The AR152 (six-inch), with its larger aperture optics gathers 44% more light over the AR127 (five-inch) model, providing much brighter images and higher resolution. Our goal was to provide an extreme value by providing true diffraction-limited optics at a price that will allow more people to explore the sky with a wide-field large aperture refractor. Images of deep sky objects are stunning at low powers. At high power the moon and the planets are revealed in sharp, high contrast. Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series has standard hardware which includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 2-inch 99% reflective, dielectric-coated mirror diagonal, and an 8x50 finder scope. You can be confident that the quality and construction of these telescopes will allow heavy use for many years.

Fully Multi-Coated Optics

The optics in their collimatable lens cell are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. We precision collimate every Explore Scientific telescope at our factory to give optimum performance. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it. Contrast is further enhanced with multiple baffles that mask and deflect unwanted stray light.

Deluxe Two-Speed Focuser

The Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series telescopes include a precision 2-inch, two-speed focuser as standard equipment. The eyepiece holder uses a compression ring to prevent the eyepiece or camera barrel from scoring. Perfect focus is easily achieved with the Explore Scientific ten-to-one, two-speed focuser. On those prestine nights of steady seeing, Saturn"s rings can forever affect the hearts and minds of almost anyone who lays eyes on them. It"s nights like these that astronomers like to set up their refractors and push the magnification to the limits, not only to see the magnificence of the planet at greater scale but to really test the optical and mechanical quality of the telescope. Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed 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 AR Series, 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.

Universal Mounting Plate

The universal adjustable mounting plate of the AR 152 fits on many popular equatorial and altazimuth mounts, including mounts supplied by Explore Scientific, Vixen, and Meade LXD55/75. Instead of using a cast metal part, Explore Scientific"s universal mounting plate is made from extruded aluminum for added strength, it is afterall what secures your telescope to the mount. We also include adjustment screws and locking bolts to allow adjustments to position the angle of the telescope when it is placed on its mount, an important feature when using an equatorial mount.

2-Inch 99% Reflective Dielectric-Coated Diagonal Mirror

The two inch 99% reflective mirror diagonal includes a 1.25" eyepiece holder adapter. 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, 99% reflective, dielectric-coated diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment.

8x50 Finder Scope

The Explore Scientific 8x50 finder scope provides a true field of view of 6°. Its coated optics provide a bright high-resolution image so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected for precise aiming. The front objective can be custom focused to provide a sharp image every time.

Features:

• Optical design: air-spaced doublet achromatic refractor
• Clear aperture: 152mm
• Focal length: 988mm
• Focal ratio: f/6.5
• Resolving power: 0.77 arc seconds
• Coatings: fuly multi-coated
• Limiting stellar magnitude: 13.4
• Maximum practical visual power: 600x
• Lowest useful visual power: 21.7x
• Focuser: ten-to-one dual-speed Crayford-style, w/adjustable tension and lock
• Finder scope: 8x50 straight; adjustable objective focus; dual-ring, six-point, bracket w/quick release shoe
• Cradle/saddle plate: tri ring style with handle – fits Explore Scientific mounts; Vixen mounts; Meade LXD55/75 mounts
• Tube diameter: 6.21" – 157.7mm
• Tube length: 41" – 1041.4mm
• Tube construction: aluminum; stainless steel

The kit includes:

• Optical tube with removable dew-shield
• Front and rear dust covers
• Cradle rings with handle and univsersal saddle plate
• Two-speed focuser 2.0" I.D.
• 8x50 Finderscope with six point adjustable bracket
• 2.0" 99% reflective mirror diagonal with 1.25" adapter