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Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet w/ EXOS2 PMC-Eight Equatorial GOTO Mount

$2,199.99 Sold out

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- Olivia 

"Absolutely blown away by the Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series Telescope! 🌌 Its crisp views of lunar craters, Saturn's rings, and the Orion Nebula are out of this world. Plus, the PMC-Eight mount makes astrophotography a breeze. Couldn't be happier with my purchase! ✨" .| Verified Purchase"

Main Benefits:

  • Aperture & Focal Length: Aperture: 102mm (4") aperture, 714mm (f/7) focal length.
  • Mount type: EXOS2-PMC Eight: Equatorial mount with GoTo capabilities. Supports up to 28 lbs for astrophotography and 40 lbs for visual use.
  • Optics: Air-spaced triplet design with HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for minimal chromatic aberration. Multi-coated surfaces for improved light transmission and reduced glare.

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ED102 Essential Series

The Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet APO Refractor Telescope is a true apochromat refractor that reveals our Moon’s stark chiseled craters, Jupiter’s orderly cloud belts and the blue-white stars of the Orion Nebula popping against the complex misty cloud they call home. The ED102 Essential Series Apochromatic Refractor will open up a treasure trove of night sky treats, and provide a solid optical platform to begin serious deep sky astrophotography. 

A nice compromise between portability and aperture, this versatile high-end telescope offers true diffraction-limited optics and has an objective lens size that performs well in lunar, planetary and deep sky viewing situations.

Featuring an air-spaced triplet optical design that virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations, this telescope generates brilliant high-contrast images by combining genuine HOYA FCD1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and proprietary EMD enhanced multi-layer coatings.

Comes with 2 extension tubes for the 2" rack-and-pinion focuser and the Explore Scientific 2N1 Hybrid Finger Scope Base. (Finder scope not included.)

EXOS2 with PMC-Eight

The award winning Explore Scientific EXOS2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Mount with its 28 lb instrument payload capacity for astrophotography is an excellent choice for many of Explore Scientific's telescopes as well for the visual astronomer where the instrument payload capacity can be pushed much more, providing a solid very portable solution for those who want to use a larger telescope that would normally require a much larger equatorial platform.

"This just makes me even happier with my purchase of a EXOS2 PMC-Eight, I've come nowhere near capacity with mine. But this is just a very reassuring example of the quality of Explore Scientific products, and another reason why I will continue to be a customer!"

-James Hubbard

We often get calls about the “load capacity” of our mounts. For telescope tracking mounts there are generally two different specs: instrument payload capacity for astrophotography, and instrument payload capacity for visual use.

Payload capacity ratings for visual are normally much higher than for astrophotography because with added weight beyond a certain point, there is an increase in tracking error (e.g. periodic error, etc.). For the EXOS2 PMC-Eight the instrument payload capacity for astrophotography is 28lbs + counterweights. And for visual use, the instrument payload capacity is 40 lbs + counterweights.

Note that we chose stepper motors for the PMC-Eight instead of DC servo motors because they can handle incredible strain and not damage mechanical nor electronic components.

Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight GOTO system can be controlled wirelessly or wired with a tablet or PC, with Windows 8.1 or 10, Android, Amazon Fire, or iOS, with a free app called ExploreStars. Tablet must be purchased separately.

The ExploreStars App controls any PMC-Eight mount by means of an intuitive graphical interface. Among other features ExploreStars offers both 2-star and 3-star alignment procedures, educational information and images of the more popular celestial objects, and a choice of over 80,000 objects for viewing. 

The  ExploreStars object database encompasses a wide range of celestial objects including those in the Solar System, the Messier Catalog, the New General Catalog, and the Index Catalog, as well as a collection of over 70,000 stars. The Celestial Database also includes educational material and images for many of the more popular objects. This database is available as a separate updatable component of the ExploreStars software system. It can expand over time and any ExploreStars implementation can easily be updated by downloading a fresh copy of the Celestial Database. In fact, the educational material and images within the database can be customized by each individual user using Microsoft Access.

In addition to ExploreStars, we provide an ASCOM interface that will allow a huge range of star map software to control the PMC-Eight. Here are just are some examples that are currently available: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; and Virtual Moon Atlas.

70° Eyepiece 25MM

The new eyepiece design represent a major advance compared to the original Plössl and Super-Plössl design. The five element design features tack sharp optical performance which delivers a improvement in corrections for chromatic aberration and edge-sharpness compared to traditional plössl. The observing comfort is also much better with this eyepieces than with the conventional Plössl design. A good choice for telescopes with relaxed focal ratios at an unbeatable price point.

Specs

Item Number ES-ED10207–01
Focal Length 714mm
Focal Ratio f/7
Limiting Magnitude 12.5
Resolution 1.14 arcsec
Tube Length w/ Dew Shield 30.5"; 774mm
Tube Length w/out Dew Shield 23.75"; 603mm
Diameter 119mm
Weight 9.6 lb; 4.4 kg
Dovetail Vixen

Item Number ES-EXOS2GTPMCT3–00
Mount EXOS2 with PMC-Eight GoTo Mount payload capacity: 28 lbs of instrument weight for astrophotography; 40 lbs instrument weight for visual. Total weight without counterweights 30 lbs. Head weight 13.4 lbs. Tripod weight 13 lbs. Includes (2) 11.25 lb counterweight and AC adapter. Note: Carbon Fiber Telescopes may need a lighter counterweight. If you need a lighter counterweight, please contact customer service.
Construction Stainless Steel Tripod with bubble level and 2" stainless steel legs. Extends from 26.8" to 42.5".
Controls Belt-Driven Stepper motors with computerized GoTo features using ExploreStars with a Windows 8.1 or higher based PC, laptop or tablet or ASCOM Compatible Software and ES ASCOM driver.

Item Number EP7025-00
Focal Length 25mm
Weight 333 grams
Barrel Size/Type 2"
Field Stop Diameter 50.8mm
Eyecup Flip-Down Style Soft Silicone Rubber
Materials Optical Glass; Aluminum; Steel; Silicone Rubber

Warranty

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.

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Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet w/ EXOS2 PMC-Eight Equatorial GOTO Mount

Additional Features

Telescope: Lightweight metal tube (9.6 lbs with dew shield), 2" rack-and-pinion focuser with extension tubes, Explore Scientific 2N1 Hybrid Finder Scope Base (finder scope sold separately), Vixen-style dovetail plate.

Mount: Belt-driven stepper motors for smooth tracking, stainless steel tripod (adjustable from 26.8" to 42.5"), includes two 11.25 lb counterweights and AC adapter, compatible with ExploreStars app and ASCOM software.

Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet w/ EXOS2 PMC-Eight Equatorial GOTO Mount

Personal Growth and Fulfillment

Ignite your curiosity: Witnessing the vastness and intricacies of the universe fuels a lifelong yearning to understand and explore.

Challenge yourself: Astrophotography demands patience, technical prowess, and continuous learning, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you master new skills.

Find peace and mindfulness: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the night sky, escaping the daily grind and experiencing mental clarity under the stars.

Share the wonder: Host stargazing parties, inspire awe in others, and foster a shared passion for astronomy, creating lasting memories and connections.

Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet w/ EXOS2 PMC-Eight Equatorial GOTO Mount

Creative Expression and Artistic Pursuits

Capture the universe in your own unique style: Astrophotography allows you to express your artistic vision and create stunning celestial images unlike any other.

Document your discoveries: Share your observations and astrophotographs with the astronomy community, contributing to our collective understanding of the cosmos.

Experiment and push boundaries: Explore different techniques, filters, and equipment to capture ever-more detailed and captivating images.


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If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, within 30 days of placing your order, we will refund you for your purchase with no questions asked.

Aperture size is the diameter of the main lens or mirror in a telescope, and it is the most important factor in determining how much light the telescope can gather. More light means brighter and more detailed images. Generally, larger apertures are better, but they also tend to be more expensive and bulkier.

Magnification is important for making objects appear larger, but it does not create more detail. Aperture is more important for determining the overall quality of the image, including its brightness, resolution, and contrast. However, magnification can still be useful for getting a closer look at specific features of an object that you can already see with lower magnification.

All telescopes are affected by light pollution to some extent, but Dobsonians and reflectors are generally less affected than refractors. This is because refractors have more internal surfaces where light can bounce around and cause glare. If you live in an area with a lot of light pollution, you may want to consider a Dobsonian or reflector, or find a dark observing location.

The essential accessories for your telescope will depend on your specific needs and interests. However, some common recommendations include:
Extra eyepieces: This will allow you to change the magnification of your telescope to suit different observing conditions and objects.
A finder scope: This is a small, low-power telescope that helps you aim the main telescope at the correct area of the sky.
A collimation kit: This is used to adjust the alignment of the mirrors in a reflector telescope.
A star chart or planisphere: This will help you identify objects in the night sky.

Dobsonian telescopes are generally the easiest to set up, as they typically only require placing them on the ground and aligning the finder scope. Refractors and reflectors may require more assembly and alignment, but the process is not overly complicated. Many telescopes come with instructions and online resources can also be helpful.

You may need a few basic tools, such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench, to assemble some telescopes. However, you do not need any special knowledge to get started. There are many resources available to help you learn how to use your telescope, such as online tutorials, books, and astronomy clubs.

Here is a general guide to what you can expect to see under typical observing conditions with different telescope apertures:

50mm-70mm: You can see the phases of Venus, the moons of Jupiter, and some brighter deep sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
70mm-100mm: You can see more detail in the planets, including the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands on Jupiter. You can also see more faint deep sky objects.
100mm+: You can start to see more challenging deep sky objects, such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. You can also see more detail in fainter objects like comets and asteroids.

We are often advised that you are able to see them through any small telescope, or even binoculars. But you really need a telescope with at least 40 times magnification to clearly see the detail of the rings as separate from the planet. And the bigger the telescope, the better.

For Galactic Observations: A reflecting telescope with a larger aperture (150mm-250mm) and a moderate focal length (750mm-1250mm) is ideal for capturing distant galaxies. Telescopes such as the Orion XT8 or the Celestron Advanced VX 8" offer excellent light-gathering capabilities and versatility.

Optical telescopes, for example, can see objects up to billions of light-years away, while radio telescopes can detect signals from even further distances. However, when it comes to observing the universe's earliest moments, telescopes can only see so far.

In general, a top-quality 4-inch refractor shows deep-sky objects about as well as a 5-inch reflector or catadioptric, and might even do a bit better on the planets. Most telescopes with apertures of 80 mm or less are refractors.

Refractor Telescopes: Refractors use lenses to gather and focus light, offering crisp and clear images. They are excellent for planetary observation due to their ability to provide high contrast and detailed views.

Some of the most newly detected objects may be over 13 billion light years away, as derived from a standard model of the Universe. However, a powerful new generation of telescopes, like the James Webb Space Telescope, will be needed to confirm the suspected distances of these objects.

The most important aspect of any telescope is its aperture, the diameter of its main optical component, which can be either a lens or a mirror. A scope's aperture determines both its light-gathering ability (how bright the image appears) and its resolving power (how sharp the image appears).

The telescope you want has two essentials: high-quality optics and a steady, smoothly working mount. And all other things being equal, big scopes show more and are easier to use than small ones, as we'll see below. But don't overlook portability and convenience — the best scope for you is the one you'll actually use.

With just a small or medium-sized telescope, skygazers can easily observe planets. You'll be surprised how much of our solar system you can see! And you don't need a dark sky to view all of our solar system's planets; even under city lights, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be easy to see with a telescope.

In summary: Refractors generally have the edge over reflectors for a quality image, both from the standpoint of lens/mirror quality and precision optical mountings, and lack of central obscurations.


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