Explore Scientific MN-152 David H. Levy Comet Hunter Telescope

• 152 mm f/4.8 optical system: The combination of a generous 152.00 mm aperture and a fast 731.00 mm focal length gathers enough light for faint deep-sky targets while keeping exposure times shorter for astrophotography.
• Maksutov-Newtonian design: This catadioptric layout is chosen for a wide, well-corrected field with strong contrast, making it especially useful for comets, nebulae and rich-field observing where pinpoint stars across the image matter.
• EMD coated optics: The Enhanced Multilayer Desposition coating helps preserve brightness and contrast, which is valuable when teasing out low-contrast detail in extended objects and lunar or planetary features.
• 2'' Crayford focuser with 1.25'' adapter: A large-format focuser supports both 2-inch and 1.25-inch accessories, giving the telescope flexibility for wide-field eyepieces and imaging setups while allowing precise manual focus.
• Portable optical tube assembly: At 7.90 kg and supplied without a mount, the Comet Hunter remains easier to transport and pair with a suitable tripod or mount for field sessions and dark-sky travel.

About the Explore Scientific Catadioptrics Series

Explore Scientific Catadioptrics sit in the brand's telescope range as compact optical tubes that combine mirror and lens elements to deliver substantial aperture in a manageable format. In this family, the emphasis is on high contrast, efficient light use and practical tube dimensions that are easier to transport than many long refractors or bulkier reflectors of similar aperture. These instruments are aimed at observers who want a versatile telescope for Moon, planets and astrophotography, while still retaining the optical reach needed for deep-sky work.

The series is defined by catadioptric engineering that balances correction, focal efficiency and mechanical usability. Compared with simpler reflector layouts, these telescopes are built to provide a more controlled image across the field, which is especially relevant when using modern wide-angle eyepieces or imaging sensors. Explore Scientific pairs this optical approach with features such as EMD coatings, robust focusers and practical accessory compatibility, so the telescopes can move between visual observing and camera-based use without feeling specialized to only one task. For astronomers who value a compact tube with serious optical capability, the Explore Scientific Catadioptrics series fills that role.

About the Explore Scientific MN-152 David H. Levy Comet Hunter Telescope

The Explore Scientific MN-152 David H. Levy Comet Hunter Telescope is built around a 152.00 mm aperture and a fast f/4.8 optical system, a combination that makes it particularly well suited to wide-field astronomical observing and imaging. Its catadioptric design is intended for users who want the light grasp needed for nebulae, galaxies and comets, but also want a telescope that remains compact enough for regular transport and setup. With a 731.00 mm focal length, it supports broad sky coverage that helps frame extended objects more naturally than longer-focus designs.

This model stands out for the way its optical format serves both visual and imaging use. The fast focal ratio helps produce brighter views at a given magnification and supports shorter photographic exposures, while the EMD coated optics work to maintain contrast and transmission. For lunar and planetary observation, the telescope still has enough aperture to resolve fine detail, with a stated highest useful magnification of 304.00 x when conditions allow. The included 25 mm eyepiece yields 29.2x, a practical starting point for sweeping star fields and locating diffuse targets.

Mechanically, the telescope is configured as an optical tube assembly with no mount, which gives experienced users freedom to match it with an appropriate support system. The 2'' Crayford style focuser with 1.25'' adapter broadens accessory compatibility and makes it easier to move between visual accessories and imaging hardware. An 8x50 finderscope assists with target acquisition, and the side-mounted eyepiece arrangement keeps the telescope comfortable to use across a wide range of sky positions.

About Explore Scientific

Explore Scientific LLC was established in July 2008 by Scott W. Roberts. Based in Springdale, Arkansas, United States, the company focuses on optical instruments for amateur science and observation, including telescopes, eyepieces, mounts, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes. That broad product base is reflected in a catalogue that serves both entry-level users and experienced observers looking for specialized equipment.

Within astronomy, Explore Scientific is particularly well known for building out complete observing systems rather than isolated components. Its telescope range includes ED apochromatic refractors, achromatic refractors, Newtonian telescopes and Dobsonian telescopes, while its eyepiece lineup spans 68°, 82° and 100° apparent-field designs. The company also developed the PMC-Eight control system for GoTo equatorial mounts, showing a strong interest in practical observing technology as well as optics. That background makes Explore Scientific a natural fit for a specialized instrument such as the David H. Levy Comet Hunter.

Main Features

• Optical design: Maksutov Cassegrain
• Aperture: 152.00 mm
• Focal length: 731.00 mm
• Focal ratio: 4.8
• Lowest useful magnification: 22.00 x
• Highest useful magnification: 304.00 x
• Light gathering power: 471.00 x
• Limitting stellar magnitude: 12.9
• Resolution Rayleigh: 0.90 Arc seconds
• Resolution Dawes: 0.70 Arc seconds
• Secondary mirror diameter: 49.00 mm
• Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter: 0.30 %
• Secondary mirror obstruction by area: 10.40 %
• Lens coating: Enhanced Multilayer Desposition
• Focuser type: 2'' Crayford style with 1.25'' adapter
• Eyepiece barrel diameter: 2'' / 50.8 mm
• Eyepiece angle: Side mounted
• Finderscope: 8x50
• Mount type of build: No mount
• Tripod adaptable: Yes
• GoTo control: No
• GPS: No
• Tracking: No
• Total kit weight: 7.90 kg
• Color: Black
• Recommended for: Advanced
• Suitable for observing: Astrophotography, Moon, Planets

Warranty

This telescope includes a 5-year warranty.

In the Box

• 152 mm f/4.8 Maksutov-Newtonian carbon fiber optical tube
• 2-inch Crayford focuser with 10:1 fine-focus reduction
• Carbon fiber dew shield with dust cap
• Tube rings with Vixen-style dovetail plate
• Explore Scientific 52° 30 mm LER eyepiece
• 8x50 illuminated finder scope
• Instruction manual