Explore Scientific AR152 152mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Six inches of refractor aperture: the Explore Scientific AR152 delivers a large-aperture achromatic refractor. Its fast f/6.5 optics and complete accessory package make this a deep-sky visual powerhouse.

Key Features

• 44% more light than a 5-inch refractor — It excels at deep-sky objects, the Moon, planets and double stars.
• Wide-field f/6.5 optics — A fast focal ratio paired with the included 2" diagonal delivers expansive true fields of view for Milky Way sweeping, large open clusters, and extended nebulae.
• Complete ready-to-observe package — Ships with a 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, 99% dielectric diagonal, 8x50 finderscope on the Hybrid 2N1 base (accepts both Explore Scientific and Synta/Vixen accessories), tube rings with carry handle, and Vixen-style dovetail. Just add a mount and eyepiece.
• Diffraction-limited air-spaced doublet — Fully multi-coated optics with a collimatable objective lens cell deliver sharp, high-contrast images.
• Built for outreach and durability — Heavy-duty components handle star parties and school events.

Ideal For

Deep-sky visual observers who want a large-aperture refractor.

Astronomy clubs and educators who need a durable scope for public events. Six inches of refractor aperture delivers bright, high-contrast views.

Intermediate observers upgrading from smaller scopes who want a meaningful jump in light grasp while staying in the refractor family. The OTA weighs 23 lbs and requires a sturdy alt-azimuth or equatorial mount for stable viewing.

Accessories & Compatibility

• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case — Padded protection for transport and storage
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener — Eliminates field curvature for astrophotography

The AR152 does not include eyepieces, giving you the flexibility to choose the right ones for your observing style. We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces:

• 25mm (40x) — Wide deep-sky views. Start here.
• 20mm (50x) — Versatile mid-range for nebulae and galaxies
• 10mm (99x) — Detailed views of planets, star clusters, and double stars
• 4.5mm (219x): High-power planetary and lunar detail