{"product_id":"ed102-essential-series-air-spaced-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","title":"ED102 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003ch1\u003eED102 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor Telescope\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  The Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series is a true apochromat refractor telescope built for astronomers who refuse to compromise on optical quality. Featuring an advanced air-spaced triplet design with genuine HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass and proprietary EMD multi-layer coatings, it eliminates chromatic aberration and delivers razor-sharp, high-contrast views across the entire field. Whether you're studying the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or distant deep-sky nebulae, the 102mm aperture strikes an ideal balance between light-gathering power and portability.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  Equally at home as a visual instrument or a serious astrophotography platform, the ED102 pairs its premium optics with a precision 2\" rack-and-pinion focuser and included extension tubes for broad imaging equipment compatibility. Lightweight and travel-ready, this scope is engineered to go wherever the night sky takes you - without sacrificing the performance that demanding observers expect.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue APO Air-Spaced Triplet Optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three-element air-spaced lens design produces genuine apochromatic correction, virtually eliminating chromatic aberration for crisp, color-accurate views.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHOYA FCD1 ED Glass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Premium extra-low dispersion glass from Hoya ensures exceptional light transmission and color fidelity that sets a high bar at this price point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProprietary EMD Multi-Layer Coatings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explore Scientific's EMD coatings maximize light throughput and contrast, delivering brilliantly detailed images even on faint targets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e102mm Aperture, f\/7 Focal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 714mm focal length at f\/7 makes the ED102 versatile for both wide-field deep-sky imaging and high-magnification planetary observation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision 2\" Rack-and-Pinion Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth, reliable focusing with included extension tubes ensures compatibility with a wide range of eyepieces and camera systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAstrophotography-Ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optical and mechanical design supports serious imaging setups right out of the box - no upgrade needed to get started with deep-sky or planetary photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting Magnitude of 12.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reaches stars and objects well beyond naked-eye visibility, opening up a wealth of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1.14 Arcsec Resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Resolves fine planetary detail and tight double stars with excellent sharpness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVixen Dovetail Compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Vixen dovetail bar fits a wide range of alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for flexible setup options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight \u0026amp; Portable (12 lb \/ 5.4 kg):\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact enough for travel and remote observing sessions without sacrificing aperture or optical quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAperture Options \u0026amp; Which to Choose\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e80MM f\/6:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most compact and lightweight option in the Essential Series - ideal for grab-and-go visual observing and wide-field astrophotography where portability is the top priority.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e102MM f\/7:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sweet spot of the lineup. The ED102 balances impressive aperture, a versatile focal ratio, and a manageable size - perfect for observers and imagers who want serious performance without a bulky setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e127MM f\/7.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steps up light-gathering and resolving power for observers who want to push deeper into the night sky and resolve finer planetary detail, while still remaining portable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e152MM f\/8 CF:\u003c\/strong\u003e The flagship Essential Series carbon fiber model. Maximum aperture and a long focal length deliver the highest resolution and light collection in the lineup - built for serious astrophotographers and advanced visual observers who want top-tier performance.\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\u003eED102 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor Telescope (OTA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2\" Rack-and-Pinion Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExtension Tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDew Shield\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVixen Dovetail Bar\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  Explore Scientific has built a strong reputation among amateur astronomers and serious observers alike, and the ED102 Essential Series is a prime example of why. The combination of HOYA FCD1 glass and EMD multi-layer coatings puts genuine apochromatic performance within reach of observers who might otherwise have to spend significantly more to get there. Verified buyers have praised the optics for delivering absolutely no visible chromatic aberration - a high standard that many refractors at this price point simply cannot meet. Whether you're setting up in your backyard or heading to a dark-sky site, the ED102's lightweight build and Vixen dovetail compatibility make it easy to pair with virtually any mount in your kit. For astrophotographers, the 2\" rack-and-pinion focuser and extension tubes provide the flexibility needed to dial in focus across a variety of camera systems. The ED102 is the kind of telescope you'll reach for night after night, year after year.\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\u003eES-ED10207-02\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e102mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e714mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLimiting Magnitude\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.14 arcsec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (with Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30.5 in \/ 774mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (without Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.75 in \/ 603mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e119mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 lb \/ 5.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDovetail Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGlass Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHOYA FCD1 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCoatings\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProprietary EMD Multi-Layer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocuser\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" Rack-and-Pinion\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\u003eWhat is the difference between an APO refractor and an achromatic refractor?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eAn apochromatic (APO) refractor uses a multi-element lens design - in this case, an air-spaced triplet - to bring three wavelengths of light to a common focal point, virtually eliminating chromatic aberration (false color fringing). A standard achromatic refractor corrects for only two wavelengths and typically shows noticeable purple or green fringing around bright objects like the Moon and planets. For serious visual observing and especially astrophotography, an APO like the ED102 produces dramatically cleaner, sharper, and more color-accurate images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the ED102 suitable for astrophotography?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eYes - the ED102 is purpose-built to support imaging as well as visual use. The 2\" rack-and-pinion focuser with extension tubes accommodates a wide range of DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and dedicated astronomy cameras. The f\/7 focal ratio and 714mm focal length make it well-suited for both planetary and deep-sky imaging. You will need a separate equatorial or tracking mount for long-exposure deep-sky photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes the ED102 come with a mount or tripod?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eNo - the ED102 is sold as an optical tube assembly (OTA) with a Vixen dovetail bar. It is designed to be paired with your choice of alt-azimuth or equatorial mount. This gives you the flexibility to choose a mount that matches your observing style and budget. Explore Scientific offers several compatible mounts, and the Vixen dovetail standard ensures broad compatibility with third-party options as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes it come with an eyepiece?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe ED102 includes a 2\" rack-and-pinion focuser and extension tubes, but eyepieces are not included. You will need to purchase eyepieces separately. The 2\" focuser accepts both 2\" and 1.25\" eyepieces (with the appropriate adapter), giving you a wide selection of compatible options to choose from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat can I expect to see with the ED102?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eWith a 102mm aperture and a limiting magnitude of 12.5, the ED102 opens up a huge range of targets. You can expect crisp views of the Moon's craters and mountains, the cloud bands and moons of Jupiter, Saturn's rings, Mars surface features during opposition, and a wealth of deep-sky objects including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The apochromatic optics ensure these views are rendered with exceptional contrast and minimal color distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat warranty does the ED102 come with?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThe ED102 comes with a limited warranty from Explore Scientific. To activate full warranty coverage, you must register your product within 60 days of purchase. Explore Scientific's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Contact our team or visit Explore Scientific's warranty page for full details on coverage and the claims process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55918236631345,"sku":"ES-ED10207-02","price":755.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/ed102_b.png?v=1787663242","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/ed102-essential-series-air-spaced-triplet-apo-refractor-telescope","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}