The Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 Carbon Fiber Triplet is a premium apochromatic refractor that blends ultra-high-end optics with lightweight engineering for serious astronomers and astrophotographers. Built with HOYA’s finest FCD100 ED glass, this telescope delivers vibrant contrast, true color fidelity, and pinpoint stars—free of chromatic aberration.
The carbon fiber optical tube dramatically reduces weight while increasing thermal stability, making this scope perfect for grab-and-go observing, remote imaging, or piggyback astrophotography. Its air-spaced triplet design and EMD-enhanced coatings bring out stunning planetary detail and deep-sky brilliance. Paired with a heavy-duty 2.5" HEX focuser that holds up to 10 lbs of imaging gear, the ED102 Carbon is a lightweight powerhouse designed for precision at every level.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- 102mm f/7 air-spaced triplet APO with HOYA FCD100 ED glass for professional-grade optics
- Carbon fiber tube for reduced weight and thermal expansion — ideal for mobile and stable setups
- EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings maximize light transmission and contrast
- 2.5" HEX focuser with rigid hexagonal design — supports up to 10 lbs of imaging gear
- Extension tubes (1" and 2") included for back focus customization in imaging setups
- Cradle ring with built-in handle and Vixen-style dovetail for easy, stable mounting
- Integrated dew shield helps prevent condensation and blocks stray light
- Explore Scientific 2N1 hybrid finder scope base — compatible with multiple finder accessories (finder not included)
- 99% reflective 2" diagonal mirror for bright, clear views
🌟 Who It’s For
- Astrophotographers needing color-perfect optics and reliable mechanical stability
- Visual observers who want high contrast and tack-sharp planetary and DSO views
- Traveling astronomers or those with limited setup time looking for a lightweight but powerful APO
- Advanced users with heavy cameras or filter wheels who need a robust focuser that won’t sag or slip
- Anyone wanting professional-level imaging without the size and complexity of larger instruments
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- The Moon’s intricate features, Saturn’s ring divisions, and Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
- Deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and globular star clusters in stunning clarity
- Wide-field nebulae and star fields perfect for large-sensor DSLR and CMOS imaging
- Pinpoint stars with no fringing, even on bright targets
- Ready for long-exposure astrophotography with superb flatness and focus stability
🎒 What’s Included
- Explore Scientific ED102 FCD100 Carbon Fiber Triplet Optical Tube
- 2.5" HEX Focuser with 10 lb payload capacity
- 2" and 1" Extension Tubes for back focus tuning
- Cradle Ring with Handle and Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate
- Integrated Dew Shield
- 2" 99% Reflective Diagonal Mirror
- Explore Scientific 2N1 Finder Scope Base (finder not included)
- Dust Caps and Mounting Hardware
- Limited 1-Year Warranty (extendable to 2 years with product registration)
Specs
| Item Number | FCD100–10207-CF-01 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 714 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/7 |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) |
| Dovetail Plate | 45 mm wide with cone-angle adjustments (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