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telescopecomparison · 2-way

Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100 vs SharpStar 140PH

Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100
Explore Scientific

ED127 FCD-100

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

SharpStar 140PH
SharpStar

140PH

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

Key differences

-9% aperture
Slower by 0.5 f-stops

Specifications

SpecificationExplore Scientific ED127 FCD-100SharpStar 140PH
Optics
TypeRefractorrefractor
Optical designTriplet APOApo triplet FPL-53
Aperture127mm140mm
Focal length952mm980mm
Native f/ratiof/7.5f/7.0
Image circle40mm52mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight8.6kg9.5kg
Advantages of Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100

Closely matched on the compared specs.

Advantages of SharpStar 140PH
  • 10% more light-gathering aperture
  • Faster optics at f/7 vs f/7.5
  • Larger image circle (52mm) — supports bigger sensors
Best for — Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — SharpStar 140PH
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100 — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.17° × 1.44°Scale: 0.81"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.41° × 0.94°Scale: 0.81"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 0.68° × 0.68°Scale: 0.81"/px
SharpStar 140PH — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.10° × 1.40°Scale: 0.79"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.37° × 0.92°Scale: 0.79"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 0.66° × 0.66°Scale: 0.79"/px
Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100 — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

SharpStar 140PH — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

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