{"product_id":"fcd100-series-127mm-f-7-5-carbon-fiber-triplet-ed-apo-refractor-telescope-with-2-5-hex-focuser","title":"FCD100 Series 127mm f\/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope with 2.5\" HEX Focuser","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFCD100 Series 127mm f\/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope with 2.5\" HEX Focuser\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  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.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n  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.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHOYA FCD100 ED Glass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Premium extra-low dispersion glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for exceptional color correction and razor-sharp clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAir-Spaced Triplet APO Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e True triplet apochromatic optics produce crisp, high-contrast views with pinpoint stars edge-to-edge across the visual spectrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e127mm Aperture \/ 952mm Focal Length \/ f\/7.5:\u003c\/strong\u003e A versatile optical profile suited for both wide-field imaging and detailed planetary and lunar observation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarbon Fiber Optical Tube:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightweight yet rigid carbon fiber construction weighing just 14 lb (6.4 kg) minimizes thermal expansion for stable, consistent focus during long sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2.5\" HEX Focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEMD-Enhanced Multi-Coatings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced EMD coatings on all optical surfaces maximize light transmission and contrast for brighter, richer views.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e99% Reflective Diagonal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Included high-reflectivity diagonal ensures minimal light loss for visually stunning observations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated Dew Shield:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in dew shield helps maintain a clear optical path in humid or cold conditions, extending productive observing time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVixen Dovetail:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Vixen-compatible dovetail plate ensures compatibility with a wide range of equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimiting Magnitude 13 \/ Resolution .9 arcsec:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers deep-sky reach and fine planetary detail for advanced visual and imaging work.\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\u003eFCD100 127mm f\/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope (OTA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e2.5\" HEX Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated Dew Shield\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e99% Reflective Diagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVixen Dovetail Plate\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 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.\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\u003eFCD100-127075-CF-01\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e127mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e952mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLimiting Magnitude\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.9 arcsec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (with Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e41.75\" \/ 1060mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Length (without Dew Shield)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e33.25\" \/ 849mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e145mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14 lb \/ 6.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFocuser\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5\" HEX Focuser (supports up to 10 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDovetail\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGlass Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHOYA FCD100 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon Fiber\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 makes FCD100 glass special compared to standard ED glass?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eHOYA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs this telescope suitable for astrophotography, or is it primarily for visual use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat mount is recommended for this telescope?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes the carbon fiber tube affect performance differently than an aluminum tube in cold weather?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWill this telescope ship standard, or does it require special freight delivery?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the warranty on this telescope?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-content\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55918236500273,"sku":"FCD100-127075-CF-01","price":2799.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1724\/7681\/files\/FCD100-127075-CF-01_Black_1.jpg?v=1787663237","url":"https:\/\/omahasportsandgames.com\/products\/fcd100-series-127mm-f-7-5-carbon-fiber-triplet-ed-apo-refractor-telescope-with-2-5-hex-focuser","provider":"Omaha Sports \u0026 Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}