The William Optics ZS61 ED refractor uses a doublet with synthetic flourite glass. These types of optical instruments approach the performance of expensive APO triplets, at a much lower price. The heart of this refractor is a two-element lens φ = 61 mm, with FPL53 glass, with aperture f/5.9.
The tube is equipped with a very good 2-inch Rack and Pinion extractor with a 10:1 microfocus, which works smoothly and is stable - you can rely on it.
The telescope has a retractable deflector and a mounting base in the Vixen standard, and high quality fit and finish has long been a hallmark of William Optics products.
So we have beautiful "outdoor" equipment, especially recommended for astrophotography in wide frames, and as an observation telescope and for digiscoping.
• construction: Apo FPL53 doublet
• aperture: 61 mm
• aperture: f/5.9
• focal length: 360 mm
• retractable deflector: included
• dovetail rail: included
• saddle for finder: included, also includes a carrying handle
• Bahtinov mask: included
• soft bag with sponge filling: included
• extension: 2" Rack and Pinion, 1.25 adapter, 10:1 microfocus
• recommended flattener: FLAT 61A, FLAT61 R
• application: APS-C, Full Frame (produces a disc with a diameter of 43 mm)
• length: 245 - 315 mm (depending on the position of the deflector)
• weight: 1.45 kg
One of the key aspects of astrophotography is ensuring proper guidance, which is achieved by using a telescope and a camera connected to it, which allows for correction of the operation of the assembly engines.
The William Optics UniGuide 32 mm guiding scope is a top-quality optical device attached to the telescope using an integrated Vixen shoe. It can work with cameras with both an M42 thread and a 1.25" mount, which makes this instrument extremely universal.
The optical system of this high light intensity telescope is enclosed in a light, gold-colored metal housing with a scale to facilitate focusing.
The back focus of the UniGuide 32 mm scope is 20.1 mm. Before selecting a camera for guiding, check whether this value is consistent with its technical specifications.
• lightweight metal housing with integrated Vixen stand
• possibility of connecting a camera with a 1.25" or M42 mount
• ideal for William Optics Zenithstar refractor clamps
• QHY, SBIG, ZWO and others with 1.25" mounting
• cameras with M42 mount
• diameter: 32 mm
• focal length: 120 mm
• aperture: f/3.75
• optical design: refractor
• sharpening system: internal with a scale on the housing
• back focus: 20.1 mm
• telescope mounting: Vixen foot (finder, 73 mm long) + three holes with 1/4" thread
• camera mounting: 1.25" adapter / M42 thread
• tube material: metal
• color: gold
• tube length: 147 mm
• weight: 240 g
2 years
William Optics Zenithstar ZS 61 II is very good quality equipment, light and very well made - like all William Optics products. Very good extraction, the Bahtinov mask included by the manufacturer makes it very easy to focus on the star. I bought the telescope mainly for deep space photos and it met my expectations. Below is a photo of the M31 galaxy (WO 61 + flattener P-FLAT61R WO Z61 adjustable, Canon 6D Mark II, i.e. full frame).
New Year's Eve
(click on the photo to see full size)
OBJECT : Rosette Nebula
SETUP
Telescope: William Optics ZS 61/360 (without flattener!)
Camera: Canon 700D mod
Assembly: ZWO AM3 + ASIAIR mini
Date of execution: February 3, 2024
Exposure: 60 photos, ISO 1600, time 20 seconds / photo
Conditions not the best, strong wind, passing clouds, lights of passing cars
Place: ZHP Balcony Observatory, Frombork
