Explore Scientific Aluminum 102mm F/7 FCD-1 APO Triplet

Brand: Explore Scientific

Item #:

$1,199⁹⁹

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Estimated Shipment Date: Between Oct 18 and Oct 20*. Order Today!
*calculated arrival dates may vary.
Due to HIGH demand, most Daystar solar products are currently experiencing 2-4 week shipping delays*
*ASTROZAP PRODUCTS WILL NOT SHIP FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE (Get better Joe!) CONTACT US BEFORE ORDERING!*

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Why Buy From Us?

Explore Scientific Aluminum 102mm APO ED Refractor - OTA

If you are looking for an apochromatic (APO) triplet refractor that is professional-grade, portable and also durable, then the Explore Scientific ED102 Triplet APO is definitely worth considering. This 102mm APO refractor uses EMD-coated optics, and includes a heavy-duty, 2-speed focuser, a 99% dielectric coated 2” diagonal (with a 1.25” adapter), and two focal extenders.

The Explore Scientific ED 102mm F/7 APO is also highly versatile telescope, given its size and weight. (Check out the Carbon Fiber 102mm FCD1 APO here for an even greater (~30%) weight reduction). Not only will you be able to take advantage of high-quality optics for your astro imaging, (we recommend using a field flattener if you are thinking about getting serious!), you can also use it for astronomical and terrestrial observations, or even use it as a finder/guider scope on a larger rig. This sheer size of this scope (similar to many other 102mm refractors) makes this quite the multi-purpose instrument.

Why Buy The Explore Scientific ED 102mm APO Triplet Refractor?

Small and Versatile - Bigger doesn’t always mean Better! 102mm refractors are portable in general, and so is this scope. It is 23.75” long (with the collapsed dew shield) and 9.6lbs, making this scope quite versatile. This ED 102mm APO Triplet can be used as your main bird, or even as a (really nice) finder/guider scope for your larger setup. You could even piggyback this telescope on a larger Newtonian or SCT. Don’t forget, you could also use this scope for great terrestrial (daytime) viewing!
Virtually No Chromatic Aberration - This APO Triplet Refractor scope is great for both observing and astro imaging (especially with wide-field framing). You’ll really notice the omitted chromatic aberration with lunar and planetary visuals. Note: If you are starting to get serious with astrophotography, we recommend getting a field flattener to reduce unwanted curvature in your shots.
Heavy-Duty Focuser - The included, Rack & Pinion focuser is strong and reliable. It is dual speed, 360-degree rotatable (to help frame your shot), and includes graduation marks (helpful if you are needing to return to the same focus). Note: You’ll notice that a lot of the weight of the scope will actually is come from the back, especially with a 2” eyepiece or a DSLR attached!
Optics Are ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) and EMD Coated - This scope yields crystal-clear results with its Hoya FCD1 ED optics. Glass like this is particularly advantageous with lunar and planetary imaging.
Zero-Hassle Camera Attachments - Attaching your imaging equipment and accessories is a breeze, no matter the size or weight. Easily place a modified DSLR or a smaller CCD astro-imaging camera on the back.

The Explore Scientific ED 102mm Includes:

102mm Aluminum APO Triplet Refractor Telescope (Optical Tube Assembly)
2” Dual Speed, Rack & Pinion Focuser
2” 99% Dielectric Diagonal
Built-in Dew Shield. (It is not removable)
Focal extenders (x2)
Compression rings are used to avoid marring on the eyepiece and diagonal.
DOES NOT INCLUDE a finder or guide scope.
DOES NOT INCLUDE hard carrying case.

Explore Scientific ED 102mm Specifications:

Weight: 9.6 lb
Focal Length: 714mm
Focal Ratio: f/7
Aperture: 102mm
Limiting Magnitude: 12.5
Resolution: 1.14 arcsec
Scope Length (Extended Dew Shield): 30.5"
Scope Length (Collapsed Dew Shield): 23.75"
Dovetail: Vixen

Shipping

Confirming Your Order:

As soon as you place your order, you will receive an order confirmation email from us. This means that we have received your order in our system and pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. As soon as we receive your order, we automatically reach out to our supplier and confirm that it is A) in stock and B) available for immediate shipment. If your item is on backorder or unavailable, we will reach out to you via email. If your item(s) are available for immediate shipment (within 5 business days), we will process the charges and submit the order for shipment.

Shipping Your Order:

If your order is in stock and we process the charges to your credit card, it will ship within five business days from the date of your order. We will send you tracking information within 48 hours of your order leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provided when checking out. If you do not receive tracking information from us within five business days of your order, feel free to follow up with us at support@stellartelescope.com.

Please Note: Our Estimated Arrival shipping times are estimates based on past delivery times. Some orders are able to be delivered in 1 day, while others have taken 5 or more days to deliver. But, most of the time, we can get the product to you in 2-3 business days!

Package Arrival (AKA Damage Check!):

Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage you should make note of it when signing for delivery. If your item(s) do arrive damaged, please send photos and a brief description to support@stellartelescope.com and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf.

Made-To-Order Products:

We have a few specialty, made in the USA, items on StellarTelescope.com that are crafted to order. These items will be noted on the product pages themselves and the lead times will be detailed. But of course, please feel free to reach out to us at support@stellartelescope.com to double check lead times for any item of interest. We are happy to answer any and all of your inquiries!

20 Day Returns/Refunds

Our return policy is 20 days after your package arrives, as determined by your tracking number. If it has been fewer than 20 days since you received your package, you will be eligible for a refund under one of the following criteria:

-If your package is unopened, you will eligible to receive a full refund, minus the return shipping costs.
-If your package has been opened, a 20% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund, in addition to the return shipping costs. The reason for a restocking fee is to balance out labor costs to inspect, repackage and resell the returned item(s).
-If the package is damaged due to use, we will not be able to accept the return. However, every circumstance is different, and there are exceptions to the rule. Please email or call us to explain your situation and we will see what we can do to help you out.
-If the package is damaged upon arrival, then please make note of it when the package arrives. Let us know about the damaged item and we will send you a replacement ASAP! Please email photos (and/or video) and a brief description to support@stellartelescope.com and we will get you taken care of.

Why Do I Have To Pay The Return Shipping and Possibly A “Restocking Fee”?

StellarTelescope.com is proud to offer free shipping to all of our customers in the continental United States. But, despite our best wishes and intentions, we cannot offer complimentary return shipping for buyers remorse. In instances when the customer no longer wants the product, we do require they pay for the return shipping as well as a potential restocking fee.

So, the best solution we can offer is to provide friendly, professional advice to make sure you get the best equipment for your astronomy needs prior to initial shipment. Thank you for your understanding!

Where Do I Send The Returned Item?

To return your product, please get in touch with us at support@stellartelescope.com or 1-207-619-4875 and we will provide the appropriate warehouse address for your return.

Please make sure you are using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item. We cannot refund an item that has been lost or stolen en route to us.

Regardless of circumstances, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

How Do I Request My Refund?

Our policy lasts 20 days. If it has not yet been 20 days since your purchase, please email us at support@stellartelescope.com with details about your order, and why you are needing an exchange/refund. We will use the timestamp of your email to determine the 20 day mark. If 20 days have gone by since your package arrival, unfortunately, we cannot offer you a refund or exchange.

How Do I Get My Refund?

Once we have received and inspected the returned item, we will send you an email to notify you.. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund request, and whether a restocking fee is to be charged.

If you are approved for a refund, you will see the funds (amount depending on product condition, per our refund policy) posted usually with 1-3 business days. Sometimes it can take up to 1-2 weeks. Thank you for your patience.

It’s Been A Few Days... Where Is My Refund?

If you have been approved for a refund, and you still haven't seen the money come back into your account, please refer to the following steps:

Double check your bank account statement.
Contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next, contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.

If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your money back, please contact us. We would be more than willing to help.

Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, please contact us.

Gifts

If you received an item as a gift from a friend/family member, and it was shipped directly to you, we can do one of two things: 1) Either refund the original buyer (your friend/family member.), or we will send you a gift credit for the value of your return (so that your friend/family member will not learn of the return). We will refund/credit you after we have received and inspected the returned item.

Non-Refundable/Partially-Refundable Goods:

Gift cards
Downloadable software products, CDs & DVDs
Any item that was purchased more than 20 days ago

Low Price Guarantee

We work very hard at StellarTelescope.com to ensure that we offer the absolute best prices online. If you find another online store that offers a lower price then us within six months of your purchase date please let us know and we will refund your original payment for the difference. We want you to feel confident that you are getting the absolute best price for the product you are ordering. If you find that our own website has a lower price for the same item you have ordered within six months of your purchase date we will refund the difference as well.

To request your partial refund simply e-mail us a link to the same product on our website, or on our competitors' website within six months from the date of your order and we will process the credit accordingly.

Our Price Guarantee:

You must purchase the item from our website before requesting your Price Match Guarantee
Promotions such as rebates and buy one, get one free offers are not eligible
The item must be in stock on the competitor's website
The competitor must be an online store, they may not have a retail location
The website cannot be a discounter or auction website (ie; eBay, overstock, etc..)
The competitor must be an Authorized Retailer for the product in question
The Price Match Guarantee includes the item price and the shipping charges, it excludes sales tax

Why Buy From Us?

In addition to our Free Shipping promos, our Price Match Guarantee, and our Special Coupons for email subscribers, here at StellarTelescope.com, we will always stand by our four pillars of business: Customer Service, Ease, Security, and Quality. It is our mission to ensure you are 100% satisfied with your online experience from the moment you place your order until your package arrives safely at your home.

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE

We are a small, family-owned, people-centered drop shipping business. So, if you value that "local hometown service" you simply cannot get with Amazon or Walmart, then you most certainly found the right store. You will always get support from a decision-maker on our astronomy-infused team, and be treated with the respect you deserve.

We believe strongly in personal interaction via any form of communication you prefer: Phone, Text messages, Live chat or Email! We also believe that each and every person we communicate with deserves the right to speak with a real person... and that is exactly what you will get here at Stellar Telescope!

2. SHOP WITH EASE

We believe that an online shopping experience should be simple and easy. We don’t want to inundate you with technical mumbo-jumbo that will just leave you confused and disappointed.

Our goal is to provide clear and helpful information. If our product descriptions happen to not quite answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line; we are happy to clear up any confusion. Our staff is trained to avoid all the market jargon with beginner astronomers, and they are also ready to provide easy-to-understand explanations for any question! We want to ensure that you have all the information necessary to purchase with confidence.

3. SECURITY

We also believe in 100%, hyper-secure shopping. We only want to do legitimate business with you, should you choose to purchase our line of products. We implement the SSL encryption that essentially creates a “digital wormhole” between you and the payment processor. This ensures any and all information that you submit will be received by the intended recipient ONLY, that is our highly trusted payment processor, Shopify. We highly value keeping your personal information just that, personal. You can see our commitment to privacy here. We also accept many forms of payment including Amazon Pay, Paypal, Various CCs and much more, so that you can choose the method that you prefer.

4. QUALITY

Rest assured, we only list well-built, high-quality telescopes and telescope products on StellarTelescope.com. You will have a wide variety of cutting-edge technology on this website to ensure a crisp and memorable sky-gazing session. If you happen to have any questions about our products, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page.

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