How does the Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm APO perform on planets like Jupiter and Saturn?
This refractor excels at revealing fine planetary detail. The 127mm aperture resolves fine details, while the apochromatic FCD100 optics give high contrast with virtually no false color. You can expect to clearly see Jupiter's main cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings under steady seeing conditions.
Is the Explore Scientific 127mm Triplet suitable for imaging a large nebula like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000)?
Yes, but you will likely need a focal reducer. At its native 952mm focal length (f/7.5), the telescope is well-suited for smaller nebulae and galaxies. To fit very large objects like the North American Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) into a single frame, adding an optional focal reducer/flattener is recommended to widen the field of view.
What kind of mount is required for the Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm APO?
The optical tube's weight and length require a stable mount. For visual use, a medium-duty equatorial mount is sufficient. For astrophotography with a full imaging train, choose a more robust mount whose imaging capacity comfortably exceeds the total weight of the telescope and accessories.
What is the benefit of the 2.5" HEX focuser on the FCD100 127mm?
The 2.5" HEX focuser uses a hexagonal drawtube and a rack-and-pinion mechanism. It is robust, with smooth, precise adjustments, and can support heavy imaging setups up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
How does HOYA FCD100 glass compare to FPL-53 in this refractor?
HOYA FCD100 and Ohara FPL-53 are considered functional equivalents in their ability to correct for chromatic aberration. Both are premier ED glass types that, when used in a triplet objective lens design, produce a true apochromatic image with virtually no color fringing. Explore Scientific compares FCD100 with Ohara FPL-53 and with fluorite.
Can I use 2" eyepieces and accessories with the Explore Scientific 127mm FCD100?
Yes. The telescope includes a 99% reflective 2" diagonal, which takes 2" eyepieces. A 1.25" adapter is also included with the diagonal for use with smaller format eyepieces.
Does the Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm need a field flattener for astrophotography?
Like other refractors, it has some field curvature, so round stars toward the corners of a larger sensor call for a field flattener or reducer/flattener. Stars in the center are sharp without one.
What is the first thing I should do when setting up the FCD100 127mm for the first time?
First, securely mount the optical tube to your equatorial mount using the Vixen-style dovetail. Once outside, let the telescope adjust to the outdoor temperature before observing at high power. Then insert the 2" diagonal and a low-power eyepiece to align your finder scope during the daytime on a distant, stationary object like a treetop or telephone pole.
Is the carrying handle on the FCD100 127mm strong enough to lift the telescope?
Explore Scientific supplies the cradle ring with a carry handle, meant for carrying the optical tube and lifting it onto and off the mount.
What is a Hybrid Finder Scope Base?
The included Hybrid Finder Scope Base is designed by Explore Scientific to be versatile. It accepts both their own legacy finder scope brackets and the more common mini-dovetail type brackets used by brands like Vixen, Synta, and Celestron, giving you flexibility in choosing a finder scope.
