Explore Scientific ED APO 102mm f/7 FCD-100 Aluminium Triplet Refractor

Explore Scientific ED APO 102mm f/7 FCD-100 Aluminium Triplet Refractor

Description

The Explore Scientific ED APO 102mm f/7 FCD-100 is a high-end air-spaced triplet refractor designed to deliver superior image sharpness and color correction for both visual astronomers and astrophotographers. Using premium HOYA FCD-100 ED glass at the core of its optical system, this telescope achieves a polystrehl index of 0.97, guaranteeing excellent contrast and virtually no chromatic aberration.

Its fast f/7 focal ratio shortens exposure times while preserving resolution across extended deep-sky objects like the North America Nebula or Andromeda Galaxy. Planetary views are crisp and color-pure thanks to top-tier coatings and optical design. The instrument is exceptionally compact and lightweight, making it ideal for both travel and backyard sessions.

This model belongs to Explore Scientific’s Professional Line, characterized by FCD-100 optics, durable aluminum or carbon tubes, and high-precision 2.5” HEXAFOC dual-speed focusers. With a large internal drawtube diameter of 65 mm, the telescope avoids vignetting even with large-format imaging sensors.

Technical specifications

Optics

• Type: Air-spaced triplet apochromatic refractor

• Aperture: 102 mm

• Focal length: 714 mm

• Focal ratio: f/7

• Polystrehl: 0.97

• ED glass: HOYA FCD-100

• Optical coating: Enhanced Multilayer Deposition (EMD)

• Max useful magnification: 200×

• Theoretical resolution: 1.35 arcseconds

Tube

• Material: Anodized aluminium

• Length: 560 mm (dew shield retracted)

• Diameter: 106 mm

• Weight (with accessories): 5.4 kg

• Dew shield: Retractable

• Focuser: 2.5” HEXAFOC Deluxe with 10:1 microfocusing

• Focuser travel: 150 mm

• Eyepiece barrel: 2" (50.8 mm)

• Imaging compatibility: Full frame sensors without vignetting

Included items

• Optical tube assembly (OTA)

• 2” dielectric diagonal mirror (99% reflectivity)

• Two focuser extension sleeves

• Tube rings with carry handle and Vixen-type dovetail bar

• Dust caps for lens and focuser

• Universal finder shoe

Additional information

• Color: White

• Extended warranty: 10 years (upon registration)

• Telescope family: Apochromatic refractor

• Intended uses: Deep-sky and planetary imaging and observing

• Target audience: Advanced observers, astrophotographers, research-grade users

• Mount compatibility: Vixen/GP-style dovetail plates

• Power supply: Not required

• Batteries: Not needed