With the largest aperture in the series, making this OTA ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography, the Explore Scientific ED165mm f/7 Air-Spaced APO Triplet CF Refractor
is perfect for lunar, planetary, and deep-sky viewing. Using Ohara
FPL-53 extra low-dispersion (ED) glass in an apochromatic air-spaced
triplet lens configuration, with fully multi-coated optics, produces
images that are clear and bright without fringing, halos, or distortion
across the entire field of view, with true color rendition and high
contrast. The fast focal ratio, when combined with the large aperture
and superb optical performance, makes this an ideal astrograph to
capture images with accurate colors and limited distortion across the
entire field of view.
To handle large imaging rigs and
accessories, Explore Scientific outfitted the OTA with a heavy-duty
focuser to carry imaging gear and accessories. Using a traditional
rack-and-pinion mechanism makes it more solid and sturdy than comparable
Crayfords, while the large 3" hexagonal drawtube is stronger and less
prone to flexing than conventional round tubes. When put together, the
focuser, by itself, has an impressive payload capacity of 10 pounds —
allowing it to comfortably carry the heaviest of astrophotography rigs
with ease. A two-speed system allows for fast coarse, then precision
fine focusing to ensure the most sharp and crisp views possible.
Offered
here as an OTA-only option for those with reliable support systems, the
carbon fiber tube weighs just 27.6 pounds, and can be supported by a
wide array of mounts. A cradle ring set is included, with an integrated
handle for safer setup and breakdown. A Vixen-style dovetail plate makes
it compatible with a wide array of alt-azimuth, equatorial, and GoTo
mounts. The cradle ring assembly also allows the orientation and
position of the OTA relative to the mount to be adjusted for better
balance and to avoid interference with equipment or mount. The OTA's
carbon fiber construction also resists the expansion and contraction
common in metal tubes when moving between extreme temperatures, which
can cause the internal lens elements to move out of alignment over time,
affecting the scope's ability to achieve sharp focus and causing
fringing and halos.
Whether you want an OTA with uncompromising
image quality, or a fast OTA that produces bright and clear images of
the moon, planets, galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, this Explore
Scientific optical tube assembly is ideal.