Explore Scientific 102/714 Refractor ED FCD-100 Carbon iEXOS-100 PMC-8 GoTo

The Explore Scientific Apochromatic refractor AP 102/714 ED FCD-100 CF Hexafoc iEXOS-100 PMC-8 Wi-Fi GoTo combines exceptional optical precision with advanced electronic control. Thanks to FCD-100 glass from Hoya (Japan), this triplet refractor delivers images with a Polystrehl of 0.97 - a value normal for much more expensive astrographs. Color correction and contrast reproduction are among the absolute best in this price range.

The light carbon fiber tube makes the telescope particularly compact and stable. The retractable dew cap gives it a transport length of only 55 cm, making it ideal as a travel or mobile astrophotography kit. The fast aperture ratio (f/7) allows short exposure times for photography, while the 102 mm aperture captures enough light for detailed observations of moon, planets and deep-sky objects.

The Hexafoc 2.5-inch focuser with 1:10 fine adjustment offers a large free pass (64 mm), so even cameras with larger sensors do not suffer from vignetting. The focuser is mechanically very stable and designed for high loads - perfect for astrophotographers with filter wheel or field flattener.

The iEXOS-100 PMC-8 GoTo mount completes the system. Via Wi-Fi, you control the telescope with the free ExploreStars app (iOS, Android, Windows). The mount uses quiet micro-stepper motors with toothed belt drive and supports ASCOM and INDI software for maximum compatibility. GPS information is automatically retrieved via your smartphone.

The combination of carbon optics, Hexafoc focuser and PMC-8 GoTo technology makes this instrument an ideal choice for those who want to combine serious astrophotography with high-quality visual observations.

Application:
This 102 mm ED refractor is ideal for:

• sharp and contrasting observations of the Moon and planets;
• perception of nebulae and galaxies under dark skies;
• astrophotography with DSLR or CMOS camera (excellent for widefield and detail objects);
• nature observation with the excellent color correction of the triplet system.

Not suitable for solar observation without a special solar filter.
Recommended for beginners with ambition and advanced who want a lightweight, fully equipped telescope with professional image quality.

Specifications

Optics
Type: Refractor
Design: Apochromat (Triplet FCD-100 ED glass)
Aperture: 102 mm
Focal length: 714 mm
Aperture ratio: f/7
Resolution: 1.35″
Boundary magnitude: 11.8
Light output: 210× relative to the naked eye
Maximum magnification: 204×
Tube material: carbon fiber
Coating: EMD multicoating
Tube weight: 3.3 kg
Length: 640 mm (transport 550 mm)

Focuser
Type: Hexafoc 2.5″ with 1:10 fine adjustment
Ocular connection: 2″
Free opening: 64 mm
Backfocus: 150 mm

Mount
Type: iEXOS-100 PMC-8 Wi-Fi GoTo (equatorial)
Motors: Micro-stepper
Drive: Toothed belt / worm gear
Carrying capacity: 5 kg
Power supply: 12 V DC (external)
WLAN: Yes
GPS: via smartphone
GoTo language: multilingual
Alignment: 3-star
Compatibility: ASCOM / INDI

Tripod
Type: Steel tripod with accessory tray
Weight: 2.5 kg

Included accessories

• 2″ prism diagonal (99 % reflection)
• 26 mm eyepiece (1.25″)
• 8×50 viewfinder
• Tube rings with dovetail (Vixen style)
• Dew cap and dust caps
• Two extensions for focuser
• Carrying handle
• Counterweight 3 kg

Observation goals
✓ Moon and planets
✓ Nebulae and galaxies
✓ Astrophotography (very suitable)
✓ Nature observation
✗ Sun (only with appropriate sunscreen)
✓ Beginners with experience
✓ Advanced