Explore Scientific 102 mm AR Doublet Achromatic Refractor OTA
Explore Scientific will send you a FREE 25 mm 70-degree Eyepiece (a $99 value) when you buy this telescope! Hurry, this special offer ends June 30 or while supplies last!
The AR127 Doublet Refractor by Explore Scientific uses air-spaced doublet optics expertly crafted from crown and flint glass, creating astounding celestial views. You will be wowed by the marvelous views in your scope of the Moon, planets, and double stars. The telescope package includes many high-tech accessories to make your long nights observing a breeze. Accessories include a 2″ dual-speed focuser, a one-piece 2″ diagonal with 99% dielectric coatings, an 8 X 50 non-illuminated straight -thru finderscope, and a cradle ring assembly with a Vixen-style dovetail mount. All you need are a few eyepieces and an alt-azimuth or equatorial mount and you are ready to explore the skies!
Although the FirstLight AR102 Refractor is nearly identical to the 102 mm Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor both in terms of optics and materials, there is a difference when it comes to included accessories. The DAR102 comes with a 2″ Dual-Speed Crayford Focuser, 8×50 Finderscope, and 2″ Diagonal, while the FL-AR102 comes with a 1.25″ Diagonal, Red Dot Finder, and 40 mm Draw Tube Focuser.
Optics, Optics, Optics!
The optics in their collimatable 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.