Explore Scientific AR152 152mm f/6.5 Achromatic Refractor Telescope (OTA only)
The AR152 152mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope from Explore Scientific features a doublet achromatic lens system which virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations. This translates to a distortion-free viewing experience with true color rendition across the entire field of view.
The scope uses a heavy-duty 2" Crayford-style focuser. Unlike a traditional rack-and-pinion focuser, a Crayford-style uses a steel rod held tightly against the focus tube. This toothless friction system eliminates backlash and enables ultra-fine precision focusing. The combination of aberration-free optics, precision focusing and a fast f/6.5 focal ratio make this telescope ideally suited for wide-field astrophotography and astroimaging.
A mounting cradle-ring clamps over optical tube assembly (OTA), and lets the user adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balancing, while avoiding interference with other equipment. The scope is offered without a mount or tripod, but a Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any mount head with a Vixen-style saddle.
Optical Performance
Aperture: 152mm
Focal ratio: f/6.5
Focal length: 988mm
Refractor-style optical design
Low dispersion achromatic doublet lens system
Achromatic lenses eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations for true color rendition and without distortion across the entire field of view
8x50 non-illuminated finderscope with quick-release bracket
Focuser
2" diameter focuser
Dual-speed Crayford-style
Crayford focusers use a toothless friction system that allows for super-fine precision focusing without backlash
Large 2" drawtube prevents vignetting when using wide-field eyepieces for viewing, or large imaging sensors for astrophotography
2"-to-1.25" reducer adapter allows the use of the more common 1.25" eyepieces and accessories
Hybrid Finder Scope Base
Accepts all legacy Explore Scientific finder scope brackets and mini dovetail-type (e.g. Vixen, Synta, and Celestron) finder scope brackets
Rugged all-metal parts with black-anodized base and chrome-plated metal screws
Safety stops prevent the finder scope from sliding through to prevent falls when attaching screws are loosened
Mount
User-supplied mount and tripod required
Vixen-style dovetail plate included
Compatible with any alt-az or equatorial mount with a Vixen-style saddle
Cradle-ring assembly for plate allows the scope orientation to be changed based on mount configuration
Integrated carry handle on cradle-ring assembly
Diagonal
One-piece 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing, especially nearing the zenith
Diagonal mirror has highly-reflective dielectric coatings for up to 99% light transmission