Developed in collaboration with David H. Levy, one of the discoverers of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet among others, the Explore Scientific 152 Comet Hunter 6" f/4.8 Maksutov-Newtonian Telescope is purpose-built to produce high contrast images with a precise focusing capability for observing everything from planets and deep-space objects, to sweeping the sky for comets. The Maksutov-Newtonian design utilizes a front corrector plate to flatten the incoming light, a rear mirror to focus the light, and a secondary mirror to direct the light to the observer's eye. This combination of corrector plate and mirrors creates a wide flat field of view with minimal edge distortion to bring the resolution down to a fine 0.77 arcsec. Combined with the fast f/4.8 focal ratio, it makes an equally useful platform for astrophotography or astro-imaging. The optical tube assembly (OTA) is constructed of carbon fiber to make it less resistant to expansion and contraction with temperature changes, which can cause the corrector and mirrors to shift out of alignment over time causing the scope to be incapable of producing sharp images.
The Comet Hunter is offered here without a mount or tripod, but a mounting cradle-ring assembly is provided for attaching it to compatible mounts. It clamps over the optical tube and lets the user adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balancing, while avoiding interference with other equipment. The stainless steel Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle. The OTA is equipped with 2" Craford-style focuser that, unlike a traditional rack-and-pinion focuser, uses a steel rod held tightly against the draw tube. This toothless friction system eliminates backlash and enables ultra-fine precision focusing. Having the ability to use large 2" eyepieces provides an expansive amount of angular view required for wide-field observations, as well as providing full coverage for today's larger imaging sensors for astrophotography.
- Aperture: 6" / 152mm
- Focal ratio: f/4.8
- Focal length: 731mm
- Maksutov-Newtonian style optical design
- Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission through the optical path while improving contrast and color fidelity
- Secondary mirror: 49mm diameter with a 32% obstruction
- Resolution: 0.77 arcsec
- User-supplied mount and tripod required
- Vixen-style dovetail plate included
- 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
- Accepts 2" eyepieces and accessories
- 10:1 two-speed focusing
- Two coarse focus wheels, one on each side of eyepiece holder
- Fine smaller focus dial on right-side of eyepiece holder
- Crayford focusers use a toothless friction system that allows for super-fine precision focusing without backlash
- The larger drawtube allows light to cover today's imaging sensors for astrophotography without vignetting
- 1.25" adapter to use the more common smaller barrel diameter eyepieces and accessories