Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Aluminum Air-Spaced Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope

This is my second telescope after a much smaller triplet from a well-known Taiwanese manufacturer. I use this scope almost exclusively for imaging, but it does a great job for visual astronomy as well. I have had great guiding success using an EQ-6R mount, and off-axis guider. I also use a focus motor with the stock focuser which performs very well holding a full imaging train.
The optional carrying case is also really nice, and a pretty cost-effective option when compared to hard cases.

I paid $1999 for mine in June of 2017. Takes breath taking photo's of the heavens. My friends accuse me of going to other astrononmy websites and copying and past pictures. Even though it is about 50% higher in price now if I wanted one I would still buy another one it is worth it. I only do photograpy with it so I can't comment on how it does visually. You need a good mount to take any serious pictures so keep that in mind when making a purchase on any telescope. I bought mine here and it arrived in excellent condition.
Thank You Explore Scientific!

Glad I got this 3 years ago...for $1200. Can't believe it's $2200 now in 2022. Amazing telescope! Highly recommend if you want to do deep sky (galaxy and nebula astrophotography). Images are amazing! Just don't know if paying double right now is worth it.

It's less expensive now than when I bought it almost 3 years ago. If your still thinking about it, don't just buy it. It takes text book images with perfect round stars. Just as good as more expensive brands costing thousands more. Best telescope I have ever owned. It sits in my observatory year round and works flawlessly. I do have it air conditioned in the summer when it gets really hot. I replaced the focuser with a 3". My only complaint is it has a really crummy lens cap, I dropped it and it has never fit right. The 3" reducer/flattener is a must have. Overall I would buy again. Fantastic customer support!
Thank You Explore Scientific!!!!!

The optics are great and clear despite initial dust I had in the OTA (ES took care of that - thanks guys!!). I find the optics with the modern coatings better than what I observe with my TAK-102FS (using a ZWO 1600mm-Pro and narrowband filters). Visually the Tak is a tack nicer but that might also be attributed to the superior feather touch focuser I have in there. The Hexagon Focuser is nice but has a little bit of backlash - you only really notice that when working with cameras and it still is really nice to work with.
Overall 5 stars for the optics - I just bought 2 2" focal extender that should pair well with this scope. Thanks for producing great optics in this price range!!!