{"product_id":"ar127-air-spaced-doublet-refractor-telescope","title":"AR127 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAR127 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nThe Explore Scientific AR127 is a classic crown-and-flint achromatic refractor that delivers serious optical performance at a fast f\/6.5 focal ratio. With a generous 127mm (5-inch) aperture, this telescope pulls in stunning, sharp views of the Moon, planets, globular clusters, and deep-sky objects - all at a fraction of the price of comparable apochromatic refractors. The AR127 is built to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, featuring heavy-duty, professional-grade components throughout.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nFrom the smooth 2\" dual-speed focuser to the 99% dielectric coated diagonal and the Explore Scientific Hybrid Finder Scope Base with its 8x50 finderscope, every detail is engineered for a premium observing experience. The sturdy cradle ring assembly with Vixen-style dovetail makes it easy to mount on virtually any alt-azimuth or equatorial mount, giving you flexibility as your setup grows. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer running outreach events or a dedicated hobbyist stepping up to a serious instrument, the AR127 delivers night after night.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e127mm (5-inch) Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large light-gathering objective reveals sharp planetary detail, globular clusters, and deep-sky objects with impressive clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown-and-Flint Achromatic Doublet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air-spaced optical design minimizes chromatic aberration and delivers high-contrast, color-corrected views at a competitive price point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast f\/6.5 Focal Ratio (826mm Focal Length):\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact and versatile - ideal for wide-field deep-sky observing as well as planetary work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2\" Dual-Speed Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision focuser provides buttery-smooth coarse and fine focus control for detailed planetary and deep-sky observation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e99% Dielectric Coated 2\" Diagonal:\u003c\/strong\u003e One-piece diagonal maximizes light throughput and image brightness for stunning views at the eyepiece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExplore Scientific Hybrid Finder Scope Base:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes an 8x50 non-illuminated straight-through finderscope with quick-release bracket for fast, accurate target acquisition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCradle Ring Assembly with Vixen-Style Dovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sturdy, professional-grade mounting hardware compatible with both alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for Outreach and Star Parties:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy-duty construction stands up to frequent transport, public events, and educational programs without compromise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterferometric Optical Data Available:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optical test data available upon request after 120 days of ownership - a mark of Explore Scientific's commitment to optical quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimited Warranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Backed by Explore Scientific's warranty policy for added peace of mind.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize Options \u0026amp; Which to Choose\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e102MM f\/6.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most compact and lightweight option in the AR series - easy to transport and quick to set up. Perfect for beginners, travelers, and outreach programs that require portability without sacrificing optical quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e127MM f\/6.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sweet spot of the lineup. The 127mm aperture delivers a meaningful jump in light-gathering and resolving power over the 102mm, making it ideal for serious visual observers, astronomy club events, and educators who want premium performance in a manageable package.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e152MM f\/6.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e The largest and most powerful option in the AR series. The 152mm aperture excels at deep-sky observing, revealing faint galaxies, nebulae, and globular cluster detail that smaller apertures simply can't match. Best suited for experienced observers and dedicated outreach facilities with a capable mount to handle the added size and weight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAR127 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Optical Tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2\" Dual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOne-Piece 2\" Diagonal with 99% Dielectric Coatings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e8x50 Non-Illuminated Straight-Through Finderscope\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExplore Scientific Hybrid Finder Scope Base with Quick-Release Bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCradle Ring Assembly with Vixen-Style Dovetail\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFree Soft-Sided Telescope Case (Limited Time Bonus Offer - automatically added at checkout)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nThe AR127 has earned a loyal following among astronomy club members, educators, and serious hobbyists for good reason - it simply delivers. Reviewers with decades of experience in the hobby have called it one of their best observation experiences, praising its stunning lunar and deep-sky views and rock-solid build quality. At star parties, this scope consistently draws crowds and earns reactions from first-time observers who can't believe what they're seeing. It's trusted by outreach programs and astronomy clubs nationwide for its durability, ease of use, and the quality of its optics.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nFor the budget-conscious observer who wants professional-grade performance without stepping up to a costly apochromatic refractor, the AR127 represents exceptional value. The included accessories - dual-speed focuser, dielectric diagonal, and 8x50 finderscope - would cost a significant amount purchased separately, making this a complete, ready-to-observe package right out of the box. Whether you're viewing Saturn's rings, sweeping the Andromeda Galaxy, or running a community star party, the AR127 is a telescope you'll reach for again and again.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"custom-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eView Product Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItem Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAR127065-02\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e127mm (5 inches)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e826mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/6.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLimiting Magnitude\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.9 arcsec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (with Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e34 inches \/ 863mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e130mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15.6 lb \/ 7.1 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDovetail Style\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocuser\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" Dual-Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiagonal\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne-Piece 2\" with 99% Dielectric Coatings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinderscope\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8x50 Non-Illuminated Straight-Through\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Achromatic Doublet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"custom-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes the AR127 come with eyepieces?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe AR127 does not include eyepieces - you will need to add your preferred eyepieces separately. The telescope does include a 2\" dual-speed focuser and a 2\" dielectric diagonal, so it is fully prepared to accept any standard 1.25\" or 2\" eyepieces you choose to use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs a mount included with this telescope?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eNo, a mount is not included. The AR127 comes with a cradle ring assembly and Vixen-style dovetail plate, which is compatible with a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts. Explore Scientific's Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount is a popular pairing for visual use and is sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the AR127 suitable for astrophotography?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe AR127 can be used for entry-level astrophotography, and customers have reported pleasing results on open clusters and bright deep-sky objects when paired with a tracked mount. As an achromatic doublet, it will produce some chromatic aberration and star bloat compared to apochromatic refractors, particularly at high magnification or on very bright stars. For dedicated imaging, a narrowband or fringe-killer filter can help manage these effects significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow does the AR127 compare to an apochromatic (APO) refractor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eApochromatic refractors use specialized glass to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, resulting in crisper star images and truer color rendition - especially on bright objects like the Moon and Venus. The AR127 is a high-quality achromatic doublet, which means it offers exceptional performance for its price but may show slight color fringing on very bright targets compared to a true APO. For visual observing and budget-conscious buyers, the AR127 delivers tremendous value that many experienced observers find more than acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat mounts are recommended for the AR127?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe AR127 weighs 15.6 lbs, so a sturdy mount is important. The Explore Scientific Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount is a popular match for visual observing. For astrophotography, a motorized equatorial mount capable of handling at least 15-20 lbs of payload is recommended. The Vixen-style dovetail on the AR127 is compatible with most mid-range and premium mount brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs assembly required, and how does the AR127 ship?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe AR127 ships via standard carrier (no freight or pallet required) and minimal assembly is needed - primarily attaching the finder scope and diagonal, and placing the tube in the cradle rings. It arrives ready to use in a short amount of time and is easy to set up for a night of observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55918236729649,"sku":"DAR127065-02","price":749.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/DSC08930-Edit.png?v=1787663243","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/ar127-air-spaced-doublet-refractor-telescope","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}