William Optics GuideStar 61 APO (M-GS61)
William Optics GuideStar 61 APO (M-GS61)
Accent Color - Red (M-GS61-RD)
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Product Description
Made using Ohara FPL-53 optical glass, the William Optics 61 mm Guide Star delivers superb optical performance for high contrast images that are all but completely free of false color. Its 360 mm focal length is ideal for use with telescopes that have focal lengths between 700 mm and 1200 mm. In addition, optional accessories are available to make the GS61 suitable for astrophotography applications.
Focus is optimized by adjusting the dew shield, and set via the locking ring. Using the newly designed extension tube included with the GS61 enables ideal focus to be achieved in only a few steps. CNC-machined optical tube rings and bracket with Vixen-style sliding base for compatibility with all William Optics saddle handle bars are also included. Lastly, optional accessories such as the WO Flat 61A can be added for excellent flat field images, enhancing the GS61's astrophotography capabilities.
A soft carry case comes standard with the William Optics GuideStar 61.
Using the GuideStar 61
Mounting the Guidescope
The bottom of the GS61 features a narrow Vixen/Synta-style finder dovetail rail (32mm wide x 120mm long). This is designed to fit into the Saddle/handlebar found on William Optics scopes or in other compatible finder bases. Note that this finder rail is much narrower than Vixen-style mount rails, so you cannot attach this guidescope directly to larger Vixen mount saddles. The top features a Vixen-style handle/saddlebar.
Imaging with the Guidescope
Since this is optically the same as the William Optics Z61 telescope, it provides a full-frame image circle. To attach your guide camera directly to the guidescope, you will require it to have a 2" nosepiece. For use as a primary imaging scope, the use of the optional FLAT-GS61 field flattener is highly recommended. Since the GS61 terminates in a male M48 thread, you will need a camera-specific 48mm wide T ring (sold separately)
Using the Guidescope Visually
As a telescope for visual use, this guidescope can be used with a 1.25" diagonal (you will also need a 2"-1.25" adapter that is not included) and it will be able to reach focus with many eyepieces. However, it cannot reach focus if a 2" diagonal is used.
What's In the Box
- GuideStar 61 mm f/5.9 FPL53 APO
- Soft Carry Case
- Tube Rings with Handle
- Vixen-style Dovetail
- Extension Tube
- Lens Cap
Specifications
| Focal Length: | 360mm |
| Diameter: | 61mm |
| Aperture: | f/5.9 |
| Camera Format: | APC-C Full Frame |
| Focuser: | Rotatable (Manual) 2" Drawtube |
| Image Circle: | Full Frame |
| Recommended Flattener: | Flat GS61A |
| Tube Length: | 340mm (Fully Retracted) 365mm (Fully Extended) |
| Tube Weight: | 1.5 kg |
Additional Articles, Videos, and Links
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