FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope with 2.5" HEX Focuser
Experience exceptional visual clarity and professional-grade performance with the Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope. Designed for serious astronomers and imaging enthusiasts, this high-performance refractor features premium HOYA FCD100 ED glass matched with a true air-spaced triplet optical system to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. Weighing just 14 pounds, the carbon fiber construction ensures superior portability without compromising rigidity or thermal stability. The 2.5" HEX focuser supports heavy imaging gear up to 10 pounds, offering smooth and precise focusing for high-magnification observing or astrophotography. With a 952mm focal length, integrated dew shield, EMD-enhanced coatings, and a 99% reflective diagonal, this telescope delivers brilliant contrast and pinpoint detail, whether you're capturing Saturn’s rings or exploring distant galaxies. A ready-to-go option for grab-and-go observations or serious imaging setups, this scope is a refined tool that meets the demands of advanced amateurs and aspiring professionals.
Standout Features
Premium FCD100 ED Glass
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tube
2.5" HEX Focuser for Heavy Gear
Triplet APO Optical Design
Product Specifications
Customers praised the "stunning" optics and lightweight carbon fiber construction, with excellent visual performance. However, the focuser received criticism for sagging under heavy astrophotography equipment. Quality control issues included dust behind lenses in one case and inadequate packaging. Overall, great optics but focuser needs improvement.
- The FCD-100 triplet with a 5-inch aperture is stunning. It does not disappoint.
- Awesome glass. Great carbon fiber construction.
- The telescope is excellent and performs well.
When I got it, there was a ton of dust behind the actual main glass, not just under the cover, but behind the main lenses. I had to take it apart to remove the dust and then put it back together. Was not the start I was hoping for.
The telescope arrived safely despite the sketchy packaging. The inner box could be greatly improved with packing that firmly contains the telescope so it can't move around. The telescope is excellent and performs well.
Love the scope. Had first light with it this week.
The scope and optics are great, focuser not so much. ES should offer an upgrade before shipping. Photos are great but focuser sags a bit under the weight of a filter wheel and a Zwo 2600 duo.
I already own the 4 inch version, so I knew the FCD-100 triplet with a 5-inch aperture would be stunning. It does not disappoint. Add to that the lightweight carbon fiber OTA, and this is a fine scope. I have no issues with the focuser (visual only). It operates smoothly and easily holds my heaviest eyepieces with no slipping. The unit I received (and the previous 4-inch version) did not have any dust on or behind the glass.
good
Awesome glass. Great carbon fiber construction. Focuser could use a re-engineering. It works and it decent but could be designed better.