Serious amateur astronomers who choose apochromatic refractors understand that once you exceed 127mm of aperture, size and weight become limiting factors—often requiring large, expensive equatorial mounts. For many, that’s simply not practical. The Explore Scientific ED152, weighing only 20.5 lbs, offers a powerful solution: it pairs perfectly with lighter, mid-priced mounts like the Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight, making it an ideal choice for serious visual observers and astrophotographers alike.
With a 44% increase in light grasp over the ED127 and 125% more than the ED102, the ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet FCD1 Series in Carbon Fiber is a research-class refractor designed for high-performance imaging and observing. Whether you're studying transits on Jupiter, exploring the structure of Saturn’s rings, or tracing the delicate filaments of deep sky nebulae, this telescope delivers sharp, high-contrast, unobstructed views that many describe as “three-dimensional.”
Built with HOYA FCD1 ED glass and an air-spaced triplet design, the ED152 provides exceptional control of chromatic aberration and light transmission—offering views that rival much larger instruments, even under less-than-ideal conditions. The carbon fiber construction ensures thermal stability and lighter weight for easier mounting and transport.
Whether for a university observatory or the collection of a dedicated amateur, the ED152 is a workhorse optical tube assembly that handles virtually any observing or imaging task with scientific precision.
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
Included Features:
- 152mm air-spaced triplet optical design using HOYA FCD1 ED glass
- Carbon fiber optical tube for strength, weight reduction, and thermal stability
- Unobstructed, high-contrast apochromatic system
- Compatible with mid-weight equatorial mounts (e.g., Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight)
- Ideal for deep sky, planetary, and lunar imaging
- Research-grade optics suitable for institutional or advanced personal use
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories
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