Explore Scientific

ED127 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope

Sale price $1,195.00 USD Regular price $1,499.99 USD
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ED127 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
$1,195.00 USD
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ED127 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope


Description

The Explore Scientific ED127 Essential Series is a true apochromatic refractor telescope built for astrophotographers and dedicated visual observers who demand the best in optical clarity. At its core is a genuine HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass air-spaced triplet design paired with proprietary EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings on every optical surface, combining to deliver razor-sharp, high-contrast images with virtually zero chromatic aberration. From the spiraling arms of the Pinwheel Galaxy to the intricate detail of the Moon's Hadley Rille, this scope reveals breathtaking depth across the entire sky.

A precision-engineered front cell with tilt and centering adjustments ensures perfect collimation, while the rugged 2" two-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with heavy-duty locks gives imaging setups the rock-solid stability they require. The retractable dew shield keeps the optics protected and the tube compact for transport, and the integrated cradle ring handle with a 1/4-20 DSLR piggyback slot and Vixen-style dovetail plate make this scope as versatile in the field as it is under a dark sky.


Key Features

  • HOYA FCD1 ED Glass Triplet: Genuine extra-low dispersion glass in an air-spaced triplet configuration virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for pinpoint, color-accurate stars.
  • EMD Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings: Proprietary coatings on all optical surfaces maximize light transmission and deliver brilliant, high-contrast views.
  • True Apochromatic (APO) Performance: Diffraction-limited optics with a limiting magnitude of 13 and resolution of 0.9 arcsec handle deep-sky objects and planetary detail with equal capability.
  • 2" Two-Speed Rack-and-Pinion Focuser: Heavy-duty focuser with fine and coarse adjustment knobs and locking mechanism provides secure, repeatable focus for imaging and visual use.
  • Precision Front Cell Collimation: Push-pull tilt and centering adjustments on the objective cell allow fine-tuning for perfect collimation without tools.
  • Retractable Dew Shield: Built-in retractable dew shield protects the objective lens from moisture and stray light while keeping the packed tube length manageable.
  • DSLR Piggyback Mount: The sculpted cradle ring handle features a 1/4-20 threaded slot on its top face for attaching a DSLR camera for piggyback wide-field imaging.
  • Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate: V-block dovetail included at the base of the cradle ring for direct, tool-free attachment to most equatorial mounts.
  • Explore Scientific 2N1 Finder Scope Base: Pre-installed finder scope base adds immediate flexibility for attaching your preferred finder (finder scope sold separately).
  • 952mm Focal Length / f/7.5 Focal Ratio: Versatile optical configuration suits both wide deep-sky targets and higher-magnification planetary and lunar observation.

Options & Which to Choose

  • 80MM f/6: The most compact and portable option in the Essential Series - ideal for wide-field deep-sky imaging and observers who prioritize grab-and-go convenience.
  • 102MM f/7: A step up in aperture for improved resolution and light-gathering without a major increase in size - a great all-around choice for both visual use and astrophotography.
  • 127MM f/7.5 (this model): The sweet spot for serious imagers and visual observers who want ample aperture, a 952mm focal length, and a 0.9 arcsec resolution for detailed deep-sky and planetary work.
  • 152MM f/8 CF: The largest aperture in the lineup with a carbon fiber tube for reduced weight - best suited for advanced astrophotographers and visual observers chasing the finest detail and maximum light collection.

What's Included

  • ED127 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope OTA
  • Cradle rings with integrated handle and Vixen-style dovetail plate
  • Retractable dew shield
  • Explore Scientific 2N1 Finder Scope Base (finder scope not included)
  • Free Soft-Sided Telescope Case (limited time bonus - automatically added at checkout)

Why You'll Love It

The Explore Scientific ED127 has earned its place as a trusted instrument among serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers worldwide, with real-world captures of iconic targets like the Eagle Nebula's Pillars of Creation to its credit. The combination of true apochromatic optics, a rock-solid focuser, and flexible mounting options means this scope grows with you - from your first deep-sky session to years of dedicated imaging. Explore Scientific's commitment to precision manufacturing and diffraction-limited performance means you're getting observatory-grade optical quality in a portable, field-ready package. The Vixen-compatible dovetail and piggyback mount slot integrate seamlessly into existing setups, and the retractable dew shield makes packing up after a long night at the eyepiece fast and easy. Backed by an Explore Scientific limited warranty and designed for real-world use under real skies, the ED127 is a telescope serious observers come back to night after night.


Product Specifications

View Product Specs
Item Number ES-ED127075-04
Aperture 127mm
Focal Length 952mm
Focal Ratio f/7.5
Limiting Magnitude 13
Resolution 0.9 arcsec
Tube Length (with Dew Shield) 41.75" / 1060mm
Tube Length (without Dew Shield) 33.25" / 849mm
Tube Diameter 130mm
Weight 18 lb / 8.16 kg
Dovetail Standard Vixen
Optical Design Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor
Lens Glass HOYA FCD1 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)
Coatings EMD Enhanced Multi-Layer Coatings
Focuser 2" Two-Speed Rack-and-Pinion with Heavy-Duty Locks
Assembly Required Minimal - attach dovetail to mount and install finder base; no optical assembly required
Shipping Method Ships via standard carrier; no freight/pallet required

FAQ

What is the difference between an ED refractor and a standard refractor?

A standard refractor uses conventional glass elements that can cause chromatic aberration - color fringing around bright objects like stars and planets. An ED (extra-low dispersion) refractor uses specialty glass, like the HOYA FCD1 glass in the ED127, that dramatically reduces this effect. In an air-spaced triplet APO design, three separate lens elements work together to bring multiple wavelengths of light to the same focal point, producing images that are sharp, color-accurate, and essentially free of the purple or green halos seen in cheaper refractors.

Do I need an equatorial mount - and is one included?

A mount is not included with this telescope. For visual use, an alt-azimuth mount can work, but for astrophotography an equatorial (or equatorial tracker) mount is strongly recommended. The ED127 includes a Vixen-style dovetail plate, which is compatible with the vast majority of equatorial mounts available today, including Explore Scientific's own iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight tracker. Pairing this scope with a quality equatorial mount will unlock its full imaging potential.

Is the ED127 suitable for astrophotography beginners?

Yes, though it pairs best with at least a basic understanding of polar alignment and focusing. The two-speed focuser, push-pull collimation adjustments, and DSLR piggyback slot are all designed to make the imaging process as straightforward as possible. Beginners who are ready to invest in a quality setup will find the ED127 extremely capable and rewarding - and it is a scope you will not outgrow quickly.

What eyepieces or accessories do I need to get started?

The ED127 ships as an optical tube assembly (OTA) without eyepieces, a diagonal, or a finder scope. At a minimum, you will want a 2" or 1.25" star diagonal, one or two eyepieces in the 10-25mm range, and a compatible finder scope. For astrophotography, you will also need a T-ring adapter for your camera body and optionally a field flattener or focal reducer depending on your imaging goals.

How does the free Soft-Sided Telescope Case promotion work?

For a limited time, purchasing the ED127 automatically qualifies you for a free Soft-Sided Telescope Case. Simply add the ED127 to your cart, and the case will be added and discounted to $0 at checkout automatically - no coupon code required. This promotion is available while supplies last, so add to cart today to take advantage.

Product specifications table
Specification name Specification Value
Color pattern White, Black
Material Aluminum, Glass
Telescope level Intermediate
Telescope tracking system Manual

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