Explore Scientific 152mm OTA Doublet Achromatic Refractor Telescope
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Explore Scientific 152mm f/6.5 Doublet Air-Spaced Achromat Refractoric OTA & Accessories

SKU: ESDAR152 MFR: DAR152065-01
(2)6 questions, 6 answers
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Key Features

  • Explore the cosmos with the 152mm aperture telescope, gathering ample light for bright, clear views.
  • Achieve stunning clarity with the air-spaced doublet achromatic refractor telescope design.
  • Enjoy smooth focusing with the included 2" focuser, perfect for precise image adjustments.
  • Easily locate celestial objects using the included 8x50 finderscope for quick navigation.
  • Observe with enhanced contrast thanks to EMD coatings on this Explore Scientific telescope.
  • Mount your telescope securely with the robust tube construction of aluminum & stainless steel.
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Special Order?Estimated to Ship: 08/19/2025
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Questions & Answers

Shopper : How much does this ota weigh?
chris w : I see double vs triple achromat? is one better for resolution of the image? or brightness?Robert E : The resolving ability of a telescope is called its Dawes limit, which is given in arc seconds (1/3600ths of a degree). It is derived by dividing 4.56 arc seconds by the aperture of the telescope in inches. Two scopes with the same aperture and type will have the same resolving ability. In the case of a 152mm achromat OR apochromat (apo) it would be theoretically 0.76 arc seconds. This would be the equivalent of being able to resolve details as small as 40km on the surface of Mars during a close approach similar to the one in 2003. The atmosphere will, in most cases, degrade this resolving ability. However, skilled observers can interpret brief moments of exceptional seeing and sometimes exceed this degradation. You would not typically be able to detect any difference in brightness between an apo or an achro. The apo has 33% more optical surfaces but typically 50 to 100% more cost. For 99.9999% of all the available targets in the night sky, the achro is equal to the apo.RICHARD S : A telescope that has a two lens system (Achromat) vs. three ( Apochromat) is the Apo has color correct element. This prevents or corrects any color fringing or violet,blue haze when looking at a bright object, such as, the moon, 1st-3rd magnitude stars. There is no difference between the two scopes as far as resolution or apparent brightness of the image. Also, some types of wide angle lenses may have some forms of chromatic fringing also. This more likely to be seen with 82 degree field or wider. ( only when viewing very bright objects like the moon , planets.) They only apparent around the the very edge of fov.Jeffrey M : Hi Chris, I have purchased more than a few refractors so I hope I can help. First, there are Achromat's and Apochromat's, the difference is astounding in image quality, especially when looking at bright objects like Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars that also require high magnification. Achromats are cheaper because of the lesser quality of the lens material used. The light wavelengths (red, blue, white, etc) from Achromats do not focus at the same point and thus gives a kind of halo effect around the target. The Apochromats focus the light much nearer the same point and provide much superior views. A year ago I purchased a SkyWatcher 100mm Apochromatic Doublet scope (that is why Adorama sent me your question) and it is fantastic! The Doublet/Triplet refers to the number of lenses used (in the light path) with the triplets giving more correction/precision to the focal point. Please also keep in mind that nothing comes for free and the more glass (or other lens material) light is passing thru, it will also have the effect of giving less light to your eye. I think Achromats are fine if short focal length (less magnifying power, remember that the maximum magnifying power is limited by physics to 2 times the aperture in mm so the maximum magnification of a 100mm scope is 200 power) wide field views are what your looking for, but if you want really great views of Moon and Planets as well as stars, think about a Apochromatic design. Much better views I think and you will be happier in the long run. Hope this helps answer your question.JIANJUN J : Triplet will have red/green/blue focus to the same point, while doublet only focus red/green to the same point and blue would be a little out of focus
Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?BYRON R : I've read much positive feedback about this scope, and it was influential in my decision to purchase.JoEllen G : Gift for my son

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2020-08-18T08:51:20

Rated 4 out of 5

Good Scope, Additional Equipment Required for Optimal Viewing

The overall quality of the scope seems good. However, to optimize viewing experience, I would recommend investing in a filter system to mitigate generated chromatic aberration, especially for lunar and planetary observations. Moreover, quality eyepieces are a necessity for sufficient scope performance.

Byron R.

2016-08-18T11:14:06

Rated 4 out of 5

It's okay for planetary globular clusters using pictures I need a fringe killer filter syste

It's okay for planetary globular clusters using pictures I need a fringe killer filter syste

CRAIG C.

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Explore Scientific 152 Refractor Specifications

  • Clear Aperture

    152mm

  • Focal Ratio

    f/6.5

  • Coatings

    EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition)

  • Focuser

    2"

  • Viewfinder

    8 x 50 finderscope

  • Tube Construction

    Aluminum; Stainless Steel

  • Warranty

    Explore Scientific 1 year limited warranty

  • UPC Code

    812257011032

About Explore Scientific 152 Refractor

152mm Achromatic Refractor
The classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractor is reborn with the aim to produce superior-class optical figure in a short (f/6.5) focal length design with Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series. The AR152 (six-inch), with its larger aperture optics gathers 44% more light over the AR127 (five-inch) model, providing much brighter images and higher resolution. Explore Scientific's goal was to provide an extreme value by providing true diffraction-limited optics at a price that will allow more people to explore the sky with a wide-field large aperture refractor. Images of deep sky objects are stunning at low powers.

At high power the moon and the planets are revealed in sharp, high contrast. Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series telescopes come with heavy-duty, high quality components, including a 2" dual-speed Crayford-style focuser, a one-piece 2" diagonal with 99% dielectric coatings, an 8 x 50 non-illuminated straight-through finderscope and quick release bracket, and a cradle ring assembly with Vixen-style dovetail mount. Just add a few eyepieces and the alt-azimuth or equatorial mount of your choice (all available separately) and you'll be ready to discover the Universe!

Explore Scientific 152 Refractor Features

  • The 152mm/6.5 telescope from Explore Scientific is a air-spaced doublet achromatic refractor with multi-coatings.
  • Each Explore Scientific refractor is rigorously tested before it leaves the factory. Tests include visual inspection as well as interferometric computer evaluation.

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Key Features

  • Explore the cosmos with the 152mm aperture telescope, gathering ample light for bright, clear views.
  • Achieve stunning clarity with the air-spaced doublet achromatic refractor telescope design.
  • Enjoy smooth focusing with the included 2" focuser, perfect for precise image adjustments.
  • Easily locate celestial objects using the included 8x50 finderscope for quick navigation.
  • Observe with enhanced contrast thanks to EMD coatings on this Explore Scientific telescope.
  • Mount your telescope securely with the robust tube construction of aluminum & stainless steel.

What's in the box:

  • Explore Scientific Doublet Air-Spaced Achromatic Refractor Telescope
  • 2 " Focuser & Enchaned 2 " Diagonal w/ 1.25 " Adapter
  • 8 x 50 Finderscope
  • Bracket
  • Explore Scientific 1 Year Limited Warranty
  • Explore Scientific Lifetime Limited Warranty (with Registration)