Explore Scientific ED102 102mm f/7 FCD100 Triplet Telescope in Carbon Fiber

Ultra-Light Carbon Fiber Triplet for Serious Astrophotographers

Looking for professional-grade optics in a lightweight design? The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 in Carbon Fiber combines cutting-edge APO performance with carbon fiber portability—delivering breathtaking, high-contrast views of the cosmos.

Features

• HOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass – APO optics minimize chromatic aberration for razor-sharp images with true-to-life colors.
• Air-Spaced Triplet Optical Design – Virtually eliminates color fringing, delivering high contrast for deep-sky and planetary viewing.
• Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tube – Easier to transport than metal tubes and resists temperature shifts, ensuring stable focus for long-exposure imaging.
• Precision 2.5" Hexagonal Focuser – Reinforced for extra strength, supports up to 10 lbs with zero flex, making it ideal for heavy astrophotography gear.
• 714mm Focal Length (f/7 Ratio) – A versatile focal length that balances wide-field imaging and planetary detail.
• Proprietary EMD Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings – Boosts light transmission for clear, high-contrast astrophotography.
• Integrated Dew Shield – Prevents lens fogging and blocks stray light for consistently sharp views.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail & Cradle Ring with Handle – Stable, secure mounting with an ergonomic handle for easy transport.
• 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal Included – Enhances brightness and contrast for breathtaking visual observations.

The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 is for you if…

• You want high-end APO performance without a Takahashi price tag. Get true diffraction-limited optics at a fraction of the cost.
• You need a lightweight refractor for travel. The carbon fiber tube makes it easy to transport and balance on mounts.
• You struggle with focus drift using heavy cameras. The 2.5" hexagonal focuser holds up to 10 lbs with zero flex.
• You’re tired of chromatic aberration ruining your images. The HOYA FCD100 triplet design eliminates color fringing for sharp, accurate stars.
• You want a grab-and-go scope with serious optical power. The f/7 focal ratio is perfect for both planetary and deep-sky imaging.

Serious astrophotographers and visual observers demand precision. This air-spaced triplet refractor is fully diffraction-limited, meaning its optics are as sharp as physically possible under ideal seeing conditions. Combined with HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass, it virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for crystal-clear, color-accurate images.

With a 1.14 arcsecond resolution, this telescope captures fine planetary details and deep-sky structures with incredible clarity. The 12.5 limiting magnitude allows you to observe faint nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that lower-quality optics might miss.

Stability matters. The 2.5" hexagonal focuser supports up to 10 lbs of astrophotography gear, ensuring your imaging setup remains rock solid—no flex, no slip, no frustration. Whether you're using a cooled camera, filter wheel, or auto-guider, this telescope is built to maintain perfect focus during long-exposure imaging.

The lightweight carbon fiber tube is not only easier to handle than metal alternatives but also outperforms metal tubes in thermal stability, preventing focus shifts caused by temperature fluctuations. This is especially crucial for long-exposure astrophotography, where even minor expansion can impact image sharpness.

This is premium performance without the premium price tag. The ED102 FCD100 competes with high-end APO refractors but remains an affordable long-term investment for both serious observers and astrophotographers. Whether you're capturing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or deep-sky wonders, this telescope delivers the performance you need to elevate your astronomy experience.

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

• ED102 FCD100 Triplet Carbon Fiber Refractor – 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 are used to adjust back focus, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of eyepieces, cameras, and accessories.
• Cradle Rings with Handle & Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate – Secure mounting and easy transport with a built-in ergonomic handle.
• Explore Scientific 2N1 Finder Scope Base (Pre-Installed) – Versatile modular design allows easy attachment of a finder scope, guide scope, or red dot finder. Quickly adapt your setup for visual observing or astrophotography.
• 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal – Enhances image brightness and contrast, ensuring maximum light transmission for sharper deep-sky and planetary views compared to standard diagonals.

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 – Precision alignment for tracking objects with ease. The right-angle design makes setup comfortable and efficient.
• Explore Scientific Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount – Perfect for visual observers looking for a smooth, manual tracking experience.
• Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount – Motorized GoTo tracking for astrophotographers and deep-sky observers. Reduces star trails and improves imaging accuracy.
• Explore Scientific Field Flattener – Eliminates field curvature for sharp stars to the edges of the frame—a must-have for deep-sky imaging.
• Explore Scientific Soft-Sided Telescope Case – Durable, padded protection for safe and easy transport. Ideal for traveling to dark-sky locations.