telescopecomparison · 2-way
Astro-Tech AT8RC vs Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
Explore Scientific
ED152 FCD-100
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.
Key differences
+42% focal length
+34% aperture
Slower by 0.5 f-stops
Specifications
| Specification | Astro-Tech AT8RC | Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | RC | refractor |
| Optical design | Ritchey-Chrétien | Apo triplet FCD-100 |
| Aperture | 203mm | 152mm |
| Focal length | 1624mm | 1140mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/8.0 | f/7.5 |
| Image circle | 42mm | 52mm |
| Full-frame support | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 10.0kg | 12.0kg |
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Tighter framing — 1624mm vs 1140mm focal length
- 34% more light-gathering aperture
- Lighter (10kg vs 12kg) — easier to travel with
Advantages of Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
- Wider field — 1140mm vs 1624mm focal length
- Faster optics at f/7.5 vs f/8
- Larger image circle (52mm) — supports bigger sensors
Best for — Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
- Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Astro-Tech AT8RC — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.27° × 0.85°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.83° × 0.55°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.40° × 0.40°Scale: 0.48"/px
Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.81° × 1.21°Scale: 0.68"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.18° × 0.79°Scale: 0.68"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.57° × 0.57°Scale: 0.68"/px
Astro-Tech AT8RC — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.
Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.