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Hoya ED Glass, a Critical Element of Explore Scientific ED Apochromatic Refracting Telescopes
Explore Scientific uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) FCD1 (Dense Fluor Crown) glass developed by Hoya Optical of Japan to enable the
production of lenses that offer superior sharpness and color correction by minimizing the color dispersion (chromatic aberration,
or the "false" color fringing seen around bright objects that happens when light rays pass through standard crown-and-flint
doublet objectives). This glass type offers a more durable and long lasting solution to produce an optic to minimize chromatic
aberration over delicate fluorite crystal objectives that are prone to fracturing and absorbing moisture.
High Performance Optics Demand a High Precision Focuser
Exploring the fine features around the Moon's Hadley Rille will put to test observing skills of any astronomer as well as
precision of telescope optics. Better optical quality dictates more precise focusing.
This is especially true when observing at high magnification or when making CCD images. With a standard focuser, you will find
that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration.
So we included as standard equipment, on all Explore Scientific ED Apos, a ten-to-one, two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser
with tension adjustment and lock to obtain and hold perfect focus. We think you'll agree that such precision is worth it.
Optical Alignment
One of the bonuses of ownership of a refractor is that, compared to standard reflector telescopes, they almost never require
re-aligning of the optics (collimation). However, any telescope that is subjected to shock may require optical alignment.
Removing the dew shield, you can access the alignment screws, which you can adjust yourself by referring to the instructions. You
can also send it to Explore Scientific’s Service Center for alignment. A standard service charge applies.
Viewing Comfort and the Preservation of Precious Light
The purpose of a diagonal is to securely hold your eyepiece and to give you a comfortable viewing angle.
Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific's Two Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal
body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment. Ultra-high reflective
coatings (99% reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output.
We Keep You from Getting Lost in the Dark!
Many premium small refractors don't include some basic accessories like a viewfinder. This is often done to keep prices down.
Those manufacturers rationalize that its owner simply will not need a viewfinder... wrong!
While it's true that ED Apos in this aperture usually have short focal lengths, it still is a challenge to successfully aim the
telescope without a viewfinder. So we decided to offer a superior class 8x50 viewfinder as standard equipment.
Both 2" and 1.25" eyepiece holders use compression rings instead of a simple set-screw to more securely hold your valued eyepiece
(or imaging device) and to minimize scoring of eyepiece barrels. You can thread standard 48mm filters into the barrel.
The Explore Scientific 8x50 produces a wide 6° field of view and allows precision focus of both main objective and eyepiece
illuminated reticle. A precision polished roof prism produces images that are right-side-up, left-to-right correct. In other
words, things are not upside-down and backwards like most viewfinders. Our illuminated reticle is truly designed for finding
objects with its open center (so you don't mask the object you are centering with cross hairs) and scale markings for 1.5°,
3°, and 4.5° (the edge of the field of view is the 6° boundary).
The 55° apparent field, long eye-relief eyepiece produces a bright 15.5mm exit pupil and will allow you to find faint
galaxies, comets, and nebulae. All optics are fully-multicoated to insure maximum contrast.
Universal Mounting Plate
The Universal Adjustable Mounting Plate of the ED 102 fits on mounts supplied by Explore Scientific, Vixen, and Meade LXD55/75.
It also attaches to photo tripods with standard USA or European thread attaching knobs.
You can mount the ED 102 to many popular equatorial and Altaz mounts, including a Explore Scientific Mount.
Free Extended Warranty!
All Explore Scientific telescopes and telescope accessories are covered under our standard U.S.A. One Year Limited Warranty
against defects with proof of purchase, but you can extend this limited warranty to five years by simply filling out the product
registration and submit it in within 60 days.
This program is also available to the person who receives your gift of an Explore Scientific telescope. You don't need to give
them the purchase receipt, just remind them to fill out the registration and submit it, and we'll take care of the rest.
Optical Design: Air-Spaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor with HOYA® Dense Fluor Crown, FCD1 ED Glass
Clear Aperture: 102mm
Focal Length: 714mm
Focal Ratio: f/7
Resolving Power: 1.14 arc seconds
Coatings: EMDâ„¢ (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition) Coatings
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 12.5
Maximum Practical Visual Power: 400x
Lowest Useful Visual Power: 14.5x
Focuser: Ten-to-One Dual-Speed Crayford-Style, w/ Adjustable Tension and Lock
Viewfinder: 8x50 Straight; Correct Image; Illuminated Reticle; Adjustable Objective and Eyepiece Focus; Dual-Ring, Six-Point,
Bracket w/Quick Release Shoe
Saddle Plate: Dual Ring Style - Fits Explore Scientific Mounts; Vixen Mounts; Meade LXD55/75 Mounts
Tube Diameter: -
Tube Length: 30.5 in.; 774.7mm (incl. dew shield)
23.75 in; 603.25mm (without dew shield)
Tube Construction: Aluminum; Stainless Steel
Optical Tube Assembly Weight: 9.62 lbs; 4.36 kgs. |
