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Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope

SKU: ESDAR12652 MFR: DAR102065-02
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Key Features

  • Enjoy bright, clear views with the Explore Scientific 102mm aperture telescope.
  • Achieve stunning celestial views with the telescope's quality air-spaced doublet optics.
  • The 8x50 finderscope makes locating night sky objects easy with this telescope.
  • Observe with ease using the included 90-degree star diagonal for comfortable views.
  • Its Vixen-style dovetail ensures mount stability for clear, steady astronomical viewing.
  • Perfect your astrophotography with the Explore Scientific's precise focus tube.
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Special Order?Estimated to Ship: 08/20/2025
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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2020-10-07T07:39:39

Rated 5 out of 5

Astronomy

Great construction.

DANIEL S.

2020-10-07T07:38:24

Rated 5 out of 5

Astronomy

Great quality, very recommended.

DANIEL S.

2020-01-21T13:22:11

Rated 5 out of 5

Great telescope!

Haven’t had much time to used it because of the weather but you can tell is a quality instrument.... so far so good

RICARDO R.

2019-04-02T20:04:24

Rated 5 out of 5

The scope arrived today and I am well pleased. .

It wasn't too long ago that an air spaced doublet would be a lot more expensive. There were no detectable flaws in the finish. I have not taken it outside under a clear night yet but looking out through a window to align the finder scope I didn't see much chromatic aberration. I already own two long focal length scopes so this relatively wild field scope will be a welcome addition.

Richard K.

2018-02-01T08:08:08

Rated 5 out of 5

Explore Scientific AR102

Excellent achomatic refractor, good all around size for portability and visual observation especially when paired with a twilight 1 mount.

Bob N.

2013-04-01T21:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

It's just OK.

I'm a little disappointed with the finish quality of this telescope. The black piece that goes around the end of the dew shield looks like it had a bad glue job by whoever put it on. The finish of the painted tube is a little bumpy here and there where it clearly should be smooth like they had gotten a little dirt on the outside of the scope while painting it. Things like this make me question the quality of the rest of the scope. I've used it a few times now. The dove tail is painted so it will get marked up when it's put on the mount. The focuser feels smooth and does not go out of focus easily. There is a significant amount of CA on Jupiter, however the moon looks good. All in all, It's not bad for the price. Would I recommend it? Meh. Probably not. I'd probably tell someone to spend another $300 and get something you'll be happier with.

Mr W.

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Explore Scientific AR102 Specifications

  • Aperture

    102

  • Focal Length

    663mm

  • Finderscope

    8x50

  • Focal Ratio

    f/6.5

  • Limiting Magnitude

    12.5

  • Resolution

    1.14 arcsec

  • Tube Length w/ Dew Shield

    25.5" (647.7mm)

  • Dovetail Plate

    45mm Wide (Vixen-Style)

  • Diameter

    101mm

  • Weight

    11.5 lbs (5.2kg)

  • UPC Code

    811803033320

About Explore Scientific AR102

FEATURED REVIEWS

Astronomy

By DANIEL S.

Great construction.

Astronomy

By DANIEL S.

Great quality, very recommended.

Under the stars, the Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope stands as a testament to high-quality, sophisticated astronomical equipment. This innovative telescope is part of the esteemed Explore Scientific AR Air-Spaced Doublet Series, renowned for its advanced, crown-and-flint doublet achromatic optics that deliver a superior-class optical figure.

The AR102 model, with its generous 4-inch aperture, offers a wide field of view and enhanced light-gathering capabilities, making it an ideal choice for both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers looking to explore faint celestial objects with clarity. Its f/6.5 focal ratio strikes a perfect balance between brightness and detail, providing stunning images that rival those of much more expensive apochromatic refractors.

Durability and quality are at the forefront of the AR102's design. It boasts a robust 2-inch Two-Speed Crayford Focuser with Compression Ring, ensuring precise focusing and secure eyepiece placement. The included 99% Reflective Dielectric-Coated 2-inch Diagonal Mirror enhances image brightness and contrast, while the 1.25-inch Eyepiece Adapter allows for versatility in eyepiece selection.

The telescope is also equipped with the Explore Scientific Hybrid Finder Scope Base, complete with an 8X50 non-illuminated straight-through finderscope and quick-release bracket, making it effortless to locate celestial objects. The sturdy cradle ring assembly, featuring a 45mm wide dovetail plate (Vixen style), ensures a secure and stable connection to your preferred alt-azimuth or equatorial mount.

At only 11.5 lbs, the AR102 refractor is surprisingly lightweight, making it a portable option for those who enjoy stargazing in various locations. Its construction is designed to withstand the demands of public star parties and educational outreach, ensuring that this telescope is not only a gateway to the cosmos but also a long-lasting companion for all your astronomical adventures.

In summary, the Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope is a sophisticated, high-performance instrument that offers advanced features for both novice and experienced astronomers. Its exceptional optical quality, combined with its durable build and ease of use, makes it a standout choice for anyone passionate about unlocking the mysteries of the night sky.

Explore Scientific AR102 Features

  • 102mm Aperture
  • 8x50 Finderscope
  • 663mm Focal Length
  • f/6.5 Focal Ratio
  • Achromatic Doublet Lens System
  • Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate
  • Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle

Key Features

  • Enjoy bright, clear views with the Explore Scientific 102mm aperture telescope.
  • Achieve stunning celestial views with the telescope's quality air-spaced doublet optics.
  • The 8x50 finderscope makes locating night sky objects easy with this telescope.
  • Observe with ease using the included 90-degree star diagonal for comfortable views.
  • Its Vixen-style dovetail ensures mount stability for clear, steady astronomical viewing.
  • Perfect your astrophotography with the Explore Scientific's precise focus tube.

What's in the box:

  • Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope
  • 8x50 Finderscope and Bracket
  • Mounting Cradle Ring
  • 90 Degree Star Diagonal
  • Objective Lens Cap
  • Focus Tube Cap
  • Explore Scientific 1 Year Limited Warranty (Lifetime Limited Warranty with Registration)