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Explore Scientific ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet Telescope in Carbon Fiber

SKU TED15208CF-HEX33

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$4,499.99

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CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning(s)

Serious amateur astronomers who choose apochromatic refractors know that generally once you start using an instrument larger than 127mm, that the limitation of size and weight can become a problem, often requiring a larger-class equatorial mount that is expensive and heavy. For some, large and heavy telescopes and mounts are out of the question due to physical constraints. With the Explore Scientific ED152 at only 20.5 lbs, many mid-priced, lighter, and more portable equatorial mounts (such as the precision Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight) are perfectly matched with this optical tube assembly for high quality astrophotography and serious visual use.

With its 44% increase in light grasp and image brightness compared to the ED127 Air-Spaced Triplet, and 125% increase compared to the ED102 Air-Spaced Triplet, the ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet FCD1 Series in Carbon Fiber is a research-class instrument, ready for high-productivity assignments.

Observe moon transits with their shadows across the face of Jupiter, as well as structural detail and color variations within the wake of the Great Red Spot and at the boundaries of numerous equatorial cloud belts; resolve Cassini’s and Enke’s Divisions of Saturn’s rings and substructures within the rings themselves. Nebulae and galaxies objects appear like they are etched in crystal” some describe it as “three-dimensional” against a very dark sky because of the telescope’s unobstructed, high contrast optical system.

Nebulae stand out in splendid detail, giving one the impression they are looking through a much larger aperture telescope, with filamentary structures observable even under less than optimal seeing conditions. A wide range of accessories is available to suit virtually any observing requirement.

For the school or university observatory, or to add to the collection of instruments for the dedicated amateur astronomer, the ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet FCD1 Series in Carbon Fiber is a true work-horse optical instrument ready for any observing or imaging requirement.

Astrophotography with the ED152

Perhaps the only way to show how a telescope performs as an astrograph is to show images made by it. Here is a collection:

Douglas Struble with his Explore Scientific ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet

Struble's Planetary Cosmos

Douglas Struble is fascinated by planetary nebulae because they represent the most pivotal object in the universe; the death of a star releasing a tremendous amount of elements of which everything is made from. This blog shows a selection of Struble's images with his Explore Scientific ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet.

    Standard Equipment: 152mm aperture Air-Spaced Triplet Optics with HOYA FCD1 ED Glass and EMD Coatings; Carbon Fiber Tube Assembly and Removeable Dew Shield; Two-Speed 3" Hexagonal Focuser; Cradle Ring with Handle and Losmandy-Style Dovetail Plate; Hybrid 2N1 finder base99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal

    Suggested Accessories:

    Recommended Accessories: Astrozap 6” Dew Heater Strap

    CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)

      Item Number TED15208CF-HEX33
      Focal Length 1216mm
      Focal Ratio f/8
      Limiting Magnitude 13
      Resolution  .75 arcsec
      Tube Length w/ Dew Shield 52"; 1320mm
      Tube Length w/out Dew Shield 41"; 1041mm
      Diameter 152mm
      Weight 20.5lb; 9.3kg
      Dovetail Losmandy
      Total image circle 50.8mm
      Total image circle with 3" adapter 76mm
      Full illumination image circle with flat field adapter 36mm
      Full illumination image circle with 0.7 focal reducer (2") 20.9mm
      Full illumination image circle with 0.7 focal reducer (3") 30.3mm
      Image circle without distortion with flat field adapter 40.4mm
      Image circle without distortion with 0.7 focal reducer (2") 46.4mm
      Image circle without distortion with 0.7 focal reducer (3") 46.4mm


      Limited Warranty is one year, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when product is registered within 60 days of purchase. Click Here to register


      Serious amateur astronomers who choose apochromatic refractors know that generally once you start using an instrument larger than 127mm, that the limitation of size and weight can become a problem, often requiring a larger-class equatorial mount that is expensive and heavy. For some, large and heavy telescopes and mounts are out of the question due to physical constraints. With the Explore Scientific ED152 at only 20.5 lbs, many mid-priced, lighter, and more portable equatorial mounts (such as the precision Losmandy G11 PMC-Eight) are perfectly matched with this optical tube assembly for high quality astrophotography and serious visual use.

      With its 44% increase in light grasp and image brightness compared to the ED127 Air-Spaced Triplet, and 125% increase compared to the ED102 Air-Spaced Triplet, the ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet FCD1 Series in Carbon Fiber is a research-class instrument, ready for high-productivity assignments.

      Observe moon transits with their shadows across the face of Jupiter, as well as structural detail and color variations within the wake of the Great Red Spot and at the boundaries of numerous equatorial cloud belts; resolve Cassini’s and Enke’s Divisions of Saturn’s rings and substructures within the rings themselves. Nebulae and galaxies objects appear like they are etched in crystal” some describe it as “three-dimensional” against a very dark sky because of the telescope’s unobstructed, high contrast optical system.

      Nebulae stand out in splendid detail, giving one the impression they are looking through a much larger aperture telescope, with filamentary structures observable even under less than optimal seeing conditions. A wide range of accessories is available to suit virtually any observing requirement.

      For the school or university observatory, or to add to the collection of instruments for the dedicated amateur astronomer, the ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet FCD1 Series in Carbon Fiber is a true work-horse optical instrument ready for any observing or imaging requirement.

      Astrophotography with the ED152

      Perhaps the only way to show how a telescope performs as an astrograph is to show images made by it. Here is a collection:

      Douglas Struble with his Explore Scientific ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet

      Struble's Planetary Cosmos

      Douglas Struble is fascinated by planetary nebulae because they represent the most pivotal object in the universe; the death of a star releasing a tremendous amount of elements of which everything is made from. This blog shows a selection of Struble's images with his Explore Scientific ED152 Air-Spaced Triplet.

        Standard Equipment: 152mm aperture Air-Spaced Triplet Optics with HOYA FCD1 ED Glass and EMD Coatings; Carbon Fiber Tube Assembly and Removeable Dew Shield; Two-Speed 3" Hexagonal Focuser; Cradle Ring with Handle and Losmandy-Style Dovetail Plate; Hybrid 2N1 finder base99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal

        Suggested Accessories:

        Recommended Accessories: Astrozap 6” Dew Heater Strap

        CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)

          Item Number TED15208CF-HEX33
          Focal Length 1216mm
          Focal Ratio f/8
          Limiting Magnitude 13
          Resolution  .75 arcsec
          Tube Length w/ Dew Shield 52"; 1320mm
          Tube Length w/out Dew Shield 41"; 1041mm
          Diameter 152mm
          Weight 20.5lb; 9.3kg
          Dovetail Losmandy
          Total image circle 50.8mm
          Total image circle with 3" adapter 76mm
          Full illumination image circle with flat field adapter 36mm
          Full illumination image circle with 0.7 focal reducer (2") 20.9mm
          Full illumination image circle with 0.7 focal reducer (3") 30.3mm
          Image circle without distortion with flat field adapter 40.4mm
          Image circle without distortion with 0.7 focal reducer (2") 46.4mm
          Image circle without distortion with 0.7 focal reducer (3") 46.4mm


          Limited Warranty is one year, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when product is registered within 60 days of purchase. Click Here to register