The Explore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain on the EXOS Nano EQ3 mount is built for stargazers who want serious, high-contrast performance in a remarkably portable package. With a 100mm aperture and a 1400mm focal length (f/14), this telescope delivers crisp details on the Moon’s rugged terrain, Saturn’s delicate ring system, and Jupiter’s shifting cloud belts, all from a compact setup that travels as easily as you do.
Optical design that makes a difference
The Mak-Cassegrain configuration combines a folded optical path with precise coatings to minimize stray light and maximize contrast. The result is bright, high-contrast views that reveal lunar mare textures, crisp planetary moons, and bright deep-sky objects without the long tube you’d expect from a long focal-length instrument. This design also helps keep the tube short and manageable, so you can set up quickly, point accurately, and enjoy more observation time.
- 100 mm aperture, 1400 mm focal length (f/14) for impressive planetary detail and bright lunar features with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Mak-Cassegrain optics provide a compact, portable form factor without sacrificing image quality or magnification potential.
- EXOS Nano EQ3 German Equatorial Mount offers smooth, precise manual tracking, so you can follow sweeping planetary features or lunar detail with confidence.
- Stability meets transportability – a sturdy yet lightweight arrangement designed for backyard sessions and spontaneous trips to darker skies.
- Out-of-the-box accessibility – fully equipped with a Plössl eyepiece, a diagonal for comfortable viewing, a red-dot finder for quick aiming, and a smartphone adapter to capture and share your discoveries.
The package is purpose-built for real observing. It’s not merely a beginner’s setup; it’s a thoughtful system that helps you progress. The manual tracking on the EQ3 mount makes planetary scanning and lunar sketching intuitive, while the long focal length sustains detail at higher magnifications you’ll actually use during an evening under the stars.
Smart, practical observing for real-world use
Ideal for backyard astronomy, weekend getaways, or trips to light-pollution–free skies, this telescope excels at giving you meaningful, awe-inspiring views without the baggage of larger instruments. It’s especially well-suited for:
- Moon observers who want to resolve craters, rilles, and mountain ranges with satisfying contrast.
- Planet lovers eager to study Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud belts with stable, centered views.
- Early deep-sky enthusiasts who want to spot bright galaxies and star clusters through a refined, high-contrast instrument.
- Educators and students who benefit from a capable, easy-to-use setup that demonstrates real optical performance.
Why this makes a difference
Compared to ultracompact refractors or short-tube options, the FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain delivers longer effective reach in a shorter tube. The result is higher magnification with meaningful planetary detail, coupled with a robust mount that supports precise framing and tracking. This combination helps you progress from locating targets to consistently centering them and capturing memorable views every clear night.
Setup and use are straightforward: assemble on the included tripod, align the red-dot finder with a bright target, and use the slow-motion controls on the mount to track objects as they drift across the sky. When the night is over, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to pack up and take back to your preferred observing site.
From exploring cratered lunar seas to glinting Saturnian rings and the subtle bands on gas giants, the FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain on the EQ3 mount is a thoughtful, capable choice for serious observing. It’s more than a telescope—it’s a reliable companion for building a deeper, more confident skywatching routine.
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.