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William Optics RedCat 51 Gen 2 f/4.9 APO Refractor Telescope - Upgraded Version

SKU: WYO-L-RC51II-U
$865.00 $765.00

William Optics has discontinued the RedCat 51 f/4.9 APO Refractor Telescope, and we are out of stock.  Here is a link to the William Optics RedCats we carry at High Point.  Hopefully, you can find a proper replacement in this selection.  If we can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-266-9590 or send an email, and we will be happy to help you.  Thank you!

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An Astrophotgrapher's Dream Refractor!

This upgraded 51 mm RedCat is a perfect scope for the beginner or advanced astrophotographer looking to shoot expansive deep-sky images while increasing the portability of their astrophotography setup. When compared to the original RedCat 51, this second generation scope comes in a smaller form factor (11" extended, compared to the original's 12") and with a red (rather than black) focus tension ring to further enhance the RedCat's aesthetic.

This RedCat refractor has a 51 mm objective lens with 250 mm of focal length, resulting in a fast f/4.9 focal ratio. High-quality Ohara FPL53 glass comprises the lenses of this quadruplet refractor and provides a flat field, even for full-frame camera sensors. The RedCat 51 sports 48mm threads for compatibility with most digital and mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and others, as well as dedicated astrophotography cameras from most brands, including QHY and ZWO. In addition, this refractor comes with a camera sensor tilt adjuster to provide the perfect camera orientation for your setup and the objects you wish to photograph.

The optics of this RedCat are made from Ohara FPL53 synthetic fluorite glass for high-contrast and extremely sharp images in both visual and photographic applications. Its Petzval design, consisting of four optical elements in three groups, produces a flat field even with full-frame sensors and an image circle of less than 43 mm. Being apochromatic, this scope produces virtually zero chromatic aberration.

Upgraded Body Design!

William Optics has redesigned the body of the Gen 2 RedCat 51 with a new tilt plate location. The tilt plate is now in front of the camera rotator and tucked neatly away behind a red threaded ring. With the tilt adapter hidden, the RedCat 51 is even sleeker than before, and the graduated scale of the camera rotator is clearly visible and easy to access. This small change in appearance will enhance your RedCat refractor's aesthetics while also streamlining function.

Calibrated Helical Focuser with Field Rotator
This second-generation RedCat 51 includes a calibrated helical focuser with a tension ring which allows you to lock the focus or increase or decrease drag. Also included is a field rotator with a laser-etched degree indicator. With the field rotator you can rotate the attached camera to your preference, within one-degree of accuracy. This makes capturing mosaics of large celestial objects or sections of the sky much easier! A filter slot is built into the optical tube just after the rotator to accept 48 mm filters, while the back of the RedCat itself is fitted with M48 threads.

High-Quality Optics
Perhaps the strongest feature of the Gen 2 RedCat 51 is the high-quality optics. Ohara FPL53 synthetic fluorite glass is used in a Petzval arrangement of four elements in three groups, making this a quadruplet refractor. Being apochromatic, this telescope has almost zero chromatic aberration and delivers a flat field, even in full-frame.

Sleek Aesthetics
The body of the RedCat 51 Gen 2 is made of a strong aluminum alloy and is anodized for strength and durability in a beautiful red color. A matching dew/sun shield can be attached when needed and inverted on the scope for storage without creating any additional body length. A threaded, red aluminum lens cap protects the optics while the scope is not in use.

Many Included Components
The RedCat 51 Gen2 comes with everything needed to incorporate this scope into your astrophotography setup. Included is the RedCat optical tube, a Bahtinov mask, a 210 mm dovetail, tube ring, focuser with focusing index, a tilt adjuster, and a soft carrying case.