FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope with 2.5" HEX Focuser
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FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope with 2.5" HEX Focuser
Description
The Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor is a professional-grade telescope engineered for serious astronomers and dedicated astrophotographers who refuse to compromise on optical quality. At its heart is premium HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass paired with a true air-spaced triplet design, virtually eliminating chromatic aberration and delivering pinpoint-sharp, high-contrast views across the entire visual spectrum. The rigid carbon fiber optical tube keeps thermal expansion to a minimum and tips the scales at just 14 pounds, making it genuinely portable without sacrificing the structural integrity needed for precision imaging.
A 952mm focal length at f/7.5 strikes an ideal balance between wide-field imaging and high-magnification planetary observation, while EMD-enhanced multi-coatings and a 99% reflective diagonal push contrast and light throughput to the limits of what a refractor can achieve. Whether you're tracking Saturn's rings on a crisp night, capturing deep-sky nebulae, or exploring distant galaxies, this telescope delivers the kind of performance that moves astrophotography from hobby to art form.
Key Features
- HOYA FCD100 ED Glass: Premium extra-low dispersion glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for exceptional color correction and razor-sharp clarity.
- Air-Spaced Triplet APO Design: True triplet apochromatic optics produce crisp, high-contrast views with pinpoint stars edge-to-edge across the visual spectrum.
- 127mm Aperture / 952mm Focal Length / f/7.5: A versatile optical profile suited for both wide-field imaging and detailed planetary and lunar observation.
- Carbon Fiber Optical Tube: Lightweight yet rigid carbon fiber construction weighing just 14 lb (6.4 kg) minimizes thermal expansion for stable, consistent focus during long sessions.
- 2.5" HEX Focuser: Heavy-duty focuser supports up to 10 lbs of imaging equipment - filter wheels, large camera sensors, and accessories - with smooth, precise travel at any angle.
- EMD-Enhanced Multi-Coatings: Advanced EMD coatings on all optical surfaces maximize light transmission and contrast for brighter, richer views.
- 99% Reflective Diagonal: Included high-reflectivity diagonal ensures minimal light loss for visually stunning observations.
- Integrated Dew Shield: Built-in dew shield helps maintain a clear optical path in humid or cold conditions, extending productive observing time.
- Vixen Dovetail: Standard Vixen-compatible dovetail plate ensures compatibility with a wide range of equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.
- Limiting Magnitude 13 / Resolution .9 arcsec: Delivers deep-sky reach and fine planetary detail for advanced visual and imaging work.
What's Included
- FCD100 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope (OTA)
- 2.5" HEX Focuser
- Integrated Dew Shield
- 99% Reflective Diagonal
- Vixen Dovetail Plate
Why You'll Love It
The Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm CF is the kind of telescope that rewards serious dedication - trusted by advanced amateur astronomers and aspiring professionals who demand the best from their equipment night after night. The combination of HOYA FCD100 glass and a true air-spaced triplet design puts this scope in the same optical conversation as instruments costing significantly more, while the carbon fiber tube keeps your kit genuinely grab-and-go portable. Explore Scientific has built a reputation for producing high-performance optics that hold up to the demands of regular use in the field, and the FCD100 series represents the pinnacle of that commitment. Whether you're setting up in your backyard or hauling gear to a dark sky site, this scope is ready to perform. For anyone serious about astrophotography or high-magnification visual astronomy, the FCD100 127mm CF is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
Product Specifications
View Product Specs
| Item Number | FCD100-127075-CF-01 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 145mm |
| Weight | 14 lb / 6.4 kg |
| Focuser | 2.5" HEX Focuser (supports up to 10 lbs) |
| Dovetail | Vixen |
| Optical Design | Air-Spaced Triplet APO |
| Glass Type | HOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) |
| Tube Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Brand | Explore Scientific |
FAQ
What makes FCD100 glass special compared to standard ED glass?
HOYA FCD100 is an ultra-premium extra-low dispersion glass that sits at the top tier of refractor optics. It has an exceptionally low refractive index and anomalous dispersion characteristics, meaning it bends different wavelengths of light nearly identically - resulting in virtually no chromatic aberration (color fringing). This puts it in the same class as fluorite optics but with greater durability and environmental stability. For astrophotography especially, the difference in star color accuracy and edge sharpness compared to standard ED glass is immediately noticeable.
Is this telescope suitable for astrophotography, or is it primarily for visual use?
It excels at both, but it is genuinely astrophotography-capable at a high level. The 2.5" HEX focuser supports up to 10 lbs of imaging equipment, the carbon fiber tube minimizes focus shift due to temperature changes, and the apochromatic triplet optics deliver the flat, aberration-free image circle that imaging sensors demand. For best results with a full-frame camera sensor, pairing it with a field flattener (such as the Explore Scientific 3" Field Flattener) is recommended.
What mount is recommended for this telescope?
For visual use, a sturdy alt-azimuth or equatorial mount rated for at least 15-20 lbs of payload capacity is recommended to ensure stability. For astrophotography, an equatorial tracking mount with a payload capacity of at least 20-25 lbs is ideal - such as a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R, iOptron CEM40, or similar. The included Vixen dovetail is compatible with a wide range of mounts from most major manufacturers.
Does the carbon fiber tube affect performance differently than an aluminum tube in cold weather?
Yes, and this is one of the main advantages of carbon fiber for telescopes. Carbon fiber has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning the tube length - and therefore focus point - changes very little as temperatures drop during a night of observing. With an aluminum tube, significant focus drift can occur as the air and telescope cool down. Carbon fiber largely eliminates this problem, meaning less time re-focusing and more time imaging or observing.
Will this telescope ship standard, or does it require special freight delivery?
This telescope ships as a standard parcel (not freight on a pallet) and qualifies for free shipping on orders over $70 within the continental United States. USPS orders may require an additional business day for processing. The telescope arrives in a manufacturer's box, so we recommend inspecting the package upon arrival and contacting us immediately if there are any signs of shipping damage.
What is the warranty on this telescope?
This telescope comes with a limited warranty from Explore Scientific. To activate your full warranty coverage, you must register your product within 60 days of purchase through Explore Scientific's website. Please review the full Explore Scientific Warranty Policy for specific terms and coverage details.
Thank you for trusting us with your order! This product is shipped directly from the manufacturing warehouse to get to customers all over the U.S. as soon as possible!
While many of our products are prepared and shipped out within 48 hours, some of our items are built to order or require custom pieces that could take 2-6 weeks to prepare before shipping! Please contact us at 888-884-2234 for a delivery ETA if you have a strict timeline.
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Omaha Sports & Games Team
Returns & Refunds Policy
Return Policy
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To start a return, you can contact us at service@omahasportsandgames.com.
If your return request is accepted, it will be up to you as the buyer to return the item in its original packaging, unworn and unused. You as the buyer will be responsible for paying the return shipping. We may be able to assist you in scheduling a pickup for return but the payment will still be your responsibility. You can always contact us for any return question at service@omahasportsandgames.com.
All products are subject to a minimum 15% restocking fee based on the quality of the returned product and packaging.
Items opened, tested, used, or any other non-new condition may be eligible for return based on the manufacturer's return policy.
Shipping Damages and Issues
You must inspect your order upon reception and refuse delivery if you see damage. DO NOT sign for delivery if there is apparent damage to the product. If you sign for the delivery and later claim shipping damage, there is very little we can do to help.
If your order does not require signing at delivery and is instead just dropped off at doorstep with damage, contact us immediately with photos of the damaged boxes.
If your item(s) is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, contact us immediately so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, such as custom products, special orders or personalized items. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items, gift cards, or multiple product bundle discounts.
| Specification name | Specification Value |
|---|---|
| Color pattern | Black, Blue |
| Material | Carbon |
| Telescope tracking system | Manual |