Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Premium Optics, Sharper Views

Looking for crisp, clear sky views? The AR102 Doublet Refractor delivers premium optics without the high cost of an APO refractor—perfect for serious stargazers who demand sharp, vibrant views without breaking the bank.

Features

• 102mm (4-inch) Aperture – Captures ample light for sharp lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observations, revealing details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
• F/6.5 Fast Optics – Ideal for wide-field deep-sky exploration while maintaining the ability to achieve crisp planetary views at higher magnifications.
• 663mm Focal Length – Offers a versatile balance of wide-field scanning and detailed high-power viewing, perfect for both deep-sky and planetary enthusiasts.
• Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet – A high-quality achromatic lens with advanced coatings for superior contrast, reduced glare, and minimized chromatic aberration.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Provides buttery-smooth fine-tuning for ultra-precise focusing, essential for high-magnification viewing and imaging.
• Lightweight & Durable Build – Weighing just 11.5 lbs, this telescope is easy to transport for star parties, outreach, or backyard observation while maintaining a sturdy design.
• Includes 2" 99% Dielectric-Coated Diagonal – Enhances light transmission and contrast for bright, sharp visuals across the entire field of view.
• 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope – A high-quality optical finder that simplifies object location for quick, accurate star-hopping and celestial navigation.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mount – Compatible with a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts, allowing flexible setup options for both beginner and experienced astronomers.

The Explore Scientific AR102 is for you if…

• You’re ready to upgrade from a smaller entry-level telescope. If you've been using a 70mm or 80mm refractor and want a noticeable boost in brightness and detail, the AR102 offers a significant step up.
• You want a high-performance refractor without paying APO prices. This telescope delivers excellent contrast and sharpness while keeping chromatic aberration under control—all at a fraction of the cost of an apochromatic refractor.
• You need a powerful yet portable telescope for star parties. At just 11.5 lbs and under 28 inches in length, the AR102 is easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for public outreach and astronomy club events.
• You want a telescope that doesn’t require immediate upgrades. With a dual-speed Crayford focuser, dielectric diagonal, and an 8x50 finderscope included, you get high-end components right out of the box, eliminating hidden costs.

Precision Optics, Portable Power—Meet the AR102

When searching for a high-quality refractor, you often have to choose between affordability and performance. The Explore Scientific AR102 eliminates that compromise, offering a 102mm aperture, fast f/6.5 optics, and premium craftsmanship—all at a price that makes serious astronomy more accessible. Whether you're upgrading from a smaller scope or looking for a reliable instrument for outreach, this refractor delivers sharp, contrast-rich views without the high cost of an apochromatic model.

This telescope isn’t just about size—it’s about delivering exceptional optical clarity and versatility. The air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet provides bright, well-defined views of deep-sky objects while still capturing crisp planetary and lunar details. From wide-field sweeps of the Pleiades and Andromeda Galaxy to zooming in on the craters of the Moon or the cloud bands of Jupiter, the AR102 offers the flexibility to explore a wide range of celestial targets.

With a limiting magnitude of 12.5, fainter deep-sky objects come into reach under dark skies, allowing you to see star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies with impressive clarity. The precision 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser ensures smooth, fine adjustments, making it easier than ever to achieve razor-sharp focus—whether you’re observing at high magnifications or experimenting with astrophotography.

For those who love sharing the night sky, the AR102 is built for public outreach and portability. Its lightweight 11.5 lb design, rugged construction, and premium dielectric diagonal make it an ideal choice for astronomy clubs, educators, and traveling stargazers. Whether you’re setting up in your backyard or heading to a remote dark-sky site, this refractor is designed for quick, easy setup and stunning, high-contrast views night after night.

Astrophotographers will appreciate the fast f/6.5 focal ratio, which allows for bright, detailed imaging while keeping the telescope compact and manageable. Pair it with a sturdy mount, and you’ll be ready to capture breathtaking celestial images—without the premium price tag of an APO refractor. The Explore Scientific AR102 is a perfect balance of performance, portability, and value, making it a smart investment for both passionate hobbyists and dedicated educators alike.

What’s Included in the Explore Scientific AR102 Package?

• Explore Scientific AR102 Doublet Refractor Telescope – Features a 102mm air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet lens, delivering sharp, high-contrast views for deep-sky and planetary observation.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Achieve precise, smooth focusing with a zero-image-shift design, allowing for effortless fine adjustments at any magnification.
• 2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal – Enhances brightness and contrast with a 99% dielectric coating, maximizing light transmission for crisp, clear visuals.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate – Easily attaches to alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts, providing a stable and secure connection for vibration-free viewing.
• Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle – Offers strong support for the optical tube while allowing for easy balance adjustments. The built-in handle ensures safe and convenient transport.
• Hybrid Finder Scope Base & 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope – Helps you quickly locate celestial objects with a wide-field, bright view, making star-hopping and navigation effortless.

Recommended Accessories

• Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount – A sturdy, easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount with smooth manual tracking and an adjustable tilt, perfect for quick setup and grab-and-go observing.
• Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount – A high-precision GoTo equatorial mount with automated tracking, ideal for astrophotography.
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener – Essential for astrophotography, this corrector eliminates field curvature, ensuring sharp, distortion-free images across the entire field of view.
• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case – A durable, padded case designed to protect your AR127 during transport and storage.

Recommended Eyepieces

The Explore Scientific AR102 does not include an eyepiece, allowing you to customize your setup to match your observing preferences. We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces:

• 4.5mm (147x Magnification) – High-power eyepiece ideal for detailed planetary and lunar observation, revealing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and intricate lunar craters.
• 10mm (66x Magnification) – Excellent for sharp planetary views and double-star splitting, while also offering bright, contrast-rich deep-sky observations.
• 20mm (33x Magnification) – A great mid-range eyepiece for exploring galaxies, nebulae, and open star clusters with a balance of magnification and field of view.
• 25mm (26x Magnification) – Wide-field viewing at its best, perfect for scanning the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades Star Cluster in stunning clarity.

If you're just starting out, the 25mm eyepiece offers bright, expansive views of deep-sky objects. As you gain experience, the 20mm provides more detail, while the 10mm and 4.5mm allow for high-magnification planetary and lunar observation.

Each eyepiece is fully waterproof, features a 52° apparent field of view, and is designed for premium optical performance, making them the perfect companions for your AR102 telescope.