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William Optics 2013 ZenithStar 71mm Doublet ED Refractor with 2" 0.8x Reducer / Flattener # A-Z71A-P

4.5 (2 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand William Optics
Part Number A-Z71A-P
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

This set # A-Z71A-P contains the following products:

  • William Optics ZenithStar 71mm f/5.9 Doublet ED Refractor OTA # A-Z71A
  • 2" 0.8x Apo Reducer / Field Flattener 6 # P-FLAT-F6


A) William Optics ZenithStar 71mm f/5.9 Doublet ED Refractor OTA # A-Z71A

A small-aperture but extremely-portable ED scope at a GREAT price? The latest ZS 71 ED Doublet is here to fit all your needs!

Excellent mechanics, fit and finish, with the latest WO 2" Rack & Pinion 2-speed fine focuser. Improved focuser is so good that it replicates the smoothness and lack of backlash normally associated with a Crayford focuser, but with the huge advantage of much increased mechanical strength.

Lens Design

  • ED glass (Japanese imported Ohara glass) doublet air-spaced, in CNC machined ultra-high precision lens cell.
  • Each lens is Fully Multi-Coated with a special super-high transmission coating (STM Coating) on all surfaces.

Low CA

  • Fully baffled to block all extraneous off-axis light rays and prevent glancing reflections, increasing overall contrast.
  • 71 mm clear aperture and F/5.9 focal ratio.

Nothing Left to Chance

  • Perfect for Vixen-style mount dovetail bases. You can slide it directly into the mount without a dovetail plate if you like.
  • Pure William Optics quality fit and finish: powder-painted white CNC-machined aluminum tube
  • Drawtube travel length 80 mm with graduated scale.
  • Retractable dewshield, smallest size ever and enhanced portability!
  • Can mount a WO 2'' star diagonal and other 2" accessories.

Astrophotography ED Scope

  • Fast focal ratio for bright, high-quality astro-imaging.
  • Perfect for piggybacking as a guide scope

Wonderful WO Microfocuser

  • New rotatable Rack & Pinion focuser, smooth and precise, ideal during astrophotography; can be fully locked and will not flex or slip even with a very heavy camera combination.
  • Adjustable focuser tension.
  • Super-smooth and reliable 1:10 micro focuser for fine focusing during imaging and visual observations alike.
  • Aluminum fine knob protection cover is included.

Attention to Packaging

  • The astrophotography package includes the OTA as well as the acclaimed Flat6 2" 0.8x reducer / flattener.
  • Carry-on size: you do not have to leave this treasure home!
  • Two-year, no fuss warranty and constant customer service!


B)  2" 0.8x Apo Reducer / Field Flattener 6 # P-FLAT-F6

The new William Optics 0.8x Reducer Flattener 6 has been developed specifically for the William Optics ZS71 and other F6 Williams Optics refractors such as the ZS70, Megrez 72, ZS66, etc. It should also work successfully with other manufacturer's f/6 (+/-) telescopes of similar aperture. It provides good illumination and flat field across APS sized and smaller sensors.

The flattener features a standard male T thread (M42x0.75) on the camera end. The telescope end of the 2" nosepiece has a male SCT thread (2"x24tpi) on the outside and a standard 2" filter thread (M48x0.75) on the inside. So not only can you attach your favorite astronomy filters to this flattener, you can also couple it directly with female SCT threaded items (such as the tube of the ZS66 telescope). The 2" nosepiece features a recessed safety groove as well.

Weight = 8.6oz; Total length = 2.65" (67.3mm); includes 2 end caps.

Reviews

4.5 (Based on 2 Reviews) 50% of reviewers recommended this product.
Rating Distribution
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    1. Guest

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by Mutz of Boussens, Swiss.
      1381536000
      Oct 11, 2013

      4.0 High quality mechanic and finition

      Pros:

      Compact,Quality Lenses,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The crayford is very smoothly and can support a binocular and a 2"diagonal mirror without problem .

      Astropicture: Good optical quality with flattener for this price

      Good dive for daytime picture

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Cameron Knox

      Cameron Knox New Member

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by Knox in Oz of Australia.
      1380499200
      Sep 29, 2013

      5.0 Absolutely Stunning

      Pros:

      Zero Chromatic Aberration,Accurate,Quality Lenses,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      No instructions,Heavy

      Comments:

      I bought this William Optics ZenithStar 71 after carefully considering many alternatives. This is my first experience with a quality refractor telescope and I must say it has left me wanting more! More aperture, more, more, more!

      The tube came packaged so well I don't think anything shy of a plane crash could have shaken it up. After disassembling 4 (yes 4!) boxes I came to the foam securing the tube. Each item was then packaged inside bags. Despite being a relatively small refractor the weight is deceiving. There's quite a bit of it, especially at the focuser end.

      As this scope was bought for a widefield imager I got this package with the included 0.8x Focal Reducer. It's a shame there are no included instructions for fitting this item. When inserting the Reducer into the Focuser it does not appear to seat into the tube correctly (clamps do not lock into the groove of the Reducer). I'm not sure if it's just me having trouble though so it's not worth harping about.

      Attaching the telescope to my iEQ45 mount proved an interesting affair. I had to completely remove a locking screw and position the "foot" of the supplied dovetail extremely far forward to offset the weight of my imaging camera. As mentioned before the focuser is extremely weighty compared to the front end. This is very prominent when attempting to balance on an equatorial mount. Some more front end weight would be good, however my understanding is you can purchase a dovetail/counterweight combination and would recommend this for anyone looking at this telescope.

      I've only done a few quick test images with it due to inclement weather but so far I am showing zero chromatic aberration. The focuser on this scope is a work of art in itself.

      All together if you want a cheap, small imaging refractor this should be on your list.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Telescope Aperture 2.80" (71mm)
      Manufacturer William Optics
      Telescope Aperture Up to 80mm
      Telescope Series William Optics Zenith Star