{"product_id":"ar152-air-spaced-doublet-refractor-telescope-with-new-hybrid-2n1-finder-base","title":"AR152 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope with New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Base","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAR152 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope with New Hybrid 2N1 Finder Base\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  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.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  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.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e152mm (6\") Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet Objective:\u003c\/strong\u003e Classic achromatic design delivers bright, sharp images with true diffraction-limited optics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ef\/6.5 Focal Ratio \/ 988mm Focal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wide-field ratio excels at deep-sky objects, the Moon, planets, and double stars with sharp contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNew Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts the included 8x50 non-illuminated straight-through finderscope with a convenient quick-release bracket for easy swapping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy-Duty 2\" Dual-Speed Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth, precise focusing for both coarse and fine adjustments - ideal for high-magnification planetary and deep-sky sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne-Piece 2\" Diagonal with 99% Dielectric Coatings:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-reflectivity diagonal delivers bright, true-color views with minimal light loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVixen-Style Dovetail \u0026amp; Cradle Ring Mount:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45mm wide V-block dovetail is compatible with a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts right out of the box.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting Magnitude of 13.4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Capable of pulling in faint objects well beyond naked-eye visibility, excellent for outreach and club events.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResolution of 0.77 Arcsec:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine enough to split tight double stars and resolve crisp planetary detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for Outreach \u0026amp; Star Parties:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy-duty construction has proven durable through repeated public astronomy events and club use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Soft-Sided Telescope Case (Limited Time):\u003c\/strong\u003e Purchase includes a complimentary soft-sided telescope case - automatically added and discounted at checkout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOptions \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 portable option in the AR series, ideal for beginners, educators on the move, or observers who prioritize easy transport without sacrificing quality optics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e127MM f\/6.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e152MM f\/6.5 (This Model):\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\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\u003eAR152 152mm f\/6.5 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Optical Tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e8x50 Non-Illuminated Straight-Through Finderscope\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eQuick-Release Finder Bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOne-Piece 2\" Diagonal with 99% Dielectric Coatings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2\" Dual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCradle Ring with Vixen-Style Dovetail\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFree Soft-Sided Telescope Case (Limited Time Bonus)\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\n  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.\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\u003eDAR152065-02\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e152mm (6\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e988mm\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\u003e13.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.77 arcsec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (with Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41\" \/ 1041mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e152mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23 lb \/ 10.7 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDovetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e45mm Wide V-Block, Vixen-Style\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\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExplore Scientific\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 AR152 come with a mount or tripod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eNo - 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the AR152 good for astrophotography?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat kind of mount does the Vixen-style dovetail work with?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the Hybrid 2N1 Finder Scope Base?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow does the AR152 compare to the AR102 and AR127 models?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs assembly required?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eMinimal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55918236696881,"sku":"DAR152065-02","price":849.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/ar_152.jpg?v=1787663241","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/ar152-air-spaced-doublet-refractor-telescope-with-new-hybrid-2n1-finder-base","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}