Explore Scientific AR152 152mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Six inches of refractor aperture was once reserved for observatory instruments and five-figure budgets. The Explore Scientific AR152 delivers a full 6 inches of achromatic refractor aperture — with an 8x50 finderscope, 2" dielectric diagonal, and dual-speed Crayford focuser — for under $900. At f/6.5, the fast focal ratio produces wide-field views with enough light-gathering to show deep-sky detail that 4-inch and 5-inch scopes simply cannot reach.

Key Features

• 152mm (6") Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet – Classic achromatic design with fully multi-coated optics delivers bright, high-contrast views with 0.77 arcsecond resolution and a 13.4 limiting magnitude — the most light-gathering power in the AR Series
• Fast f/6.5 Focal Ratio – 988mm focal length provides wide-field deep-sky views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters while still resolving lunar craters and planetary detail at moderate magnifications
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Zero-image-shift design with 10:1 fine focus ratio and adjustable tension for smooth, precise focusing at any magnification
• 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope Included – High-quality optical finder with quick-release bracket for fast, accurate star-hopping — no additional purchase needed
• 99% Reflective 2" Dielectric Diagonal Included – Premium diagonal with brass compression ring maximizes light throughput and contrast right out of the box
• Heavy-Duty, Outreach-Ready Construction – Solid aluminum tube, reliable optical alignment, and a built-in carry handle on the cradle rings make this scope ready for astronomy clubs, educators, and public star parties
• Cradle Rings with Carry Handle – Felt-lined rings provide secure mounting and easy balance adjustments, with a built-in handle for safe transport
• Vixen-Style Dovetail – Compatible with mid-weight to heavy-duty alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts

Ideal For

• Visual observers who want maximum refractor aperture without paying for an APO — the 152mm doublet gathers 44% more light than the AR127 and resolves to 0.77 arcseconds, revealing structure in faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that smaller refractors can't reach — all for a fraction of what a 150mm ED or triplet would cost
• Deep-sky enthusiasts who want a wide-field refractor that brings the faintest objects within reach — the fast f/6.5 focal ratio and 13.4 limiting magnitude pull dim nebulae and galaxy detail out of dark skies with the contrast and snap that only a refractor delivers
• Star party and outreach organizers who want a telescope that stops people in their tracks — a 6-inch refractor draws crowds, and the bright, high-contrast views through the included 2" dielectric diagonal make the Moon and deep-sky objects pop for first-time observers
• Narrowband astrophotographers on a budget who want 152mm of unobstructed aperture for H-alpha, OIII, and SII imaging — at a single wavelength, chromatic aberration is not a factor, making the AR152 a viable fast imaging scope at a fraction of APO cost

Accessories & Compatibility

• Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount – GoTo motorized mount with PMC-Eight system for automated object tracking — a viable option for visual use and entry-level imaging
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener (f/5–f/7) – Corrects field curvature for sharper edge-to-edge star fields in imaging applications
• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case – Padded protection for safe transport to dark-sky sites and star parties

Looking for a more portable option? The AR127 delivers the same optical design at 15.6 lbs and 34" of tube — the sweet spot for observers who want serious aperture with easier transport. The AR102 is the true grab-and-go at 11.5 lbs and 25.5". Want color-free APO performance? The ED102 Essential Series steps up to an air-spaced triplet with HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass, eliminating the chromatic aberration inherent in achromatic designs.

Note: No eyepieces are included — the AR152 is designed for observers who want to choose their own. See our recommended eyepieces below.

Recommended Eyepieces

We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces — each is fully sealed, nitrogen-purged, and built for years of reliable use:

• 25mm (40x) – Wide-field scanning of the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Pleiades star cluster with a bright, expansive view
• 20mm (49x) – A versatile mid-range magnification for exploring galaxies, nebulae, and open clusters with good detail and field of view
• 10mm (99x) – Sharp planetary views and double-star splitting, with bright, contrast-rich deep-sky detail
• 4.5mm (220x) – High-power lunar and planetary detail — Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and intricate lunar craters

If you're starting out, the 25mm delivers bright, sweeping views that make deep-sky objects easy to find. Add the 10mm for a versatile mid-high power option, then build from there.