The William Optics MiniCat 51, with a 51 mm aperture and a 178 mm focal length, delivers a super-fast f/3.5 focal ratio for deep-sky imaging. It continues the in the venerable tradition of the popular William Optics “Cat” series with an exotic optical design which uses a 6-element Petzval configuration, incorporating two Super ED glass elements and lanthanum glass to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure sharp, color-accurate images.
With an image circle of 43.2 mm, the MiniCat 51 is compatible with full-frame sensors, but it excels when paired with APS-C sensors. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of cameras, from DSLRs and mirrorless models to dedicated astronomy cameras.
The William Optics MiniCat 51 offers several of the recent William Optics’ advanced mechanical features to enhance usability and image quality. The telescope employs the William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD), which adjusts focus by moving internal lens elements. This innovative approach eliminates drawtube tilt, a common issue in traditional focus mechanisms, while maintaining a sleek, compact profile.
For astrophotographers seeking perfect framing, the William Optics MiniCat 51 includes a camera angle rotator, allowing adjustments without disturbing focus. Additionally, a built-in tilt adjuster corrects for sensor misalignments, ensuring sharp stars across the entire field of view. The telescope’s Bahtinov mask is laser-engraved into the lens cap, which simplifies the focusing process and ensures precision.
Weighing only 2.29 kg (5.05 lbs.), the MiniCat 51 is a lightweight and portable telescope, ideal for remote locations for dark-sky imaging. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and set up, whether for a backyard stargazing session or an overnight trip to a mountain peak.
The telescope is equipped with a dual dovetail plate compatible with Vixen-style and Arca-Swiss mounts, offering flexibility in mounting options. It also comes with a soft carrying case, ensuring safe and convenient transportation.
The MiniCat 51’s fast f/3.5 focal ratio supports shorter exposure times, making it an excellent choice for capturing fine details in celestial objects. However, users of full-frame sensors may notice slight star elongation at the edges, a typical challenge in wide-field imaging. To achieve optimal results, William Optics suggests utilizing post-processing tools such as BlurXTerminator, which can effectively correct these distortions and deliver sharp, professional-quality images.
While the MiniCat 51 excels in astrophotography, its capabilities extend beyond the night sky. Its optical clarity and wide field of view make it an excellent choice for terrestrial photography, capturing landscapes, wildlife, and other nature scenes with sharpness and detail.
The William Optics MiniCat 51 specifications include.
– Aperture: 51 mm
– Focal Length: 178 mm
– Focal Ratio: f/3.5
– Optical Design: 6-element Petzval configuration, incorporating two Super ED glass elements and lanthanum glass to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure sharp, color-accurate images.
– Image Circle: 43.2 mm, compatible with full-frame sensors; optimal performance with APS-C sensors.
– Focuser: William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD), compatible with ZWO EAF for electronic focusing.
– Tube Length: 210 mm
– Dew Shield Outer Diameter: 80 mm
– Mounting: Dual dovetail plate compatible with Vixen-style and Arca-Swiss mounts.
– Image Circle: Compatible with APS-C sensors; full-frame sensors may require post-processing for optimal edge correction.
– Focuser: William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD), ensuring tilt-free and stable connections for imaging equipment.
You can learn more about the William Optics MiniCat 51 here.
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