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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 FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain - Discontinued

Explore Scientific FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain - Discontinued

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-FL-MC1521900
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$749.99 - $749.99
$749.99
$749.99 - $749.99
$749.99
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  • 152mm (6") Aperture
  • 1900mm Focal Length
  • f/12.5 Focal Ratio
  • Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope

    The Explore Scientific FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain optical tube combines a powerful 1900mm focal length with a compact form factor, delivering high-magnification views ideal for detailed planetary observation. Its f/12.5 focal ratio is engineered for high-contrast performance, allowing its 152mm aperture to resolve fine details on the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky targets.

    High-Contrast Planetary Views: The 152mm f/12.5 Optical Design

    The Maksutov-Cassegrain design is purpose-built for high-power, high-resolution observing. With a 1900mm focal length, this telescope achieves significant magnification with standard eyepieces, making it an exceptional instrument for studying Jupiter's cloud bands, the divisions in Saturn's rings, and subtle features within lunar craters. The design's inherent long focal ratio and smaller central obstruction (compared to other catadioptric designs) produce darker sky backgrounds and enhanced contrast, which is critical for separating tight double stars and resolving details in globular clusters.

    The trade-off for this high-magnification specialty is a narrower field of view. While perfect for isolating individual targets, it is less suited for sweeping across the widest sections of the Milky Way, such as the North American Nebula (NGC 7000), in a single view.

    152mm Mak-Cassegrain vs. 6" SCT: A Comparison for Visual Observers

    Observers considering a 6-inch class catadioptric often weigh the 152mm Mak-Cassegrain against a 6" Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT). While both offer a large aperture in a portable package, their optical designs create different observing strengths.

    • SCT Advantage: A typical 6" SCT has a faster f/10 focal ratio, offering a slightly wider true field of view and shorter exposure times for deep-sky imaging. Their design also tends to acclimate to ambient temperatures more quickly.
    • Mak-Cassegrain Advantage: The FirstLight 152mm Mak's f/12.5 system generally provides higher contrast due to a smaller secondary mirror obstruction. This translates to sharper, more defined views of bright objects where subtle detail is paramount. The sealed optical tube also protects the mirror coatings from dust and dew.

  • What kind of mount is required for the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain?

    As an optical tube assembly (OTA), the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain requires a separate mount. Given its 1900mm focal length, a sturdy equatorial mount like an AVX-class or HEQ5-class is recommended to provide stable, high-magnification tracking for both visual observation and astrophotography.

    How does the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain perform on Jupiter with its 1900mm focal length?

    The 1900mm focal length is a significant advantage for observing Jupiter. It allows you to easily reach high magnifications needed to see details like the Great Red Spot, individual cloud bands, and the shadows of the Galilean moons transiting the planet's disk. The inherent high contrast of the Maksutov design makes these features stand out clearly.

    Is the f/12.5 focal ratio of the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain good for deep-sky objects?

    The f/12.5 focal ratio excels at smaller, brighter deep-sky objects. It is ideal for resolving individual stars in globular clusters like M13, separating the components of planetary nebulae like the Ring Nebula (M57), and observing detail in brighter galaxies. However, for very large, faint nebulae, its narrow field of view and "slow" focal ratio are less optimal than a faster instrument.

    What are the main advantages of the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain's optical design?

    The primary advantages of the Maksutov-Cassegrain design are:

    • High Contrast: Delivers sharp, well-defined images of bright objects like the Moon and planets.
    • Long Focal Length in a Compact Tube: Provides high-magnification capability in a portable, easy-to-handle package.
    • No Chromatic Aberration: As a purely reflective design, it is free from the color fringing seen in many refractors.

    Can I use the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain for astrophotography?

    Yes, this telescope is well-suited for high-resolution planetary, lunar, and solar (with a proper filter) imaging. Its long 1900mm focal length projects a large image onto a camera sensor, capturing fine detail. For deep-sky astrophotography, it is best for smaller targets like galaxies and planetary nebulae, but its f/12.5 focal ratio will require longer exposure times or a focal reducer.

    Will I see chromatic aberration with the FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain on bright targets like the Moon?

    No. The FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain is a catadioptric telescope that uses mirrors to focus light. Unlike refractor telescopes which use lenses, this design is inherently free of chromatic aberration, ensuring pure color rendition without any false color fringing, even on the brightest objects like the lunar limb or Venus.

  • GTIN 811803033450
  • Explore Scientific Warranty