telescopecomparison · 2-way
Takahashi FC-100DL vs Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100

Takahashi
FC-100DL
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a portable travel rig.

Explore Scientific
ED127 FCD-100
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.
Key differences
-5% focal length
-21% aperture
Slower by 1.5 f-stops
Specifications
| Specification | Takahashi FC-100DL | Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100 |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | refractor | Refractor |
| Optical design | Apo doublet fluorite | Triplet APO |
| Aperture | 100mm | 127mm |
| Focal length | 900mm | 952mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/9.0 | f/7.5 |
| Image circle | 44mm | 40mm |
| Full-frame support | No | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 3.3kg | 8.6kg |
Advantages of Takahashi FC-100DL
- Lighter (3.3kg vs 8.6kg) — easier to travel with
Advantages of Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100
- 27% more light-gathering aperture
- Faster optics at f/7.5 vs f/9
Best for — Takahashi FC-100DL
- Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
- High-resolution long-exposure work
Best for — Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100
- Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Takahashi FC-100DL — 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 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
Takahashi FC-100DL — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a portable travel rig.
Explore Scientific ED127 FCD-100 — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.