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Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102mm f/9.8 Refractor Telescope with EXOS Nano EQ3 Mount

BH #EXFLAR102EQ3 • MFR #FL-AR1021000EQ3
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Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102mm f/9.8 Refractor Telescope with EXOS Nano EQ3 Mount
Key Features
  • 102mm Refractor OTA
  • 1000mm Focal Length, f/9.8 Focal Ratio
  • Anti-Reflection Multi-Coated Optics
  • 40mm Rack-and-Pinion Focuser
Designed for intermediate users, the Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102mm f/9.8 Refractor Telescope is intended to take astronomic observation to the next level by providing a complete setup for viewing the Moon, planets, and bright, deep-sky objects like star clusters and galaxies. Its manual equatorial mount has precise Right Ascension (RA) and Declination indicators to find your subjects and dual slow-motion cables for tracking. As a more advanced mount, it allows users to find just about any visible object by just knowing its coordinates. After the scope has been properly Polar Aligned, and the subject found, it can be easily tracked by making slight adjustments to the RA axis.
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Explore Scientific FirstLight Overview

Designed for intermediate users, the Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102mm f/9.8 Refractor Telescope is intended to take astronomic observation to the next level by providing a complete setup for viewing the Moon, planets, and bright, deep-sky objects like star clusters and galaxies. Its manual equatorial mount has precise Right Ascension (RA) and Declination indicators to find your subjects and dual slow-motion cables for tracking. As a more advanced mount, it allows users to find just about any visible object by just knowing its coordinates. After the scope has been properly Polar Aligned, and the subject found, it can be easily tracked by making slight adjustments to the RA axis.

An adjustable-height stainless steel tripod provides a stable platform for sky-watching. The included red-dot finder makes polar-alignment faster and is an essential tool for quick observations and star-hopping sessions. An included 90° star diagonal makes looking through the scope more comfortable, especially when aiming the telescope toward the zenith. The 25mm eyepiece yields a respectable 40x magnification, and with the included smartphone adapter that sleeves over the eyepiece, users can easily take and share images or video through the scope.

Optical Performance
  • 102mm aperture
  • f/9.8 focal ratio
  • 1000mm focal length
  • Refractor-style light path
  • Anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission to increase overall image contrast, sharpness and color rendition
  • Aluminum optical tube with white anodized finish
  • Rack-and-pinion focuser
  • 40mm draw tube and 1.25" eyepiece adapter
Mount & Tripod
    EXOS Nano EQ3:
  • 15-pound payload capacity
  • Manual German equatorial
  • Right Ascension and Declination indicator scales
  • Latitude adjustment thumbscrew
  • Slow motion control cables for tracking with reduced vibrations
  • 5.75-pound counterweight with shaft
    Tripod:
  • 1.25" stainless steel legs
  • Adjustable-height from 24-41"
  • Accessory tray with cutouts to hold three 1.25" eyepieces
Included Accessories
  • 25mm eyepiece yields 40x magnification
  • 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
UPC: 812257018062

Explore Scientific FirstLight Specs

Optical Design
Refractor
Aperture
102 mm (4.0")
Focal Length
1000 mm
Focal Ratio
f/9.8
Eyepiece Barrel Diameter
1.25"
Diagonal
90° star
Finderscope
Red-dot
Tripod
1.25" stainless steel legs
Adjustable-height from 24.0 - 41.0" / 61.0 - 104.1 cm
Mount Type
Manual equatorial
Payload capacity: 15.0 lb / 6.8 kg
Counterweight
5.75 lb / 2.6 kg
Power Source
None
Optical Tube Dimensions
Not specified by manufacturer
Weight
Not specified by manufacturer
Packaging Info
Package Weight
31.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
48.3 x 14.4 x 8"

Explore Scientific FirstLight Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

hello, what size is the focusser,?
Asked by: Anonymous
It is a 2 Focuser.
Answered by: Alex S.
Date published: 2025-01-15

Is the tripod included? I see the tripod specs ...

Is the tripod included? I see the tripod specs but do not see it on what is on the box! Thanks!
Asked by: Allan
Under "key features" Key Features 102mm Refractor OTA 1000mm Focal Length, f/9.8 Focal Ratio Anti-Reflection Multi-Coated Optics 40mm Rack-and-Pinion Focuser 25mm Eyepiece, 90° Star Diagonal Manual Equatorial Mount Dual Slow-Motion Control Cables Red-Dot Finderscope Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray *******************************
Answered by: John
Date published: 2022-02-11

Any notes on the total setup (OTA & Mount/Tripod) ...

Any notes on the total setup (OTA & Mount/Tripod) overall weight? Thanks.
Asked by: Ernest
About 28 lbs.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2021-09-17

HI, is there a reason the Alt/Az version is $180 ...

HI, is there a reason the Alt/Az version is $180 more than the EQ version? Thanks
Asked by: Eric
I am sorry for the long delay in replying. Prices do fluctuate and currently the the Alt-Az mount is about $65 less.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2022-01-25

just starting getting into astrophotography i own ...

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 ?
Asked by: Ace
Yes. With better edge sharpness and contrast and less if any coma.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2022-01-25
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