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.

152mm Aperture    988mm Focal Length, f/6.5 Focal Ratio    Achromatic Doublet Lens System    2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser    2" Dielectric 90° Diagonal    Vixen-Style Dovetail Mounting Plate    Mounting Cradle-Ring with Handle    8x50 Finderscope    OTA Only - Mount and Tripod Required

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What parts do I need to mount my Nikon Z mirrorless to this scope?

A: You would need this T mount adaopter to connect the Nikon Z camera to a T mount slipped into the eyepiece mount of the telescope: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1494991-REG/vivitar_hf_t2_nik_z_t_mount_to_nikon_z_mount.html Then you will need to get the actual T mount : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/202135-REG/Celestron_93625_SLR_35mm_OR_Digital.html

Q: 2. What other accessories are required to have a flat field with a ZWO ASI533MC-Pro?

A: Will you be using the 2" or the 1.25" for your astrophotohraphy.?

Q: 3. How can I attach this scope to a 1/4 -20 camera tripod for terrestrial viewing?

A: You would connect the Losmandy Universal Dovetail Plate (7") https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1279940-REG/losmandy_dup_7_universal_dovetail_plate_7.html

Q: 4. Viewing wise what size Mak-cas would be equal to a 102 mm refractor ?

A: You cant match the field of view (how much of sky you see) with a mak but a mak 130 to 150 would yeld the same viewing resolution

Q: 5. Is a field flattner recommended with this refractor?

A: a field flattener is not necessary for visual use, but one can be used to improve image quality when using large image sensors for photography

Q: 6. Hi, i have a very good video tripod, but the scope will not attach. Do you have a link to a part that will secure this scope to my tripod? I have a pic of tripod if you need it. Thanks.

A: You will need the Farpoint Vixen-to-Losmandy-D Dovetail Adapter BH #FAFVS2D • MFR #FVS2D to make the connection.

Q: 7. I purchased this scope a few weeks ago. I have yet to achieve focus using a dslr without the diagonal. I've purchased 2" extension tubes that just dont fit on the tubes that came with it. What extention tubes actually fit on this?

A: What make and model of camera are you using and where in the scope are you mounting the camera

Q: 8. Is there a T-adapter and T-ring that will let me focus my Nikon D750 camera with this telescope ?

A: You would need these 2 parts: https://bhpho.to/35GIvN3 Plus: https://bhpho.to/35M3E8u

Q: 9. What is the manification?

A: The Explore Scientific FirstLight 150mm f/5 Reflector Telescope (OTA Only) BH #EXFLN150750 • MFR #FL-N150750 has a 750mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio Magnification will be determined on the millimeter of the eyepiece being used.

Q: 10. What would I need to use my existing 2" Optolong filters with this telescope?

A: No other purchase is necessary. It is set up for 2"