Key Takeaways:
- The article reviews Orion's 102mm f/7 ED apochromatic refractor telescope.
- The telescope's key features include a compact design (23-inch tube, 8.1-pound weight), and excellent light transmission due to its airspaced doublet objective with an ED element.
- The review highlights the telescope's suitability for both visual observation and imaging, emphasizing its portability and relatively affordable price ($995.95).
- The article notes that apochromatic refractors generally offer superior views compared to other telescope types, but are often expensive; this model aims to bridge the price-performance gap.
This review, “Sky testing Orion’s 102mm f/7 ED,” appeared in the October 2008 issue of Astronomy magazine
The apochromatic refractor is one of my favorite instruments for observing the universe. These scopes provide excellent light transmission, lack the drawbacks of a central obstruction, and yield terrific views. Another plus: The 4-inch class is easily portable. The usual downside of these wonderful scopes is sticker shock. They can be pricey.
Orion’s new 4-inch (102 millimeters) f/7 ED telescope fills the gap between price and performance. At $995.95, it’s a great scope for visual observers and imagers who would like an affordable apochromatic refractor. The scope’s airspaced doublet objective boasts one extra-low dispersion (ED) element for improved color correction.
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