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Posts Tagged 'apochromats'

The new William Optics “Mini Cat” is here – small but powerful!

September 18 2024, Jan Ströher

The new, ultra-compact MiniCat Astrograph from William Optics is a high-quality photographic machine, consisting of 6 lenses in 2 groups with integrated focuser design (WIFD). The fast focal ratio of f/3.5 allows very short exposure times with the highest image quality and correction – as you would expect from all apochromatic refractors from William Optics. The field of view illuminated by the MiniCat for astrophotography corresponds to that of full-frame cameras.

William Optics MiniCat 51/178 OTA

Due to the very short tube length with the low weight of only 1.67 kg, the MiniCat is a perfect apochromat for traveling and for small photo mounts, such as the iOptron SkyGuider.The Cat series from William Optics has been very popular for many years and rightly so. They are very handy optics for nature and astrophotography. The heart is the optics with Petzval design: Four lenses in three elements ensure a color-corrected and, above all, flat image field. An external flattener is no longer necessary!

The latest “baby” is no exception: With the MiniCat 51 you not only get impressive optical performance, but you can also enjoy the beautiful design and finish from William Optics!

ZWO Seestar S50: The revolutionary Smart Telescope

June 26 2024, Jan Ströher

The ZWO Seestar S50 takes a first place in the selection of new smart telescopes. The main reason for this is, of course, the significantly lower price compared to other smart telescopes. But the Seestar can also score points with other features and this may also be seen in the customer reviews in our store. More than 95% of our customers are absolutely happy with the Seestar and this is certainly mainly due to the easy handling, the extremely compact design paired with apochromatic optics and the worldwide good reputation of the manufacturer ZWO, which has been established for many years, especially with astro cameras. ZWO has also incorporated its experience with camera sensors and user-friendly operation via tablets or smartphones (see ASI Air) into the Seestar S50, and it shows.

This smart telescope will delight beginners and advanced users alike, as it is extremely easy and convenient to use, yet still produces fantastic astrophotos!

Globular Cluster M13, photographed through the ZWO Seestar

 

The device is supplied with a lightweight carbon tripod, a solar filter, a carrying case and a built-in CLS (Light Pollution) filter, which can be switched on during exposure if required.

 

The Dumbbell Nebula M27, a just 10 minute exposure with ZWO’s Seestar

Discover the Apo summer: up to 32% discount on Omegon apochromats!

June 1 2024, Marcus Schenk

The summer temperatures do not only bring fresh greens and landscapes in bloom, but also an astronomical discount campaign. Look forward to up to 32% discount on our first-class Omegon apochromats – the perfect addition to your astrophotographic equipment.

The right time for an Apochromat

The nights are getting warmer again, giving many amateur astronomers the idea of spending time under the stars. This time of year is a wonderful time to go galaxy hunting. With our Omegon Apochromats – including excellent sharpness and field correction – you can capture even the smallest details of the Universe.

Triangulum galaxy, Messier 33, Pedro Moreno & Carlos Malagon, 104/650 ED Triplet, Atik460EX 

M33 galaxy by Pedro Moreno & Carlos Malagon with the Omgeon APO 104/650 ED Triplet and Atik 460EX

A stable mount is essential for your telescope. iOptron mounts are proven to be reliable partners for the Omegon APOs. Now is the perfect time to take your hobby to the next level – with an Omegon Apochromat of your choice.

Take advantage of this now: These low prices are only available until 07/31/2024.

New Omegon apochromats with Hoya special glass

March 27 2023, Marcus Schenk

Four new telescopes which turn astronomy into something exceptional. Available in four different apertures of 85mm, 96mm, 106mm and 140mm and fitted with Hoya special glass, the images produced by the new Omegon triplet apochromats are amongst the best in class.

Our new Omegon apochromats offer many advantages. Here is an overview of the top four:

Special glass built into the lens Thanks to large technological advances, Hoya has successfully optimised the production of the FCD100. This optical glass has extremely low dispersion, equivalent to that of the well-known FPL-53 glass. As a result, you get high-contrast images with excellent colour purity, even at high magnifications.

Adjustable mount: Thanks to high mount stability, alignment stays set, even with regular transportation. But you can also be prepared for all eventualities as professional readjustment is not a problem for this mount. Our workshop service provides professional support at all times. Get the best out of your telescope even years down the line.

Large, sturdy drawtube with transmission gearing: The Crayford hybrid technology and rack ensure heavy accessories are securely held whilst settings can be very smoothly and precisely set using the ball-bearing mounted inner tube.

Mounting rails for accessories: One thing is clear, the new apochromats are creations for astrophotographers or fans of fantastic planetary observations. But astronomers who are on a photographic journey, often require more accessories, such as a guiding scope or a guiding camera. Simply and quickly attach your preferred equipment using the pre-installed Vixen-style mounting rails.

The Omegon apochromats are available in four versions:

Pro APO AP 85/510 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 96/575 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 106/700 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 140/910 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

 

Thinking about buying an apochromat? A smaller, more transportable device or a more powerful beast with an 140mm aperture? Then let the Omegon apochromats with Hoya glass convince you with their excellent image quality.

Set your sights on an even wider range of Omegon Pro Apochromats now

March 24 2021, Marcus Schenk

Omegon’s fleet of Pro Apochromats has been strengthened. The range has been supplemented by equally stylish and powerful refractors that perform far better than ordinary refractors.

Omegon’s new apochromats were developed for ambitious astrophotographers who want to take brilliantly-sharp photographs of the universe. These apochromats deliver superb image sharpness and wonderful contrast across the entire field and will help you take the perfect photo. These instruments are equipped with ED lenses, integrated correctors, CNC tubes and large focusers. All for stunning image sharpness.

Whether it’s a compact 61mm instrument for travel or a 140mm flagship model, you can choose from a range of options to suit your specific mount and needs. You can also choose between doublet, triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet apos, models with two, three, four or even five lenses.

Many instruments can also be ordered with an individual optical test report;  a seal of quality for your telescope that also permanently increases its value.

The Andromeda Galaxy

And here is the fleet of telescopes at a glance:

  1. Apo 61/335 ED Doublet OTA #65141

A portable and compact apochromat that’s got it going on: The 61mm apo is small, yet it features a high quality 2.5″ focuser with a 1:10 reduction. Even at this size, it’s all premium quality.

  1. Apo 61/274 ED Doublet OTA #69472

Large optics aren’t always crucial, because there’s no substitute for a dark and crystal-clear sky. But this can sometimes be cumbersome to access with large optics. If you like to travel and shoot large-area objects, you will love the 61/274 ED Doublet.

  1. APO 72/400 Quintuplet ED OTA #65156

Perfect, true-colour images of ultra-sharp stars right to the edges: The 72/400 Quintuplet achieves this with ease. With a total of five lenses, two of which are ED lenses, it offers exceptional contrast with a fully-corrected and flat field of view.

  1. APO 76/342 Triplet ED OTA #69473

This apo will accompany you wherever your journey takes you. Weighing in at just 4 kilograms and only 333 millimetres long, this telescope can also be used with travel and mini mounts. This telescope is a true master of its craft when it comes to wide-field images and targets, such as the Andromeda galaxy. The 76mm triplet also makes an excellent telephoto lens for nature photography.

  1. APO 76/418 Triplet ED OTA #65142

Like the previous apo, this one also delivers an impressive image, but with a slightly longer focal length. Both 76mm units have a 3″ rack and pinion focuser with a 1:10 reduction.

  1. APO 80/500 Triplet ED OTA #60856

An apochromat with a clear and true-colour image, even at very high magnifications. The beautifully-crafted focuser is 2.5″, larger than that of most 80mm telescopes. The advantage: so much illumination that even your full-frame camera will have fun with it.

  1. APO 94/517 Triplet ED OTA #65147

The 94mm aperture allows you to quickly and easily photograph astronomical objects and celestial events. The 94/517 Triplet is superbly-crafted and features two ED elements within the triplet design. This produces a clear and true-colour image of bright stars or the lunar limb. This telescope also cuts a perfect figure for visual observation at high magnifications. Definitely a hot tip for apo lovers.

  1. APO 100/580 Quadruplet ED OTA #60854

This quadruplet apochromat has four lens elements. It offers both superb imaging and a corrected flat field of view. This means that you no longer need to adapt any correctors, because the optics already reveal sharp stars right to the edges. The 3.5″ focuser provides plenty of options for connecting other accessories. This apochromat also fully illuminates the field of view of full-frame cameras.

  1. APO 121/678 Quintuplet ED OTA #65143

With five lenses for stunning images, the 121/678 is not only fast, but also offers outstanding optical performance. What does that mean? A triplet apo lens for true-colour images and an additional two-lens flattener for a flat field. With 60mm field illumination, this telescope is also perfectly suited for very large sensors. An immense backfocus of 145mm and a 4″ focuser offer the possibility to connect heavy cameras and various accessories.

  1. APO 140/910 Triplet ED OTA #65144

A triplet apochromat with two ED lenses at the front and rear of the objective.  It provides exceptionally-good colour correction. With a 4″ R&P focuser and 44mm image circle, this telescope is also suitable for full-frame cameras. A premium instrument for anyone who cares about luminous intensity.

Are you an astrophotographer looking for the perfect instrument? You might want to take a closer look at these apochromats.