SKU: 13744941905

Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor Telescope

Sale price$135.00 Regular price$150.00
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Description

Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Doublet Refractor TelescopeIf you've been observing with a 60mm or 70mm starter scope and wondering why galaxies and nebulae never look like the photos, aperture is the answer and the Explore Scientific AR102 puts a fully equipped 4 inch refractor with an 8x50 finderscope, 2" dielectric diagonal, and dual speed Crayford focuser in your hands for $300. This air spaced doublet achromat gathers 2. 4x more light than an 80mm scope, turning faint fuzzies into defined structure at

If you've been observing with a 60mm or 70mm starter scope and wondering why galaxies and nebulae never look like the photos, aperture is the answer — and the Explore Scientific AR102 puts a fully equipped 4-inch refractor with an 8x50 finderscope, 2" dielectric diagonal, and dual-speed Crayford focuser in your hands for $300. This air-spaced doublet achromat gathers 2.4x more light than an 80mm scope, turning faint fuzzies into defined structure at the eyepiece.


Key Features
  • 102mm Air-Spaced Crown-and-Flint Doublet – Classic achromatic design with fully multi-coated optics delivers bright, high-contrast views with 1.14 arcsecond resolution and a 12.5 limiting magnitude
  • Fast f/6.5 Focal Ratio – 663mm focal length provides wide-field deep-sky views while still resolving lunar craters and planetary detail at moderate magnifications
  • 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Style Focuser – Zero-image-shift design with 10:1 fine focus ratio and adjustable tension for smooth, precise focusing at any magnification
  • 8x50 Straight-Through Finderscope Included – High-quality optical finder with 6-point adjustable bracket for quick, accurate star-hopping — no additional purchase needed
  • 99% Reflective 2" Dielectric Diagonal Included – Premium diagonal with brass compression ring maximizes light throughput and contrast right out of the box
  • Lightweight and Portable – 11.5 lbs and 25.5" of tube make this easy to transport to star parties, outreach events, and dark-sky sites
  • Cradle Rings with Carry Handle – Felt-lined rings provide secure mounting and easy balance adjustments, with a built-in handle for safe transport
  • Vixen-Style Dovetail – Compatible with most alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts for flexible setup options

Ideal For
  • Visual observers upgrading from a smaller scope who want a noticeable jump in brightness and detail — the 102mm aperture pulls in nearly twice the light of a 70mm refractor, revealing structure in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that smaller scopes can't show
  • Star party and outreach organizers who need a reliable, impressive scope that sets up fast — the included finderscope, diagonal, and Crayford focuser mean you're observing within minutes with no extra accessories to buy
  • Budget-conscious astronomers who want quality optics without paying APO prices — the AR102 delivers sharp, contrast-rich views at a fraction of the cost of an ED or triplet refractor
  • Lunar and planetary observers who enjoy scanning craters, cloud bands, and ring detail at moderate magnifications — the f/6.5 focal ratio strikes a balance between wide-field sweeps and detailed close-up views

Accessories & Compatibility

Want more aperture? The AR127 steps up to 127mm for brighter views and higher resolution, and the AR152 delivers the brightest images in the AR Series with a full 6 inches of aperture. Looking for color-free APO performance? The ED102 Essential Series steps up to an air-spaced triplet with HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion glass, eliminating the chromatic aberration inherent in achromatic designs.

Note: No eyepieces are included — the AR102 is designed for observers who want to choose their own. See our recommended eyepieces below.


Recommended Eyepieces

We recommend the Explore Scientific 52° Series Waterproof Eyepieces — each is fully sealed, nitrogen-purged, and built for years of reliable use:

  • 25mm (27x) – Wide-field scanning of the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Pleiades star cluster with a bright, expansive view
  • 20mm (33x) – A versatile mid-range magnification for exploring galaxies, nebulae, and open clusters with good detail and field of view
  • 10mm (66x) – Sharp planetary views and double-star splitting, with bright, contrast-rich deep-sky detail
  • 4.5mm (147x) – High-power lunar and planetary detail — Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and intricate lunar craters

If you're starting out, the 25mm delivers bright, sweeping views that make deep-sky objects easy to find. Add the 10mm for a versatile mid-high power option, then build from there.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 13744941905

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Steven D
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Exact item ordered, quick delivery
Size: 9.5, Color: Black Polished Full Grain
I ordered these black Cole Haan penny loafers for casual wear with jeans, khakies, and even business casual with slacks and a jacket. They've always worked perfectly for these uses. The Cole Haan version is the most versatile and still meets my sophisticated look criteria. I wear a 9 1/2 M with almost all other shoes. I have found Cole Haan to run slightly wider and slightly shorter. This fit will work with thin and no socks and a little loose in width. . I'd likely order a 10 N next time. I tend to forget this but it runs consistent with me for Cole Haan. 5 stars for the shoe and service. My bad on the slightly off fit.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
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Hugh62
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 1
Poor quality control - maybe outlet store leftovers
Size: 11.5, Color: Burgundy Polished Full Grain
The two shoes were not the same size. They were both labeled 11 1/2 but one shoe was larger than the other and the fit was poor. I returned the first pair and ordered a replacement. This time the shoes were close to the same size but too loose and the left one has sewing issues. I've bought Johnston & Murphy for years because of the quality. These were to replace an existing pair of burgundy penny loafers that have finally worn out (even after several heal/sole replacements). That is the expected quality. I suspect Nashville Shoe Warehouse may be handling shoes that didn't measure up for the quality; more like an outlet mall than getting the J&M quality I've come to expect. Update: went to Johnston & Murphy site to buy "direct" from the manufacturer. There were several recent reviews where the shoes were long and didn't fit properly. Genesco - please step up the manufacture / crafting of these classic shoes to the level of quality they used to have.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2025
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Fabric Crazy
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Really nice shoes
Size: 9, Color: Black Polished Full Grain
My husband enjoys wearing these shoes. Very classy looking. They fit well. They arrived quickly. He liked them so much he ordered another pair in a different color which have worked out just as well.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2026
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tjw
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 3
Way too narrow
Size: 9.5 Wide, Color: Burgundy Polished Full Grain
I ordered a wide in this shoe, but it was still way too narrow. I had to return them. Otherwise, it looked like a nice quality shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026
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BetterEveryDay
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
I usually wear 11.5's, but I buy 1/2 size smaller to accommodate for stretch. Leather relaxes.
Size: 11, Color: Burgundy Polished Full Grain
5 STARS: These shoes are awesome. I keep coming back for more. I have major foot problems, have tried all kinds of shoes, orthotics, and inserts... but believe it or not, these shoes work better than any of that stuff. I wear them daily. I buy lots of them, for home, for church, and I'm getting my first pair of J&M boots today, for winters in Indiana... Brrrr
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025

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