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telescopecomparison · 2-way

Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 vs Astro-Tech AT115EDT

Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
Explore Scientific

ED152 FCD-100

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.

Astro-Tech AT115EDT
Astro-Tech

AT115EDT

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

Key differences

+42% focal length
+32% aperture
Slower by 0.5 f-stops

Specifications

SpecificationExplore Scientific ED152 FCD-100Astro-Tech AT115EDT
Optics
Typerefractorrefractor
Optical designApo triplet FCD-100Apo triplet FPL-53
Aperture152mm115mm
Focal length1140mm805mm
Native f/ratiof/7.5f/7.0
Image circle52mm52mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight12.0kg6.6kg
Advantages of Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
  • Tighter framing — 1140mm vs 805mm focal length
  • 32% more light-gathering aperture
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT115EDT
  • Wider field — 805mm vs 1140mm focal length
  • Faster optics at f/7 vs f/7.5
  • Lighter (6.6kg vs 12kg) — easier to travel with
Best for — Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Astro-Tech AT115EDT
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
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 AT115EDT — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.56° × 1.71°Scale: 0.96"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.67° × 1.12°Scale: 0.96"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 0.80° × 0.80°Scale: 0.96"/px
Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.

Astro-Tech AT115EDT — recommended user

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

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