The same 152mm f/6.5 achromatic doublet as the DAR152065-01, upgraded with one meaningful addition: the Hybrid 2-in-1 Finder Base. This dual-mount bracket accepts both Explore Scientific/Synta-style and Vixen-style finder scopes — which means whatever finder you already own fits, and you can run two finders simultaneously if your workflow calls for it. If you're pairing this OTA with existing accessories or planning a customized finder setup, the -02 is the version to buy.
Unlike the base DAR152065-01
The optical tube is identical: 152mm aperture, 988mm focal length at f/6.5, 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser, 2-inch dielectric diagonal. The Hybrid Finder Base is the differentiator. It mounts on the OTA and provides two shoe positions accepting different finder formats — Explore Scientific, Vixen, and Synta-style all fit. For observers who have invested in quality finderscopes and want a large-aperture refractor OTA that integrates cleanly with existing gear, the -02 removes the compatibility question entirely.
What you'll see
152mm at f/6.5 delivers serious aperture with controlled chromatic aberration. Jupiter shows multiple cloud belts, the Great Red Spot, and moon shadow transits on steady nights. Saturn's Cassini Division is wide and obvious; the Crepe Ring is visible at high power. The Moon is a lifetime of detail — mountain ranges, crater chains, dome fields, and sinuous rilles. The Orion Nebula fills the field with structure. M13, M92, and other showpiece globulars resolve fully across their extent. Brighter galaxies in Virgo, Leo, and Ursa Major show morphological structure under dark skies.
What's in the box
- 152mm f/6.5 achromatic doublet refractor OTA
- 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser with 1.25-inch adapter
- 2-inch dielectric diagonal
- Hybrid 2-in-1 Finder Base (dual-format finder shoe)
- Vixen-style cradle rings and dovetail bar
- Dust caps
| Spec |
Value |
| SKU |
DAR152065-02 |
| Optical Design |
Achromatic Doublet Refractor |
| Aperture |
152mm (6 inches) |
| Focal Length |
988mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/6.5 |
| Focuser |
2-inch dual-speed Crayford with 1.25-inch adapter |
| Finder Base |
Hybrid 2-in-1 (Explore Scientific/Synta and Vixen compatible) |
| Included Accessories |
2-inch dielectric diagonal, OTA only — mount not included |
Price Match, Shipping & Questions
We price-match any authorized Canadian or US retailer. Ships free to the contiguous US. Questions? Email us at support@telescopewolves.com or visit our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What finder scopes are compatible with the Hybrid Base?
The Hybrid 2-in-1 Finder Base accepts Explore Scientific, Synta, and Vixen-style finder shoes. This covers virtually all common finder scopes on the market. You can mount two simultaneously — one in each shoe position — which some observers use for a red-dot finder (for rough pointing) alongside a magnifying finderscope (for precise placement).
What mount does this require?
Same requirement as any 152mm refractor — a mount rated for 25+ lbs payload. For visual use, a heavy alt-az (Sky-Watcher AZ5 Deluxe, Twilight II) or EQ5-class equatorial. For astrophotography, EQ6-class or better. The Vixen-style dovetail bar is compatible with standard saddles on all major mount brands.
How does this compare to the DAR152065-01?
Identical OTA, identical optics. The only addition in the -02 is the Hybrid Finder Base. If you plan to use the included dovetail finder shoe and add one finder in the standard format, the -01 is fine. If you have a finder from a different brand, want to run dual finders, or simply want the most mount-compatible setup out of the box, the -02 is worth the premium.
Is it suitable for astrophotography?
With an appropriate tracking mount and field flattener, yes. The 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser provides precise focus control. At f/6.5, a quality flattener corrects field curvature for sensors up to APS-C. Narrowband imaging (Ha, OIII) sidesteps achromatic chromatic aberration entirely for nebula work.
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