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ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor Telescope

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SKU: ZWO-FF131-APO
$1,999.00
 
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ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor Telescope

Ready to collect stunning detail on the night sky? This ZWO FF131 APO Refractor is the perfect solution! Housing four lens elements, a sizable aperture, and a host of key features for top-tier performance, adding this refractor to your telescope line up is sure to take your nights under the stars to the next level.

The quadruplet lens design of the ZWO FF131 APO Refractor not only provides beautiful detail on the cosmos, it also opens the doors to quality of life features both beginner and experienced astroimagers are sure to appreciate. No backspacing calculations are required, nor is an external field flattener! This simpler approach helps streamline your setup for smoother imaging sessions. In addition to powerful optics, ZWO includes the essentials such as tube rings, a dovetail bar, findershoes, and a photography extension tube. Whether you’re a novice to the hobby or an experienced imager seeking an ergonomic telescope, the ZWO FF131 APO is the way to go!

ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor At a Glance

  • Quadruplet lens design for pristine detail
  • Includes one ED element, further bolstering performance
  • Boasts 983 mm focal length and 131 mm aperture
  • Suitable for both astrophotography and visual astronomy
  • No external field flattener nor backspacing calculations required
  • Compatible with full frame sensors

Learn More About the ZWO FF131 APO!

The 131 mm APO Refractor from ZWO is a high quality refractor delivering sharp, crisp images of the cosmos. Packed with incredible features, it's a wonderful addition to your telescope collection. Read on as we delve deeper into the features of this ZWO refractor below!

Quadruplet Lens Design
Boasting four lens elements, one of which is composed of ED glass, this quadruplet powerhouse delivers stark detail and stunning contrast! The Petzval design means no external field flattener is required, simply attach your camera and you’re ready to go. Additionally, there is no need to calculate back focal distance. As long as your system can reach focus, the entire field of view will be in focus as well. This ZWO FF131 APO refractor has a focal length of 983 mm and an aperture of 131 mm. Enjoy framing up small deep sky objects within this field of view such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Horsehead Nebula, the Dumbbell Nebula, and plenty more. Full frame compatible, the ZWO FF131 APO refractor supports some of the largest sensors on the market today!

Ideal for Both Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
With the ZWO FF131, there is no need to choose between a telescope for visual astronomy or astrophotography, you’re at liberty to utilize these powerful optics for both! After marveling at the night sky with your very own eyes, seamlessly attach your camera to capture the view forever. Both dedicated astroimaging cameras and DSLRs are supported thanks to the included photography extension tube, housing M48x0.75 and M54x0.75 adapters.

Robust 3" Rack & Pinion Focuser
For easy focus, the ZWO FF131 APO refractor houses a strong, yet smooth focusing apparatus, delivering the utmost precision. This 1:10 dual speed focuser allows you to first find rough focus with the coarse adjustment knob, then dial in the details with the fine adjustment knob. Find focus in a snap manually or seamlessly join your electronic automatic focuser for hands-free focusing!

What's In The Box
Setting you up for success, ZWO includes everything you need to get out and under the stars in no time. Two mounting rings hold your scope secure, while the included Vixen dovetail provides a solid platform to adjoin to your mount. Two finderbases and a dual-purpose handle allow attachment of various accessories such as a guidescope or a ZWO ASIAIR (not included). The CNC-machined retractable dew shield protects against stray light and moisture collection on your lens, with the locking screw holding it in place throughout your imaging sessions. Ensuring the utmost quality, ZWO includes an inspection card of your scope, a warranty card, and a user manual. Finally, a photographic extension tube with M48x0.75 and M54x0.75 adapters and 2" filter threads provide easy attachment to your camera!



Frequently Asked Questions

What can I see with the ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope?
With the ZWO 131 APO refractor, you can capture sights or images of small deep sky objects within this field of view such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Horsehead Nebula, and the Dumbbell Nebula.

Do I need to add a field flattener to my ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope?
You do not need to add a separate, dedicated field flattener when using your ZWO APO refractor for imaging, nor do you need to calculate backspacing. This is due to the Petzval design of the refractor.

Is the ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope compatible with the ASIAIR Plus?
ZWO has included a dual-purpose handle on the body of the refractor telescope to allow attachment of various accessories such as the ZWO ASIAir Plus WiFi Camera Controller.

How do I attach a camera to the ZWO 131 APO Refractor Telescope?
ZWO has included a photographic extension tube with M48x0.75 and M54x0.75 adapters and 2" filter threads to provide easy attachment to your camera.

Which mount should I use with the ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor Telescope?
If you are looking for a mount for your ZWO APO refractor telescope, we recommend checking out our Mount Buying Guide. ZWO has also assembled a package for their ZWO APO refractors, so you can get a 131 mm APO refractor and AM5N strainwave mount bundle or 131 mm APO refractor and AM7 strainwave mount bundle. These bundles come with a free TC40 tripod and 160 mm pier extension.

What does APO mean?
APO is an abbreviation for apochromatic. Apochromatic is used to describe an optical system that uses a combination of lenses to correct for chromatic aberration.

How do I prevent dew from forming on my optics?
ZWO has included a CNC-machined retractable dew shield to protect against stray light and moisture collection on your lens. It comes with a locking screw to hold it in place throughout your imaging sessions. If you are interested in other types of dew prevention, you can check out our "How to Stop Dew & Frost From Forming on Your Telescope" article.




Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!

Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!

Achieving Perfect Focus with a Bahtinov Mask
How to Connect a Camera to Telescope
Why Exposure Time Matters
ZWO ASIAir Ultimate Guide