William Optics Zenithstar 61 APO

[Rich B]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a small portable scope to use with my Star Adventurer mount for widefield imaging.

Pretty much decided on the WO Z61 APO based on all the glowing reviews and the reasonable-ish price.

They're obviously not cheap once you've factored in the flattener and DSLR mount but astro stuff rarely is 

 

I was wondering if anyone out there has got one / used one and has any opinions (good or otherwise) about the Z61 before I hand over the cash to FLO.

And the really important question: red, blue or gold? 

 

Rich.

[+Graham]

If you get the chance of one I would go for the Williams optics Gt 81 

The only thing I would change mine for is a Tak

[+Bino-viewer]

Kev (species 8472) is your man i think.

Give him a shout-out.....

 

I have a similar scope : Technosky 70

This has a flattener built in.

Edited November 29, 2017 by Bino-viewer

[Rich B]

10 minutes ago, Bino-viewer said:

I have a similar scope : Technosky 70

This has a flattener built in.

Got me thinking now...

The WO Star 71 II doesn't need a flattener and FLO bundle it with a Canon ring.

Also a bit more pricey though, as is the equally desirable GT 81

[+Bino-viewer]

Heres mine Rich.....

 

Its actually 4 elements in two pairs (i think)

It is designed to work with a full frame sensor.

I've not had it long, and plan on first light very soon, i just need to sort out a new dovetail.

 

Theres lots of variants of these little 60, 70 and 80mm scopes.

I'm guessing alot of them are made in the same place.

 

Edited November 29, 2017 by Bino-viewer

[Rich B]

8 minutes ago, Bino-viewer said:

Its actually 4 elements in two pairs (i think)

It is designed to work with a full frame sensor.

Apart from a slightly different paint job that would pass for a WO Star 71 II, almost like they're the same thing 

[+Bino-viewer]

It looks identical. Although i paid alot less than the WO version.

 

Puzzled that the WO version is only suitable for APS-C sensors ??

I brought mine to work with FF ?

 

We shall see. I'm guessing there may be a bit of darkening around the edges

of my images when i hook my 6D onto it......

 

Link to my Technosky. Rupert at 'Astrograph' is great to deal with btw.....

 

http://astrograph.net/epages/www_astrograph_net.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_astrograph_net/Products/AGTECAG70

Edited November 29, 2017 by Bino-viewer

[Rich B]

16 hours ago, Bino-viewer said:

It looks identical. Although i paid alot less than the WO version.

 

Puzzled that the WO version is only suitable for APS-C sensors ??

I brought mine to work with FF ?

With the 'extras' and 'tuning' taken into account the WO seems £150-£200 more.

On close inspection it looks like they are not clones despite visually appearing to be so.

The WO is 300g heavier and is a 71mm f/4.9 whereas the TS is a 70mm f/5 according to the specs.

I can't see why one would support FF and the other only APS-C though - could be the flattening drops off past 30mm rather than vignetting?

[Rich B]

After endless deliberation ended up going for a Skywatcher Esprit 80 ED PRO Triplet in the end.

I suspect the WO 71mm or similar astrograph would have been a better choice for pure imaging use but opted for a bit more of an all-rounder (I hope).

See what happens when you think about things too long... now in hiding from the wife 

[+Bino-viewer]

Good decision Rich.

Beautiful scopes, and like you say a better all rounder.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed.