Designed and built primarily for lunar and planetary views with the ability to resolve bright deep-sky objects like clusters, the Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm f/9.8 Refractor Telescope is fully multi-coated with anti-reflection coatings to reduce light loss and produce brighter and clearer images with more accurate colors versus non-coated systems.
Offered here without a mount or tripod, this version of the FL 102mm is ideal for users who already have a reliable support system and are looking to add to their observation arsenal, or for those building an a la carte rig. Explore Scientific includes several accessories, including a 25mm eyepiece that yields 40x, a 90° star diagonal to put the user's head in a comfortable viewing angle, a universal smartphone eyepiece adapter for easy astrophotography, and a wide-field unmagnified red-dot finderscope.
- 102mm (4") aperture is ideal for viewing the moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects like stars and clusters
- Moderate f/9.8 focal ratio makes the scope a competent platform for astrophotography
- Long 1000mm focal length enables high magnifications for detailed lunar and planetary views
- Refractor-style optical design requires very little maintenance over time and produces accurate color with minimal distortion across the field of view
- Anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics
- Sturdy single-speed rack-and-pinion focuser is more robust to handle heavier loads
- Large 2.5" diameter hexagonal drawtube is capable of holding heavier gear, eyepieces, and imaging rigs than traditional circular tubes without flexing
- 2" eyepiece holder on the drawtube allows the use of larger eyepieces and allows the exiting light to completely cover larger imaging sensors
- Optical tube only—Mount and tripod required for proper use
- Cradle ring assembly allows the orientation and position of the scope, relative to the mount, to be adjusted for proper balance and to prevent interference with equipment or cables
- Vixen-style dovetail bar is compatible with a wide variety of mounts on the market, including Alt-Az, EQ, and GoTo
- 1.25" 25mm eyepiece yields 40x magnification
- 2" 90° diagonal places head in comfortable viewing position when aimed high overhead
- 2"-to-1.25" reducer adapter allows the use of the included eyepiece plus a wide array of other optional eyepieces and accessories
- Universal smartphone adapter attaches over eyepiece for astrophotography
- Unmagnified red-dot finderscope allows for fast subject acquisition and star-hopping techniques