Meet the Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor Telescope—a purpose-built instrument for serious observers and imaging enthusiasts who demand extraordinary color fidelity, razor-sharp detail, and dependable performance in a portable package. Crafted around premium HOYA FCD100 ED glass and a true air-spaced triplet, this refractor minimizes chromatic aberration across the field, delivering stars that are tight, with minimal halos and superb contrast from edge to edge.
Premium optical design for razor-sharp views
At the heart of this telescope is a true air-spaced triplet that combines the brightness of a large aperture with the color purity you expect from an apochromatic design. The HOYA FCD100 ED elements are matched and aligned to suppress lateral color, reduce purple fringing, and maintain high resolution at high magnification. Integrated coatings—EMD-enhanced for higher light transmission and lower glare—enhance contrast while preserving the natural appearance of every celestial shade, from the icy blues of distant nebulae to the warm hues of planetary bands.
Portability without compromise
The carbon fiber tube is engineered for rigidity and thermal stability, yet remains light enough to move between observing sites with ease. Weighing in at just 14 pounds, this scope is ideal for grab-and-go sessions, field work, or travel to dark skies. The carbon fiber construction minimizes thermal expansion, helping you maintain stable focus as the night air cools or warms throughout the observing session.
Imaging-ready performance
Pairing a 127mm aperture with a compact 952mm focal length gives you a versatile field of view that’s friendly to wide-field nebulae and galaxy hunts alike. The 2.5" HEX focuser is built to handle heavier imaging setups—up to 10 pounds—with smooth, precise motion that makes frame-to-frame focusing predictable at high magnification. A built-in dew shield protects the objective from moisture and dew buildup, preserving contrast and reducing the risk of focus drift during long imaging runs. A 99% reflective diagonal further maximizes light throughput, ensuring you capture dim details in faint targets with clarity and minimal scatter.
Versatile observing and astrophotography capabilities
Designed for both crystal-clear visual observing and demanding astrophotography, this refractor excels in practical, real-world scenarios. Whether you’re chasing Saturn’s ring structure in high detail, imaging a narrowband planetary nebula, or sweeping for remote galaxies, the combination of high-precision optics and robust mechanicals keeps you in the field longer with fewer interruptions. The scope is optimized for high-contrast imaging thanks to its advanced coatings and reflective diagonal, while the dew shield and sturdy focusing system ensure reliable performance across changing temperatures and humidity.
Who benefits most
Ideal for advanced amateurs, serious hobbyists, and aspiring professionals who want a ready-to-run imaging instrument without sacrificing portability. The FCD100 Series excels for those who value optical purity and mechanical reliability as they build up a field-ready setup for astrophotography, planet watching, and deep-sky imaging alike. Its balance of aperture, optical quality, and load capacity makes it a compelling choice for mount setups that require a capable, transportable refractor.
Why this telescope stands out
What sets this instrument apart is the combination of high-grade HOYA FCD100 ED glass, a true air-spaced triplet design, and a carbon fiber chassis that preserves optical alignment while staying light on the user’s shoulders. The 2.5" HEX focuser supports heavy imaging gear with smooth, repeatable focus—a practical advantage for those running heavy cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guides. When you combine the integrated dew shield, EMD-enhanced coatings, and a 99% reflective diagonal, you get an apochromatic refractor that consistently delivers bright, high-contrast images with minimal post-processing fuss.
Practical tips for getting the most out of your setup
- Use a sturdy, well-balanced mount and a proven balance setup to exploit the 10-pound focuser capacity without sag during long-exposure sessions.
- Capitalize on the 952mm focal length by pairing with a good star field or galaxy target catalog to maximize framing efficiency in wide celestial surveys.
- Keep the integrated dew shield extended during damp nights and retracted for transport to protect optics and maintain consistent focus.
- Regularly verify collimation and balance after transport or rearranging accessories to preserve image quality across sessions.
- Combine with compatible accessories for prime-focus imaging or off-axis guiding to unlock precise, repeatable results in astrophotography workflows.
With the Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Triplet ED APO Refractor, you’re getting a purpose-built instrument that merges elite optical performance with practical, on-the-move usability. It’s a refined tool designed to meet the demands of dedicated observers and aspiring professionals in the Cameras & Optics > Optics > Scopes > Telescopes category, delivering exceptional value for astronomers who won’t settle for anything less than stunning, true-to-life celestial imagery.
Shipping Policy
Effective Date: 11/18/2025
1. Introduction
At Hobby Tech Supply, we aim to provide a seamless and transparent shipping experience for our customers. This Shipping Policy outlines the terms and conditions related to the delivery of products purchased from our website, hobbytechsupply.com.
2. Shipping Destinations
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Countries We Ship To:
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United States
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Future Expansion:
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We are continually working to expand our shipping destinations. Please check back for updates.
3. Shipping Costs
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Domestic Shipping (United States):
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Standard Shipping: FREE standard shipping for all orders over $100
- The free shipping threshold applies to the subtotal after discounts and before taxes.
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Expedited Shipping: Calculated based on item weight and priority selection (FedEx)
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Flat Rate Shipping: $5 flat rate for orders under $100.
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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No Hidden Fees:
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All shipping costs and sales taxes are calculated and displayed at checkout. There are no hidden fees.
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4. Order Processing Time
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Processing Time:
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Orders are processed within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays). Note: Processing time does not include weekends or carrier transit time.
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Order Cut-Off Time:
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Orders placed before 12:00 PM EST start processing the same day. Please note that shipping timelines depend on each vendor’s schedule, so same-day shipping cannot be guaranteed.
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Weekend and Holiday Orders:
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Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed on the next business day.
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Note: If your order contains items from multiple vendors, they may ship separately, and each shipment will have its own tracking number.
5. Estimated Delivery Time
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Domestic Shipping:
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Standard Shipping: 3-5 business days
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Expedited Shipping: 1-2 business days
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International Shipping:
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Coming Soon!
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Note: Delivery timeframes are estimates. Actual processing and transit times vary by vendor and carrier and cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for supplier delays or carrier issues caused by factors outside our control, including vendor shipment issues or weather-related carrier disruptions.
6. Shipping Methods and Carriers
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Reliable Carriers:
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Domestic Carriers: USPS, FedEx, UPS
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We partner with reputable carriers to ensure your package arrives on time and safely.
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Shipment Tracking:
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All orders include tracking information, which will be provided via email once your order has shipped.
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Orders fulfilled by multiple vendors may arrive in separate packages. Each will include its own tracking number.
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Insurance:
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Most shipments include limited carrier insurance. Additional coverage may be provided by certain vendors. If your order arrives damaged or missing items, please contact us so we can assist with a resolution.
7. Order Tracking
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Tracking Information:
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After your order has been shipped, you will receive an email containing:
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Tracking Number
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Carrier Name
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Link to Track Your Package
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How to Track Your Order:
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Visit hobbytechsupply.com/track-order or the carrier's website.
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Enter your tracking number to view the status and estimated delivery date.
- If your order is split into multiple shipments, you will receive separate tracking emails for each package.
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Assistance:
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If you have questions or need assistance with tracking, please contact our Support team at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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8. Delivery Issues
8.1 Delayed or Lost Packages
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Delayed Delivery:
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If your package is delayed beyond the estimated delivery time, please contact us at support@hobbytechsupply.com or (412) 520-1022.
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Lost Packages:
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If your tracking information indicates that your package was delivered but you have not received it, please complete the following steps:
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Verify the shipping address provided.
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Check with neighbors or building management.
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Contact us for further assistance.
- We may also ask you to file a missing package claim with the carrier so we can proceed with a replacement or resolution.
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8.2 Damaged Packages
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Reporting Shipment Damage:
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If your package arrives damaged:
- Contact us within 7 days at support@hobbytechsupply.com.
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Note: Returns will NOT be authorized if damage is caused by customer misuse or improper setup.
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Take photos of the damaged packaging and items.
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Resolution:
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We will work with you to arrange a replacement or refund as appropriate.
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9. Missing or Incomplete Items
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Reporting Missing Items:
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If any items are missing from your order:
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Contact us within 7 days of receiving your package.
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Provide your order number and details of the missing item(s).
- Note: refunds will NOT be authorized if missing items are reported late.
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Resolution:
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We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly by sending the missing item(s) or offering a refund.
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10. Return and Refund Policy
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Returns:
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Damaged or Missing Items:
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These must be reported within 7 days of receiving your package so we can file the appropriate claims with the carrier or supplier.
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General Returns (not related to damage or missing items):
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You may request a return within 30 days of receiving your order.
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After approval, you will receive return shipment instructions.
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Conditions for General Returns:
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Items must be unused, undamaged, with all components present, and in their original packaging.
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Certain items (e.g., personalized goods, gift cards) may not be eligible for return.
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Return Shipping Costs:
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Customer Responsibility: Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item is defective or not as described.
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Restocking fees vary by manufacturer and will be clearly communicated before a return is approved.
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Company Responsibility: If the return is due to our error, we will cover the return shipping costs and associated fees.
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Refunds:
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Refunds are processed within 14 days after receiving the returned item.
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Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
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For More Information:
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Please refer to our Return and Refund Policy for detailed information.
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11. Incorrect Address
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Address Accuracy:
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Please ensure that all shipping information is correct. We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer.
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Once an order is placed, if an error is identified, contact us immediately. If the item has not yet shipped, we may be able to update your address as requested.
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Returned Packages:
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If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect address:
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We will contact you to arrange reshipment.
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Additional shipping charges may apply.
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12. International Customs and Duties
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Coming Soon!
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please contact us:
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Customer Service Email: support@hobbytechsupply.com
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Customer Service Phone: 412-520-1022
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM EST.
14. Changes to This Shipping Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Shipping Policy at any time. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon posting on the website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Thank you for shopping with Hobby Tech Supply!
We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with exceptional service.