TelescopesPlus - The #1 Online Store for Telescopes and Accessories

Explore Scientific 102 mm Doublet Refractor Telescope - DAR102065-01

Explore Scientific 102 mm Doublet Refractor Telescope - DAR102065-01 - Main image
$401.99 $599.99 In stock

Category: Telescopes

Explore Scientific 102 mm AR Doublet Achromatic Refractor OTA

Explore Scientific will send you a FREE 25 mm 70-degree Eyepiece (a $99 value) when you buy this telescope!  Hurry, this special offer ends June 30 or while supplies last!

The AR127 Doublet Refractor by Explore Scientific uses air-spaced doublet optics expertly crafted from crown and flint glass, creating astounding celestial views. You will be wowed by the marvelous views in your scope of the Moon, planets, and double stars. The telescope package includes many high-tech accessories to make your long nights observing a breeze. Accessories include a 2" dual-speed focuser, a one-piece 2" diagonal with 99% dielectric coatings, an 8 X 50 non-illuminated straight -thru finderscope, and a cradle ring assembly with a Vixen-style dovetail mount. All you need are a few eyepieces and an alt-azimuth or equatorial mount and you are ready to explore the skies!

Although the FirstLight AR102 Refractor is nearly identical to the 102 mm Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor both in terms of optics and materials, there is a difference when it comes to included accessories. The DAR102 comes with a 2" Dual-Speed Crayford Focuser, 8x50 Finderscope, and 2" Diagonal, while the FL-AR102 comes with a 1.25" Diagonal, Red Dot Finder, and 40 mm Draw Tube Focuser.

Optics, Optics, Optics!

The optics in their collimatable lens cell are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. We precision collimate every Explore Scientific telescope at our factory to give optimum performance. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment, the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set should the telescope ever require it. Contrast is further enhanced with multiple baffles that mask and deflect unwanted stray light.

The Focuser:

The Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series telescopes include a precision 2-inch two-speed focuser as standard equipment. The eyepiece holder uses a compression ring to prevent the eyepiece or camera barrel from scoring. Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed focuser, you will find that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration. So we included as standard equipment, on all Explore Scientific AR Series, a two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser with tension adjustment and a lock, to obtain and hold perfect focus. We think you'll agree that such precision is worth it.

The Diagonal:

The Two-Inch Dielectric Diagonal includes a 1.25" eyepiece holder adapter and dust covers to protect the mirror. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific's Two Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment. Ultra-high reflective coatings (99% reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output.

Both 2" and 1.25" eyepiece holders use compression rings instead of a simple set-screw to more securely hold your valued eyepiece (or imaging device) and to minimize scoring of eyepiece barrels. You can thread standard 48 mm filters into the barrel.

The Finder:

The Explore Scientific 8x50 Finder Scope provides a true field of view of 6 degrees. Its coated optics provide a bright high-resolution image so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected, for precise aiming of your scope.

Completing your purchase

Take a moment to review your selection and total before payment.

Preparing your order

Please consider both preparation and transit when planning your purchase.

Standard Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

Express Shipping: Handling (business days) 0–1; Transit (business days) 7–15.

View policy
Requesting a refund

Contact the store with your order details so your request can be reviewed.

Please contact us for the refund processing timeframe before returning an item.

View policy
Delivery arrangements

The available delivery services and charges are listed below.

Standard Shipping · United States: $0.00

Express Shipping · United States: $3.99

View policy
Before arranging a return

Speak with the store before arranging a return shipment.

United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

View policy

Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Samuel X. ★★★★★

I was worried about chromatic aberration with a refractor this size, but the doublet design keeps stars sharp and color-free even at high magnification. The 102mm aperture pulls in enough light to see Jupiter’s bands clearly from my light-polluted backyard.

Violet H. ★★★★★

I was blown away by how crisp Jupiter’s bands looked through this 102 mm doublet—the 25 mm eyepiece made a huge difference. The build feels solid for the price, and the included star diagonal is a nice touch.

Owen N. ★★★★★

The free 70-degree eyepiece that came with this scope is a fantastic bonus and pairs beautifully with the 102mm doublet—Jupiter’s bands were crisp and clean on my first clear night. Setup was straightforward with the OTA, and the views feel noticeably brighter than my old 80mm.