The Explore Scientific AR Series telescopes are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic f/6.5 refractors with a superior-class optical figure. Whether you choose the AR102 (4"), AR127 (5") or AR152 (6") model, you will be impressed by the stunning images revealed to you at the eyepiece, and all at a small fraction of the price you'd pay for a comparably sized apochromat refractor.

Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series telescopes come with heavy-duty, high quality components, including a 2" dual-speed Crayford-style focuser, a one-piece 2" diagonal with 99% dielectric coatings, an 8 X 50 non-illuminated straight -thru finderscope and quick release bracket, and a cradle ring assembly with Vixen-style dovetail mount. Just add a few eyepieces and the alt-azimuth or equatorial mount of your choice and you'll be ready to discover the Universe!

The AR102 102mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope from Explore Scientific features a doublet achromatic lens system which virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations. This translates to a distortion-free viewing experience with true color rendition across the entire field of view.

The scope uses a heavy-duty 2" Crayford-style focuser. Unlike a traditional rack-and-pinion focuser, a Crayford-style uses a steel rod held tightly against the focus tube. This toothless friction system eliminates backlash and enables ultra-fine precision focusing. The combination of aberration-free optics, precision focusing and a fast f/6.5 focal ratio make this telescope ideally suited for wide-field astrophotography and astroimaging.

A mounting cradle-ring clamps over optical tube assembly (OTA). This lets the user adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balancing, while avoiding interference with other equipment. The scope is offered without a mount or tripod, but a Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle.

Assembling the Explore Scientific AR102 teleescope

The ES AR102 is a capable telescope for astrophotography: 

This refractor telescope is ready for astrophotography with many good features for beautiful astrophotos.

• 2" Dual-speed Crayford focuser with precise movement also suitable for heavy cameras
• Combination of aberration-free optics, precision focusing and a fast f/6.5 focal ratio 
• Suitable for both planetary (including Solar) and Deep Sky Objects

Actual astrophotos taken from the ES AR102:

Credit: Astrobin

SPECIFICATIONS