Explore Scientific AR102mm [ES-DAR102065-01]

Explore Scientific: The 102mm Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is very portable, a real grab-and-go instrument! Like its two larger brothers, the AR127, and the AR152, these are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractors with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. These optics are an extreme value, produce stunning images of deep sky objects, double stars, planets, and the moon that are a small fraction of the price of comparable aperture apochromat refractors. Finally one can own a diffraction-limited high quality refractor for a relatively modest investment. Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series has standard hardware which includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal Mirror, and an 8×50 Finder Scope.
You can be confident that the quality and construction of these telescopes will allow heavy use for many years and are backed with the Explore STAR Transferrable Extended Life of the Product Warranty. The optics in their collimatable lens cell are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it. Contrast is further enhanced with multiple baffles that mask and deflect unwanted stray light. The Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series telescopes include a precision 2-inch two-speed focuser as standard equipment. The eyepiece holder uses a compression ring to prevent the eyepiece or camera barrel from scoring. On those prestine nights of steady seeing, Saturn’s Rings can forever affect the hearts and minds of almost anyone who lays eyes on them. It’s nights like these that astronomers like to set up their refractors and push the magnification to the limits, not only to see the magnificence of the planet at greater scale but to really test the optical and mechanical quality of the telescope. Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed focuser, you will find that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration.
The Universal Adjustable Mounting Plate of the AR 102 fits on many popular equatorial and Altaz mounts, including mounts supplied by Explore Scientific, Celestron, Vixen, and others. Instead of using a cast metal part, Explore Scientific’s Universal Mounting Plate is made from extruded aluminum for added strength, it is afterall what secures your telescope to the mount. Adjustment screws and locking bolts are also included to allow adjustments to position the angle of the telescope when it is placed on its mount, an important feature when using an equatorial mount. The Two-Inch Dielectric Diagonal includes a 1.25″ eyepiece holder adapter and dust covers to protect the mirror. The purpose of a diagonal is to securely hold your eyepiece and to give you a comfortable viewing angle. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific’s Two Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment. Ultra-high reflective coatings (99% reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output. Both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepiece holders use compression rings instead of a simple set-screw to more securely hold your valued eyepiece (or imaging device) and to minimize scoring of eyepiece barrels. You can thread standard 48mm filters into the barrel. The purpose of a diagonal is to securely hold your eyepiece and to give you a comfortable viewing angle. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific’s Two Inch Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment.
The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder Scope provides a true field of view of 6°. Its coated optics provide a bright high-resolution image so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected for precise aiming. The front objective can be custom focused to provide a sharp image every time. Optical Design: Air-Spaced Doublet Achromatic Refractor Clear Aperture: 102mm Focal Length: 663mm Focal Ratio: f/6.5 Resolving Power: 1.14 arc seconds Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 12.5 Focuser: Two-Speed Crayford-Style, w/ Adjustable Tension and Lock Finder Scope: 8×50 Straight; Adjustable Objective Focus; Dual-Ring, Six-Point, Bracket w/Quick Release Shoe Cradle/Saddle Plate: Dual Ring Style – Fits Explore Scientific Mounts; and Other Third Party Mounts that Accept Vixen-Type Rail Tube Diameter: 3.96″ – 100.7mm Dew Shield Diameter: 7.5″ – 100.7mm Tube Length (eyepiece holder to end of dew shield: 25.5″ – 648mm Tube Construction: Aluminum; Stainless Steel Optical Tube Assembly Weight (with all standard accessories): 11.3 lbs – 4.67 kg