astrophotography i own a DSLR camera wa able to get decent images out of my old powerseeker 127eq was wondering would i ger better image with this explofe scientific ar102 ?

A: Yes. With better edge sharpness and contrast and less if any coma.

Q: 7. Can you use this with a cannon dslr camera and do you need a t mount

A: Yes but you will need a t mount. Might also want to get their field flattener.

Q: 8. What adapters or accessories should be purchased for attaching to a micro-4/3 camera (Olympus OM-D EM5 mark3)?

A: In order to adapt an M43 camera to the Explore Scientific ED80 80mm f/6 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope you would need these 2 parts: https://bhpho.to/4dUckfj plus https://bhpho.to/48hlWwL.

Q: 9. HI, is there a reason the Alt/Az version is $180 more than the EQ version? Thanks

A: I am sorry for the long delay in replying. Prices do fluctuate and currently the the Alt-Az mount is about $65 less.

Q: 10. Is there a custom hard case available for this scope?

A: There is no dedicated case for the Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 FCD100 Apo Triplet Refractor Telescope (OTA Only) BH #EX102F7ARTO • MFR #FCD100-10207-02 that B&H sells.