Explore Scientific AR127 127mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Big Aperture, Sharp Views

Looking for crisp deep-sky views? The AR127 Doublet Refractor delivers stunning clarity with a 127mm aperture at a fraction of an APO’s cost—so you get breathtaking detail without the premium price tag.

Features

• 127mm (5-inch) Aperture – Large light-gathering capability enhances deep-sky object visibility, delivering bright and detailed views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
• F/6.5 Fast Optics – Perfect for wide-field deep-sky observation, allowing stunning, immersive views of expansive celestial objects.
• 826mm Focal Length – Balances wide-field exploration with the ability to achieve higher magnifications for planetary and lunar observing.
• Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet – Achromatic lens design with advanced coatings improves contrast and reduces glare for crisp, high-quality images.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Delivers ultra-smooth fine-tuning for razor-sharp focus, essential for high-magnification viewing and imaging.
• Durable, Heavy-Duty Construction – Designed for frequent transport and public outreach, built to withstand rigorous use at star parties and educational events.
• Includes 2" 99% Dielectric-Coated Diagonal – Maximizes light transmission for brighter, more contrast-rich visuals across the entire field of view.
• 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope – A wide-field optical finder makes locating celestial objects fast and efficient, perfect for easy navigation.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mount – Provides compatibility with a variety of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for greater setup flexibility.

The Explore Scientific AR127 is for you if…

• You want a powerful deep-sky refractor without paying for an APO. Experience high-quality optics with sharp, bright views—without the premium apochromatic price.
• You need a telescope that stands up to frequent outreach use. Whether hosting public star parties, running astronomy clubs, or teaching students, this durable refractor is built to handle it all.
• You love deep-sky viewing and wide-field exploration. The fast f/6.5 focal ratio and 127mm aperture make galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters pop with clarity and contrast.
• You want a step up from beginner telescopes with serious performance. A true upgrade for amateur astronomers looking for a balance between affordability and high-quality optics.

Big Aperture, Serious Performance—Meet the AR127

When you’re searching for a high-quality refractor, you often have to choose between affordability and performance. The Explore Scientific AR127 changes that equation, offering a large 127mm aperture, fast f/6.5 optics, and high-quality craftsmanship—all at a price that makes serious deep-sky observation more accessible.

This telescope isn’t just about size—it’s about delivering stunning clarity and contrast where it matters most. The air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet provides bright, sharp views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters, while still revealing impressive lunar and planetary details. Whether you’re scanning the Andromeda Galaxy in a breathtaking wide field or tracking down Messier objects in deep space, the AR127 gives you the versatility to do both with ease.

With a limiting magnitude of 13.0, this scope brings fainter celestial objects within reach, giving you the power to explore the depths of space under dark-sky conditions. Its precision 2” dual-speed Crayford focuser ensures ultra-smooth, fine adjustments, making high-magnification viewing and imaging easier than ever.

For those who love sharing the night sky, the AR127 is built for outreach. Its rugged construction, reliable optical alignment, and premium 99% dielectric-coated diagonal make it an ideal choice for astronomy clubs, educators, and public star parties. Whether you’re setting up in your backyard or traveling to a remote dark-sky site, this refractor is designed to deliver crisp, high-contrast views night after night.

Astrophotographers will appreciate the flexibility of the 826mm focal length, which allows for detailed lunar and planetary imaging while still keeping the scope lightweight and manageable. Pair it with a quality mount, and you’ll be capturing impressive celestial images—without the premium price tag of an APO. The Explore Scientific AR127 is the perfect balance of performance, portability, and value, making it a smart investment for experienced hobbyists and educators alike.

What’s Included in the Explore Scientific AR127 Package?

• Explore Scientific AR127 Doublet Refractor Telescope – Features a 127mm air-spaced crown-and-flint doublet lens, delivering bright, high-contrast views.
• 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Achieve razor-sharp focus with precise fine-tuning and smooth, zero-image-shift adjustments.
• 2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal – Enhances brightness and contrast with a 99% dielectric coating, ensuring maximum light transmission and exceptional clarity.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate – Easily mounts to alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for a secure and stable viewing.
• Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle – Provides strong support for the optical tube while allowing easy balancing and 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.

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 AR127 does not include an eyepiece, allowing you to customize your setup. We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces:

• 4.5mm (184x Magnification) – High-power views for detailed lunar craters and planetary features like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands.
• 10mm (83x Magnification) – Excellent for sharp planetary details, double stars, and bright deep-sky objects like globular clusters.
• 20mm (42x Magnification) – A versatile mid-range eyepiece, ideal for framing galaxies, nebulae, and large star clusters with great contrast.
• 25mm (33x Magnification) – Provides wide, immersive views, perfect for scanning the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades Star Cluster.

If you're just starting out, begin with the 25mm eyepiece for bright, expansive views of deep-sky objects. Once comfortable, the 20mm offers slightly more detail, while the 10mm and 4.5mm allow for higher-magnification planetary and lunar observation.

Each eyepiece features a fully waterproof design, a 52° apparent field of view, and premium optics, making them the perfect companions for your AR127 telescope.