The Explore Scientific AR102 is a lightweight 4" air-spaced achromatic refractor that delivers crisp, contrast-rich views in a travel-friendly design—perfect for beginners, educators, or seasoned astronomers looking for a grab-and-go setup. With 102mm of aperture and a fast f/6.5 focal ratio, this telescope offers wide-field vistas of the night sky while maintaining sharp planetary and lunar detail.
Built with crown-and-flint doublet optics and a superior optical figure, the AR102 achieves outstanding performance without the cost of an apochromatic system. It’s an excellent platform for public outreach, classroom demonstrations, or backyard observing.
At just 11.5 lbs, the scope is easy to carry and mount, yet tough enough to stand up to frequent use. It comes fully outfitted with a 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, dielectric diagonal, finder scope, and mounting rings with a Vixen-style dovetail, giving you everything you need to get started—just add eyepieces and a mount.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- 102mm air-spaced achromatic doublet for sharp, high-contrast views
- f/6.5 focal ratio offers wide-field performance and fast optical speed
- Lightweight (11.5 lbs) for easy transport, travel, and outreach
- 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser with compression ring for smooth focus
- 99% dielectric-coated 2" diagonal delivers bright, high-contrast images
- 8x50 finder scope with quick-release bracket for fast target acquisition
- Heavy-duty cradle rings with Vixen-style dovetail for versatile mounting
- Ideal for planetary, lunar, and deep sky observing—even under light-polluted skies
- Optional interferometric test data available after 120 days of ownership
🌟 Who It’s For
- Beginner to intermediate observers wanting a quality refractor without breaking the bank
- Educators and outreach leaders looking for a tough, easy-to-use scope
- Traveling astronomers needing a lightweight but capable optical tube
- Anyone who values fast setup and sharp views in a compact package
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- Beautiful lunar craters, valleys, and ridges with rich contrast
- Planetary features such as Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons
- Bright nebulae, open star clusters, and even a few galaxies
- Wide-field views of the Milky Way, eclipses, and celestial events
🎒 What’s Included
- 102mm f/6.5 air-spaced doublet OTA
- 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser with compression ring
- 2" dielectric diagonal (99% reflectivity) with 1.25" adapter
- 8x50 straight-through finder scope with quick-release bracket
- Cradle ring assembly with Vixen-style dovetail mounting plate
- Optional: Interferometric certification available upon request after 120 days
Specs
| Item Number | DAR102065-02 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 663 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/6.5 |
| Limiting Magnitude | 12.5 |
| Resolution | 1.14 arcseconds |
| Tube Length (w/ Dew Shield) | 25.5 in (698 mm) |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 101 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Dovetail Plate | 45 mm wide (Vixen-style) |
Warranty Information:
This product includes a Limited One-Year USA Warranty, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase.
To activate your warranty, register your product at:
www.explorescientific.com/pages/product-registration