Explore Scientific is the “new kid on the block” in the astronomical equipment world. With only a few years since its founding in July 2008, it is amazing just how fast Explore Scientific Company has overtaken the amateur astronomy hobby.
Explore Scientific was founded by Scott Roberts, a former Meade employee who held several high-ranking positions within that company. In addition to Explore Scientific and its subsidiary, Explore One, Roberts runs a number of non-profit astronomy outreach groups, serves on the board of Astronomers Without Borders, and has contributed to a number of documentary films.
Explore Scientific Product Range
Explore Scientific sells a number of different telescopes and accessories, including:
- Carbon fiber, FCD100, and other apochromatic triplet refractors for both imaging and visual use
- AR-series fast achromatic refractors for visual use on a budget, using the same mechanical components as their apochromatic triplets
- Maksutov-Newtonian and Newtonian optical tubes for imaging or visual use
- Truss-tube and solid-tube Dobsonians
- 120-degree, 100-degree, 92-degree, 82-degree, 68-degree, 62-degree, and 52-degree argon-purged waterproof premium eyepieces
- Its FirstLight beginner telescope line
- PMC-Eight Wi-Fi controlled equatorial mounts
- Twilight and EXOS manual alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts
Additionally, ES sells a number of binoculars, microscopes, and other non-astronomical optical devices, as well as science toys and other items through Explore One, its subsidiary/brand targeted toward children.
Optics You Can Trust, Service You Can Rely On
While the FirstLight telescopes are a little compromised when it comes to their mounts and accessories, every Explore Scientific telescope that we’ve tested has been superb optically. Mechanically, most of the stuff ES sells is no slouch either.
Explore Scientific also offers a unique ExploreSTARS transferable warranty on nearly all of their products—no matter from whom, where, or when you got your telescope or accessory, they’ll fix or replace it free of charge if needed, and the same applies to anyone you sell or give it to. Explore Scientific’s customer service is some of the best I’ve ever seen and is an absolute hallmark of the industry.
Explore Scientific Telescopes Reviewed By Us
- Explore Scientific FirstLight AR80 Refractor with Twilight Nano
- Explore Scientific FirstLight 8″ Dobsonian
- Explore Scientific 10″ FirstLight Dobsonian
- Explore Scientific 10″ Hybrid Truss Tube Dobsonian
- Explore Scientific 10” Truss Dobsonian
- Explore Scientific 12″ Truss Tube Dobsonian
Where to Buy Explore Scientific Telescopes?
In the US, most of the online Explore Scientific telescopes are sold through:
- Amazon
- Explore Scientific’s official site
- HighPointScientific
- AgenaAstro
- Astronomics
