Explore Scientific's compact FirstLight 100mm f/14 Alt-Az Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is a portable, yet powerful observation platform that can achieve high magnifications for detailed views of the Moon and planets and has the ability to reach out past our solar system to observe brighter deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical configuration is engineered with a convex meniscus lens that not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but by the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt design, but the optical benefits make this a useful scope for planetary and double-star observation.
The scope features the manual Twilight Nano alt-azimuth mount with dual-axis control cables that allows users to track objects as they move across the night sky. Its stainless steel tripod provides a stable observation platform, and several observational accessories are provided that include a 25mm eyepiece, a 90° star diagonal, a universal smartphone eyepiece adapter, and an unmagnified red-dot finderscope.
Optical Tube
- 100mm aperture
- f/14 focal ratio
- 1400mm focal length
- Compact Maksutov-Cassegrain optical configuration
- Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberrations) across the entire field of view
- Smaller secondary mirror reduces obstructions and increases contrast and sharpness versus Schmidt-Cassegrains
- Internal focusing mechanism with 1.25" visual back
Mount
- Manual alt-azimuth single-arm fork mount
- Dual-axis slow-motion tracking cables
- Cables terminate in easy-to-manipulate knurled knobs
- Quick release Vixen-style dovetail saddle
Tripod
- 1.25" stainless steel legs
- Fully collapsed with head: 42"
- Minimum height, with head: 36", to center of dovetail
- Maximum height, with head: 45"
- Accessory tray
Included Accessories
- 1.25" 25mm Plössl eyepiece yields 56x magnification
- 1.25" 90° star diagonal places head in comfortable position, especially when optical tube assembly is aimed at or near the zenith
- Smartphone adapter attaches over eyepiece and allows any smartphone to be used for astrophotography
- Red-dot finder: Unmagnified for fast subject acquisition with variable red illumination to protect night-adjusted vision
