Explore Scientific AR152 152mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Explore Deep Space with a 152mm Wide-Field Refractor

Looking for breathtaking deep-sky views? The AR152 Doublet Refractor delivers a massive 152mm aperture and crisp diffraction-limited optics—without the APO price tag.

Features

• 152mm (6-inch) Aperture – Large light-gathering capacity delivers bright, detailed deep-sky and planetary views.
• F/6.5 Fast Optics – Perfect for wide-field observation, capturing stunning nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.
• 988mm Focal Length – Provides a balance between wide-field deep-sky views and high-magnification planetary observing.
• Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet – True diffraction-limited optics ensure sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberration.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Achieve precise focus adjustments with ultra-smooth fine-tuning for high-magnification viewing and astrophotography.
• Rugged, Heavy-Duty Construction – Designed to withstand frequent transport for star parties and outreach events.
• Includes 2" 99% Dielectric-Coated Diagonal – Maximizes light transmission for brighter, clearer visuals across the entire field of view.
• 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope – Easily locate celestial objects with a wide, unobstructed field of view.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mount – Compatible with a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for added flexibility.

The Explore Scientific AR152 is for you if…

• You want big, bright views without the apochromatic price tag. Enjoy diffraction-limited optics and stunning wide-field clarity—without the premium cost.
• You need a durable, high-quality telescope for public outreach. Built for star parties and education, this rugged, high-performance refractor delivers sharp, detailed images that impress every time.
• You love deep-sky viewing with high contrast and clarity. The fast f/6.5 focal ratio and large aperture reveal fine details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters—even in faint objects.
• You need a telescope that grows with your skill level. Whether upgrading from a smaller scope or expanding your collection, the AR152 provides serious performance that adapts to casual stargazing or advanced imaging.

Aperture Matters—But Performance Sets the AR152 Apart

When you’re searching for a high-quality, large-aperture refractor, you usually have two choices: spend thousands on an apochromatic telescope or settle for a smaller scope with limitations. The Explore Scientific AR152 breaks that mold, delivering true diffraction-limited optics, a massive 152mm aperture, and fast f/6.5 optics—all at a price that makes serious astronomy more accessible.

This telescope isn’t just about size—it’s about performance where it matters most. The air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet design ensures bright, sharp deep-sky views, while still providing impressive detail on planets and the Moon. Whether you’re scanning the Orion Nebula in breathtaking wide field or splitting tight double stars at high power, the AR152 gives you the flexibility to do both with ease.

With an angular resolution of 0.77 arcseconds, the AR152 is capable of resolving fine planetary details and separating close double stars with precision. Its limiting magnitude of 13.4 means you’ll be able to detect fainter galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters under dark-sky conditions—bringing the depth of space within your reach.

For those who love sharing the night sky, this scope is built to handle it. Its rugged construction, precision dual-speed focuser, and included 99% dielectric diagonal make it an ideal choice for public outreach and star parties. You can count on it to deliver crisp, high-contrast views night after night, whether it’s in your backyard or at a remote dark-sky site.

Astrophotographers will appreciate the versatility of the 988mm focal length, offering excellent framing for deep-sky imaging while remaining compact enough for easier mounting. Add in color-correction filters, and you’ll be capturing stunning nebulae and galaxies—without the premium cost of an APO. It’s the perfect balance of affordability, performance, and adaptability, making it a smart investment for experienced astronomers looking to expand their toolkit.

What’s Included in the Explore Scientific AR152 Package?

• Explore Scientific AR152 Doublet Refractor Telescope – Features a 152mm air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet lens with true diffraction-limited optics.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Achieve razor-sharp focus with precise fine-tuning and zero image shift.
• 2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal – Enhances brightness and contrast with a 99% dielectric coating for exceptional clarity.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate – Mounts easily to alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for stable viewing.
• Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle – Secure and support your optical tube with a built-in handle for easy transport and adjustment.
• Finder Scope Base & 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope – Helps you quickly locate celestial objects with a wide-field, bright view.

Recommended Accessories

• Explore Scientific Losmandy G-11 Mount – A high-precision equatorial mount with smooth tracking and minimal vibration—perfect for visual and astrophotography use.
• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case – A durable, padded case to protect your AR152 during transport and storage.
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener – Essential for astrophotography, this corrector eliminates field curvature for sharp, distortion-free images.

Recommended Eyepieces

The Explore Scientific AR152 does not include an eyepiece, allowing you to customize your setup. We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces:

• 4.5mm (219x Magnification) – High-power planetary and lunar views with fine surface details on Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon.
• 10mm (99x Magnification) – Excellent for detailed views of planets, star clusters, and double stars.
• 20mm (50x Magnification) – A versatile mid-range eyepiece, ideal for deep-sky observation and framing nebulae and galaxies with excellent contrast.
• 25mm (40x Magnification) – Offers a wide, immersive view, perfect for scanning large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and Pleiades Star Cluster.

If you’re new to astronomy, start with the 25mm for expansive, bright views of deep-sky objects. Once comfortable, move to a 20mm eyepiece for slightly more detail and eventually to higher magnifications for planetary observation.

Each eyepiece features a fully waterproof design, 52° apparent field of view, and high-contrast optics, making them perfect companions for your AR152 telescope.