Engineered to deliver superior performance with a manageable form factor, Explore Scientific's FCD100 102mm f/7 APO ED Triplet Carbon Fiber Refractor Telescope utilizes superior Japanese-made Hoya FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) and anomalous dispersion glass to correct chromatic aberration for true color fidelity and improved contrast. Complementing the glass is an apochromatic air-spaced triplet lens configuration that corrects spherical aberration to improve resolution and sharpness, and further corrects chromatic aberration. These design features produce a precise optical system that can be used to see detailed views of celestial objects from the Moon and planets, to bright deep sky objects. The optical performance, when coupled with its large focuser, makes this an ideal OTA for astrophotography and imaging, or as a convenient grab-and-go option for fast observation sessions.
This version of the ED102 OTA is outfitted with a 2.5" hexagonal focuser that can comfortably support up to 10 pounds of accessories, such as larger imaging rigs, while the larger drawtube ensures complete coverage of today's imaging sensors. The hexagonal drawtube design makes it much stronger, more rigid, and less prone to flexing under heavy loads when compared with the more common circular style. Its carbon fiber optical tube is temperature resistant, with reduced expansion/contraction due to temperature changes that can affect the fine-focusing abilities. In addition to the resistance, the carbon fiber is as durable as aluminum but with a reduced overall weight.
- 102mm objective lens
- 714mm focal length
- Focal ratio: f/7
- Refractor-style optical design
- Hoya FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) and anomalous dispersion glass has a high refractive index to correct chromatic aberration for true color fidelity and improved contrast
- Apochromatic air-spaced triplet optical design corrects spherical aberration to improve resolution and sharpness, and further corrects chromatic aberration
- Proprietary EMD enhanced multi-coatings on all optical surfaces
- Resolution (Dawes): 1.1355 arcsec
- Carbon fiber optical tube eliminates focus change due to shrinking/expansion caused by temperature changes while reducing overall weight versus aluminum OTAs
- Heavy-duty 2.5" hexagonal focuser is stronger and more rigid than circular designs so it can hold gear and accessories up to 10 pounds; the oversized drawtube ensures complete coverage for large imaging sensors
- Integrated dew shield helps to prevent external condensation while viewing
- Optical tube assembly only - mount and tripod required for proper use
- Cradle ring assembly is able to slide along the OTA for precise balancing
- Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy compatibility with a variety of mounts
- Integrated handle for more secure handling during setup and breakdown
- Weight: 12 pounds
- 2" barrel and eyepiece holder
- Highly reflective dielectric coatings to limit light loss
- 90° angle places the user's head in a comfortable viewing position, especially when the OTA is aimed at or near the zenith
- Star configuration corrects view, vertically but not horizontally
- 2" to 1.25" reducer allows the use of smaller barreled eyepieces and accessories
- Factory-installed to accept compatible user-supplied finderscope