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

Hauling an aluminum refractor tube to a dark site or up to a rooftop observatory adds weight that compounds with the mount, tripod, and accessories. The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 Carbon Fiber delivers apochromatic triplet performance with HOYA FCD100 glass in a carbon fiber tube that sheds weight.

Key Features

• HOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass – The optics virtually eliminate false color, delivering sharp, true-to-life views of planets and deep-sky targets in both visual and imaging use
• Air-Spaced Triplet Optical Design – Three-element configuration achieves 1.14 arcsecond resolution and diffraction-limited performance with high contrast across the field
• Carbon Fiber Tube Construction – Significantly lighter than aluminum alternatives
• 2.5" Hexagonal Dual-Speed Focuser – Supports up to 10 lbs of imaging gear, with a 10:1 fine focus ratio
• EMD Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings – Proprietary coatings for high-contrast views
• Versatile f/7 Focal Ratio – Long enough for high-magnification lunar and planetary detail, yet pairs well with a field flattener for sharp, flat-field deep-sky imaging
• Retractable Carbon Fiber Dew Shield – Blocks stray light and slows dew formation during extended sessions
• 99% Reflective 2" Diagonal Included – The diagonal maximizes light throughput right out of the box

Ideal For

• Astrophotographers who want sharp, well-corrected optics in a 9.5 lb carbon fiber OTA
• Visual observers stepping up from doublets looking for clean, color-free views of planetary detail and crisp star clusters
• Grab-and-go astronomers who want apochromatic performance in a compact, lightweight package that sets up quickly

Accessories & Compatibility

• Explore Scientific Field Flattener (f/5–f/7) – Eliminates field curvature for sharp, flat stars edge-to-edge in deep-sky imaging
• Explore Scientific Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount – Manual tracking for visual observing sessions, a natural pairing for grab-and-go use
• Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount – GoTo motorized mount with PMC-Eight system for automated object tracking and long-exposure astrophotography
• Explore Scientific 8x50 Illuminated Right Angle Polar Finder – Fits the scope's Hybrid Finder Scope Base, with a polar alignment crosshair reticle

Note: A finder scope is not included. The pre-installed 2N1 finder scope base accepts most standard finder scopes.