telescopecomparison · 2-way
Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 vs Takahashi TSA-120
Explore Scientific
ED152 FCD-100
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.
Takahashi
TSA-120
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.
Key differences
+27% focal length
+27% aperture
Specifications
| Specification | Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 | Takahashi TSA-120 |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | refractor | Refractor |
| Optical design | Apo triplet FCD-100 | Triplet APO |
| Aperture | 152mm | 120mm |
| Focal length | 1140mm | 900mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/7.5 | f/7.5 |
| Image circle | 52mm | 44mm |
| Full-frame support | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 12.0kg | 7.5kg |
Advantages of Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100
- Tighter framing — 1140mm vs 900mm focal length
- 27% more light-gathering aperture
- Larger image circle (52mm) — supports bigger sensors
Advantages of Takahashi TSA-120
- Wider field — 900mm vs 1140mm focal length
- Lighter (7.5kg 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 — Takahashi TSA-120
- 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
Takahashi TSA-120 — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 2.29° × 1.53°Scale: 0.86"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.50° × 1.00°Scale: 0.86"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.72° × 0.72°Scale: 0.86"/px
Explore Scientific ED152 FCD-100 — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a permanent observatory setup.
Takahashi TSA-120 — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.