William Optics WIFD RedCat 61 APO Refractor
The Next Step in Premium RedCat Performance is Here!
This William Optics 61 mm APO Astrograph is a great refractor for astrophotographers, and this version of the RedCat comes with the William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD)! The RedCat WIFD 61 provides color-free apochromatic performance. William Optics has designed the RedCat 61 WIFD refractor to deliver excellent full frame image quality to those looking for an aesthetically pleasing and high performance refractor.
Check out our RedCat 61 Full Experience and Review article to see our take on this addition to the RedCat family!
The body of the RedCat 61 refractor 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.
Loads of High-Quality Accessories to Enhance Your Experience!
In addition to the accessories above, the RedCat WIFD 61 comes with a Bahtinov focusing mask. The Bahtinov mask is a great tool for astrophotography and modifying focus. With William Optics quality, the Innovative Bahtinov Mask Cover will help astrophotographers reach the best focus when capturing those wonderful celestial photos. Also included is a Cat Series Saddle Bar.
William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD)
This new focuser design includes the patented William Optics center focuser with precise internal sliding of fixed optics to prevent image shift. The integrated position viewing window on the focuser provides instant verification of the graduated numerical display. The smooth rack-and-pinion design is incorporated into the focuser to provide super-fine adjustability for critical focus. The internal movement of the optical elements is protected from the elements and cannot come out of alignment. The redistribution of weight allows for better balance during imaging sessions.
High-Quality Optics
One of the greatest features of the RedCat 61 is the high-quality optics that make the telescope ideal for astrophotography. With 4 elements in 3 groups (2-1-1- configuration), the 61 mm RedCat Petzval refractor is designed with FPL-53 glass up front, a single central element, and a single rear lens to provide a flat image plane without any need for an additional flattener. The Ohara FPL53 synthetic fluorite glass is used in a Petzval arrangement makes this a quadruplet refractor. Being apochromatic, this telescope has almost zero chromatic aberration and delivers a flat field, even in full-frame. In addition, the Petzval optical design of the William Optics RedCat series telescopes means that so long as you reach focus, you'll be at the appropriate spacing for your sensor. No need to find or space your camera, simply reach focus and you're all set!
Wider Field of View
When compared to the William Optics RedCat 71 refractor, the shorter focal length of the RedCat 61, 300 mm, will provide a wider field of view. See the picture to the left for an example. The arrows illustrate how much larger the field of view is going to be when you use the RedCat 61 refractor. We highly suggest checking out your own framing differences using popular online calculators. The wider field of view is going to be great!
Cat Saddle Handle Bar
This cat handle is a handy addition to your RedCat 61 OTA setup! When paired with the included mounting ring, this Vixen-style handlebar is a great way to carry your lightweight refractor around. It also accepts Vixen-style dovetails for guide scopes and guide rings. Additionally, the handle will accept the William Optics UniGuide (not included).