Explore Scientific ED102 102mm f/7 FCD100 Triplet Refractor Telescope

High-Performance Triplet Refractor for Serious Astronomers

Looking for professional-grade optics with premium APO performance? The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 Triplet Refractor Telescope delivers breathtaking, high-contrast views of the cosmos with its cutting-edge triplet lens design and precision engineering.

Features

• HOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass – Achieve APO performance with minimized chromatic aberration, resulting in razor-sharp images and true-to-life colors.
• Air-Spaced Triplet Optical Design – Eliminates color fringing and enhances contrast, perfect for deep-sky and planetary observations.
• Durable Aluminum Tube Construction – Rigid and reliable, providing stable performance in various environmental conditions.
• Precision 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser – Supports up to 10 lbs of astrophotography equipment with zero flex, ensuring accurate and stable focusing.
• 714mm Focal Length (f/7 Ratio) – Versatile focal length balances wide-field imaging and detailed planetary viewing.
• Proprietary EMD Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings – Increases light transmission for high-contrast, crystal-clear astrophotography.
• Integrated Dew Shield – Reduces lens fogging and blocks stray light, maintaining image sharpness.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail & Cradle Ring with Handle – Secure mounting with an ergonomic handle for easy transport.
• 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal Included – Enhances image brightness and contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
• Dual Mounting Use Capable – Compact and lightweight enough to mount on a larger telescope, making it a perfect guide scope for advanced astrophotography setups.
• Exceptional Visual Performance – Diffraction-limited optics provide stunning planetary details, crisp lunar landscapes, and high-contrast deep-sky views, making this an ideal choice for both imaging and visual astronomy.

The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 is for you if…

• You demand high-end APO performance without the cost of premium brands like Takahashi.
• You need a well-built refractor for travel or portable stargazing that doesn’t compromise on optical precision.
• You require a sturdy focuser capable of handling heavy astrophotography gear without slipping.
• You want a telescope that can serve multiple roles—as a primary imaging scope or a guide scope on a larger rig.
• You’re frustrated by chromatic aberration in lesser-quality telescopes and want true-color accuracy.
• You enjoy both astrophotography and visual astronomy, and need a scope that excels at both planetary detail and deep-sky clarity.

Serious astronomers know that glass quality is everything. The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 uses HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass, offering chromatic correction and contrast equal to Ohara FPL-53 glass, found in premium APO refractors. This ensures that deep-sky objects appear sharp and vivid, with no false color distortion. Whether you're capturing the cloud bands of Jupiter or the delicate structure of the Orion Nebula, this telescope provides stunning detail with absolute color accuracy.

A high-end refractor isn’t just about imaging—it’s also about mechanical reliability. The 2.5" hexagonal focuser is engineered to handle up to 10 lbs of astrophotography gear, keeping your camera, filter wheels, and guiding setup rock-solid with zero flex. No more focus shifts or mechanical slippage—just sharp, pinpoint stars every time.

The ED102 isn’t just a primary imaging scope—it’s also an excellent secondary guide scope. With its lightweight design, it can be piggybacked onto a larger telescope, allowing astrophotographers to separate their guiding and imaging systems for superior long-exposure performance. Whether you’re mounting it solo on an equatorial mount or using it to guide your deep-sky imaging rig, this scope is versatile enough to fit your needs.

With a 1.14 arcsecond resolution, this telescope captures fine planetary details and deep-sky structures with exceptional clarity. The 12.5 limiting magnitude enables observation of faint nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters often missed by lower-quality optics.

This is premium performance at an accessible price. The ED102 FCD100 competes with high-end APO refractors but remains an affordable investment for both serious observers and astrophotographers. Whether you're capturing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or deep-sky objects, this telescope delivers the precision needed to take your astronomy experience to the next level.

What’s Included in the Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 Package?

• ED102 FCD100 Triplet Refractor Telescope – 102mm f/7 air-spaced triplet APO optics for superior clarity.
• 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser with Two Extension Tubes – Rigid, reinforced design supports up to 10 lbs for astrophotography. The two extension tubes allow precise adjustment for different eyepieces, cameras, and accessories.
• Cradle Rings with Handle & Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate – Secure mounting and easy transport with an ergonomic handle.
• Explore Scientific 2N1 Finder Scope Base (Pre-Installed) – Versatile modular design for attaching a finder scope, guide scope, or red dot finder.
• 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal – Maximizes light transmission for sharp, high-contrast deep-sky and planetary views.

Finder scope and carrying case are NOT included. Be sure to check our recommended accessories for compatible options.

Recommended Accessories

• Explore Scientific 8x50 Illuminated Right Angle Polar Finder Scope – Helps with precise alignment for easier tracking.
• Explore Scientific Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount – Smooth manual tracking for visual observing.
• Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount – Motorized GoTo tracking for astrophotography and deep-sky observation.
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener – Eliminates field curvature for sharper stars across the entire frame.
• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case – Durable, padded protection for safe transport to dark-sky locations.