The Explore Scientific ED152 Carbon Fiber FCD1 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor represents the sweet spot for advanced amateur astronomers and imaging enthusiasts who need premium apochromatic performance without the burden of heavy, oversized mounts.
With 152mm of aperture, this telescope delivers a 44% increase in light grasp over the ED127 and a staggering 125% over the ED102, making it ideal for capturing planetary transits, tracing wispy nebulae, or resolving tight double stars. Thanks to its air-spaced triplet lens system crafted from HOYA FCD1 ED glass, the ED152 offers crisp, high-contrast views with excellent chromatic correction—free from the false color often seen in lesser refractors.
Despite its power, the OTA weighs just 20.5 lbs, thanks to its carbon fiber construction, which not only reduces weight but ensures superior thermal stability—a critical factor for both visual observing and long-exposure imaging. This design makes it a perfect match for mid-weight equatorial mounts like the Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight, giving users professional-grade performance in a highly portable format.
From planetary studies to deep-sky astrophotography, the ED152 offers research-class optics that elevate any telescope setup to the next level.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
⭐ Features & Benefits
- 152mm aperture offers significant light grasp for deep-sky and planetary imaging
- Air-spaced triplet design with HOYA FCD1 ED glass for exceptional color correction
- Carbon fiber optical tube provides strength, reduced weight, and thermal stability
- Apochromatic refractor design ensures sharp, high-contrast, unobstructed views
- Pairs well with Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight and other mid-weight equatorial mounts
- Suitable for serious imaging, lunar/planetary observation, and institutional research
- Lightweight for its class — excellent for field setups and transportable observatories
🌟 Who It’s For
- Advanced amateur astronomers wanting premium triplet performance
- Astrophotographers seeking sharp, high-fidelity images across the field
- University departments and research institutions needing reliable optical precision
- Observers who need big performance without the weight and size of larger refractors
- Anyone upgrading from a 102mm or 127mm refractor looking for a next-level instrument
🎯 What You’ll Be Able to See
- Detailed lunar surface structure, including rilles, domes, and crater walls
- High-resolution views of Jupiter’s belts, Saturn’s rings, and planetary transits
- Deep-sky objects like the Rosette Nebula, Veil Nebula, and M13 globular cluster
- Excellent color rendering and edge-to-edge sharpness in wide-field imaging
🎒 What’s Included
- 152mm Carbon Fiber Optical Tube Assembly
- Air-spaced triplet lens system with HOYA FCD1 ED glass
- High-quality 2.5" dual-speed focuser (depending on final configuration)
- Cradle rings and dovetail plate (model dependent)
- Dust cover, and finder base pre-installed
- Ready for diagonal, imaging accessories, or visual use (sold separately)
Specs
| Item Number | TED15208CF-HEX33 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 1216 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/8 |
| Limiting Magnitude | 13 |
| Resolution | 0.75 arcseconds |
| Tube Length (w/ Dew Shield) | 52 in (1320 mm) |
| Tube Length (w/o Dew Shield) | 41 in (1041 mm) |
| Optical Tube Diameter | 152 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) |
| Dovetail Plate | Losmandy-style |
| Total Image Circle | 50.8 mm |
| Total Image Circle (with 3" Adapter) | 76 mm |
| Full Illumination Circle (Flat Field Adapter) | 36 mm |
| Full Illumination Circle (0.7× Reducer, 2") | 20.9 mm |
| Full Illumination Circle (0.7× Reducer, 3") | 30.3 mm |
| Distortion-Free Image Circle (Flat Field Adapter) | 40.4 mm |
| Distortion-Free Image Circle (0.7× Reducer, 2") | 46.4 mm |
| Distortion-Free Image Circle (0.7× Reducer, 3") | 46.4 mm |
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