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Explore Scientific

AR152 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope with New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Base

$849.99 USD
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AR152 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope with New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Base
$849.99 USD
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AR152 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope with New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Base

Description

The Explore Scientific AR152 is a classic 6-inch (152mm) crown-and-flint achromatic refractor that delivers bright, high-resolution views at an exceptional value. Featuring true diffraction-limited optics and a wide-field f/6.5 focal ratio, this telescope is equally at home revealing the Moon's intricate surface detail, Saturn's rings, distant double stars, and sweeping deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters. Every component is built to withstand the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach programs - night after night of reliable, crowd-pleasing performance.

The AR152 ships ready to observe, loaded with premium accessories including a smooth 2" dual-speed focuser, a one-piece 2" diagonal with 99% dielectric coatings, and the new Explore Scientific Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base with an 8x50 straight-through finderscope. Mounted in a sturdy cradle ring with a Vixen-style dovetail, it pairs seamlessly with virtually any alt-azimuth or equatorial mount you already own or plan to add.

Key Features

  • 152mm (6") Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet Objective: Classic achromatic design delivers bright, sharp images with true diffraction-limited optics.
  • f/6.5 Focal Ratio / 988mm Focal Length: Wide-field ratio excels at deep-sky objects, the Moon, planets, and double stars with sharp contrast.
  • New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base: Accepts the included 8x50 non-illuminated straight-through finderscope with a convenient quick-release bracket for easy swapping.
  • Heavy-Duty 2" Dual-Speed Focuser: Smooth, precise focusing for both coarse and fine adjustments - ideal for high-magnification planetary and deep-sky sessions.
  • One-Piece 2" Diagonal with 99% Dielectric Coatings: High-reflectivity diagonal delivers bright, true-color views with minimal light loss.
  • Vixen-Style Dovetail & Cradle Ring Mount: 45mm wide V-block dovetail is compatible with a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts right out of the box.
  • Limiting Magnitude of 13.4: Capable of pulling in faint objects well beyond naked-eye visibility, excellent for outreach and club events.
  • Resolution of 0.77 Arcsec: Fine enough to split tight double stars and resolve crisp planetary detail.
  • Built for Outreach & Star Parties: Heavy-duty construction has proven durable through repeated public astronomy events and club use.
  • Free Soft-Sided Telescope Case (Limited Time): Purchase includes a complimentary soft-sided telescope case - automatically added and discounted at checkout.

Options & Which to Choose

  • 102MM f/6.5: The most compact and portable option in the AR series, ideal for beginners, educators on the move, or observers who prioritize easy transport without sacrificing quality optics.
  • 127MM f/6.5: A mid-size sweet spot balancing light-gathering power and portability - great for club members and dedicated amateurs who want noticeably more aperture than the 102 while keeping weight manageable.
  • 152MM f/6.5 (This Model): The largest and most capable of the AR series, this 6-inch aperture gathers substantially more light for richer deep-sky views and finer planetary detail - the top choice for serious outreach programs, astronomy clubs, and committed visual observers.

What's Included

  • AR152 152mm f/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Optical Tube
  • Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base
  • 8x50 Non-Illuminated Straight-Through Finderscope
  • Quick-Release Finder Bracket
  • One-Piece 2" Diagonal with 99% Dielectric Coatings
  • 2" Dual-Speed Focuser
  • Cradle Ring with Vixen-Style Dovetail
  • Free Soft-Sided Telescope Case (Limited Time Bonus)

Why You'll Love It

The AR152 has earned its reputation at star parties and astronomy club nights across the country, consistently drawing "ooohs" and "aaahs" from first-time viewers and seasoned observers alike. Its diffraction-limited 6-inch aperture gathers enough light to make globular clusters sparkle, galaxies pop, and lunar detail come alive in stunning clarity. The heavy-duty build quality means you can haul this scope to event after event without worrying about wear - owners report years of dependable use without a single issue. Whether you're running an outreach program, teaching a class, or pursuing your own observing goals, the AR152 delivers a level of optical performance that rivals scopes costing far more. Backed by Explore Scientific's warranty and supported by a passionate community of users, this is a telescope you'll grow with for years to come.

Product Specifications

View Product Specs
Item Number DAR152065-02
Aperture 152mm (6")
Focal Length 988mm
Focal Ratio f/6.5
Limiting Magnitude 13.4
Resolution 0.77 arcsec
Tube Length (with Dew Shield) 41" / 1041mm
Diameter 152mm
Weight 23 lb / 10.7 kg
Dovetail 45mm Wide V-Block, Vixen-Style
Focuser 2" Dual-Speed
Diagonal One-Piece 2" with 99% Dielectric Coatings
Finderscope 8x50 Non-Illuminated Straight-Through
Optical Design Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Achromatic Doublet
Brand Explore Scientific

FAQ

Does the AR152 come with a mount or tripod?

No - the AR152 is sold as an optical tube assembly with a Vixen-style dovetail plate and cradle ring. It is designed to pair with your preferred alt-azimuth or equatorial mount, giving you the flexibility to use the mount you already own or choose one best suited to your observing style.

Is the AR152 good for astrophotography?

As an achromatic doublet, the AR152 has some inherent chromatic aberration limitations compared to apochromatic (APO) refractors, which is typical for this class and price point. However, it is still capable of delivering pleasing images, especially of the Moon, open clusters, and bright nebulae - particularly when used with a fringe killer or light pollution filter. For serious wide-field astrophotography, pairing it with a sturdy tracking mount and managing expectations around color fringing will yield the best results.

What kind of mount does the Vixen-style dovetail work with?

The AR152 uses a 45mm wide V-block dovetail that is compatible with any mount featuring a standard Vixen-style saddle plate. This includes a wide range of popular alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts from brands like Sky-Watcher, iOptron, Celestron, and many others. It is one of the most common mounting standards in amateur astronomy.

What is the Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base?

The new Explore Scientific Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base is a versatile mounting system that accepts the included 8x50 straight-through finderscope via a quick-release bracket. The "2N1" design allows for fast attachment and removal, making it easy to swap accessories or store the finderscope separately during transport.

How does the AR152 compare to the AR102 and AR127 models?

All three AR series telescopes share the same f/6.5 focal ratio and air-spaced achromatic doublet design. The key difference is aperture: the AR102 (102mm) is the most compact and portable, the AR127 (127mm) offers a mid-range balance of size and performance, and the AR152 (152mm) provides the most light-gathering power and finest resolution of the three - making it the best choice for observers who want the richest deep-sky views and the most detail on planets and the Moon.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required. The optical tube comes largely pre-assembled - you will need to attach the finderscope to the 2N1 base and mount the dovetail/cradle ring to your chosen mount. No tools or technical expertise are needed to get started observing.
Color pattern White, Black
Telescope level Beginner, Intermediate
Telescope tracking system Manual
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