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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor

Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-FCD100-10207-02
$1,699.99 - $1,699.99
$1,699.99
$1,699.99 - $1,699.99
$1,699.99
Price Match Policy!
  • 102mm Aperture
  • 714mm Focal Length (f/7)
  • Air-Spaced Triplet Apochromatic Design
  • Genuine HOYA FCD100 ED Glass Element
  • 2.5" HEX Focuser with 10 lb Capacity
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  • Description
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  • Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor

    The Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Triplet APO Refractor combines a 102mm aperture with a 714mm focal length for a versatile f/7 optical system that excels at both wide-field imaging and high-magnification visual work. Its air-spaced triplet objective uses genuine HOYA FCD100 glass to deliver textbook color correction, while the robust 2.5" HEX focuser supports imaging payloads up to 10 lbs on an optical tube assembly that weighs only 12 lbs.

    A 102mm Triplet with FCD100 Glass: True Apochromatic Correction

    At the heart of the ED102 is an air-spaced triplet objective featuring a genuine HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element. This design achieves a true apochromatic level of performance, virtually eliminating the chromatic aberration (false color) that can plague simpler doublet designs. The result is a pristine, high-contrast view with pinpoint stars on a black background and no distracting purple halos around bright objects like Jupiter or Vega.

    All optical surfaces receive Explore Scientific's proprietary EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition) coatings to maximize light transmission and contrast. This ensures that the subtle coloration of planetary cloud bands and the faint, wispy details in nebulae are rendered with stunning fidelity.

    Imaging-Ready Mechanics: A 2.5" Focuser and 12 lb Portability

    Built for astrophotography, the ED102 is equipped with a heavy-duty 2.5" hexagonal rack-and-pinion focuser. This rigid design prevents flexure and slippage even when carrying a 10 lb imaging train consisting of a camera, filter wheel, and off-axis guider. The smooth, dual-speed controls allow for precise focus adjustments critical for capturing sharp stellar images.

    The entire optical tube assembly weighs a manageable 12 lbs, making it an ideal "grab-and-go" instrument on a mid-sized equatorial mount. Its compact form factor also allows it to serve as a premium, large-aperture guide scope or a secondary imaging scope mounted alongside a larger instrument.

    Why a Triplet? The ED102-FCD100 vs. Standard ED Doublets

    While a standard ED doublet refractor provides a significant step up from an achromat, it still exhibits a degree of residual false color. The Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100's third lens element, made from high-refractive-index glass, is specifically engineered to correct this remaining chromatic aberration. This provides a distinct advantage for imagers and discerning visual observers.

    • For Astrophotography: The triplet design produces smaller, tighter star images with no blue or violet bloat. This allows for more accurate color data acquisition and results in images with higher resolution and better overall aesthetics.
    • For Visual Observing: On the lunar limb or the cloud tops of Jupiter, the triplet's superior color correction delivers a sharper, higher-contrast image. The absence of color fringing makes it easier to resolve fine details at high magnification.

  • What is the advantage of the Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100's triplet design?

    The air-spaced triplet objective with HOYA FCD100 glass in the ED102-FCD100 provides a higher level of color correction than standard ED doublets. This third lens element virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, resulting in sharper stars, higher contrast, and more faithful color rendition, which is especially critical for astrophotography.

    How does HOYA FCD100 glass in the ED102 refractor compare to FPL-53?

    HOYA FCD100 is an extremely high-quality extra-low dispersion glass with optical properties comparable to Ohara's renowned FPL-53. Both are considered premier glasses for apochromatic refractors, offering exceptional correction of false color for pristine, high-contrast images.

    Can the 2.5" HEX focuser on the ED102-FCD100 handle a full imaging train?

    Yes. The 2.5" hexagonal rack-and-pinion focuser is specifically designed for imaging. It has a stated capacity of 10 lbs, which is more than sufficient to support a typical setup including a cooled astronomy camera, a filter wheel, and an off-axis guider without sagging or focus shift.

    What kind of mount is needed for the Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100?

    With an optical tube weight of only 12 lbs, the ED102-FCD100 is quite versatile. For visual use, a mount in the Celestron AVX or Sky-Watcher HEQ5 class is ideal. For serious astrophotography, stepping up to a mount with a 30-40 lb payload capacity, such as a Celestron CGEM II or Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, is recommended to ensure stability and precise tracking.

    How does the ED102-FCD100 perform on planetary targets like Jupiter from the city?

    The ED102-FCD100 is an excellent planetary telescope, even from light-polluted areas. Its apochromatic optics deliver a high-contrast image, allowing you to easily resolve Jupiter's main cloud belts, the Great Red Spot, and the shadows of its Galilean moons. The 714mm focal length provides ample magnification with standard eyepieces or a Barlow lens.

    Is the f/7 focal ratio of the ED102-FCD100 good for imaging large nebulae like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?

    The f/7 focal ratio of the ED102 is a versatile sweet spot. It is fast enough to capture significant signal on nebulae in a reasonable time, while the 714mm focal length provides a field of view that can frame large targets like the Veil Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with most modern astronomy cameras. For even wider fields, a dedicated focal reducer can be added.

  • Aperture 102mm (4")
    Focal Length 714mm
    Focal Ratio f/7
    Optical Design Air-Spaced Triplet Apochromat
    Glass Type HOYA FCD100 ED Element
    Coatings EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition)
    Focuser 2.5" Dual-Speed Hexagonal Rack & Pinion
    Focuser Capacity 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
    Optical Tube Weight 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
    GTIN 812257017614
  • Explore Scientific Warranty