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William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope
William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope

William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope

by William Optics
SKU WO-M-G50PB-BR
CA$275.00 - CA$275.00
CA$275.00
CA$275.00 - CA$275.00
CA$275.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 50mm Aperture Doublet Lens
  • 200mm Focal Length (f/4.0)
  • Integrated 1.25" RotoLock Adapter
  • Slide-Base for William Optics Handles
  • Total Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope

    The William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope combines a fast f/4.0 optical system with a 200mm focal length to deliver a bright, wide field of view ideal for autoguiding. Its 50mm doublet lens gathers ample light for tracking faint guide stars, while the entire assembly weighs just 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs), adding minimal load to your imaging setup.

    50mm f/4.0 Optics: Bright Stars Across a Wide Field

    Finding a suitable guide star is simplified with the UniGuide's optical design. The 50mm aperture and fast f/4.0 focal ratio produce bright, sharp star fields, ensuring your autoguider has plenty of targets to choose from. The 200mm focal length provides an ideal image scale for guiding short-to-medium focal length imaging telescopes with precision.

    • Doublet Lens: The air-spaced doublet objective is fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and contrast, critical for detecting faint stars.
    • Wide Field of View: The combination of the 50mm aperture and 200mm focal length creates a generous field of view, reducing the time spent hunting for a guide star near your deep-sky target.

    RotoLock & Slide-Base: A 0.5 kg Zero-Flexure Guiding System

    This guide scope eliminates two common sources of guiding error: camera sag and differential flexure. The innovative mechanical design ensures a rock-solid connection from your guide camera straight through to your main telescope, all within a lightweight 0.5 kg package.

    • 1.25" RotoLock Adapter: Forget flimsy thumbscrews. The RotoLock system secures your guide camera with a simple twist, creating a perfectly centered, non-marring, and rotation-free connection that prevents sag and tilt.
    • Slide-Base Integration: Designed for modern William Optics telescopes, the integrated base slides directly into the scope's handle, eliminating the need for separate guide rings and dovetail bars. This creates a more rigid, compact, and lighter guiding setup.
    • M48 Threading: For additional mounting flexibility, an M48 male thread is located under the RotoLock adapter, allowing for direct connection to other accessories.

  • How do I mount the William Optics UniGuide 50mm scope to my telescope?

    The UniGuide 50mm features an integrated slide-base designed to fit directly into the saddle of compatible William Optics carrying handles. This provides a secure, low-profile attachment without extra hardware. For mounting on telescopes from other brands or those without this handle design, you will need a separate Vixen-style dovetail bar that can be attached to the base of the guide scope.

    What makes the RotoLock adapter on the UniGuide 50mm better than standard thumbscrews?

    The 1.25" RotoLock adapter provides a superior connection for your guide camera. Unlike thumbscrews, which can cause tilt and do not guarantee perfect centering, the RotoLock uses a rotating compression ring. This ensures your camera is held securely on-axis, preventing sag and flexure that can ruin long exposures. It also avoids scratching or denting your camera's nosepiece.

    Will the UniGuide 50mm work well for guiding my RedCat on a target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    Yes, it's an excellent match. The UniGuide's 200mm focal length pairs very well with wide-field refractors like the RedCat series. Its wide field of view makes it easy to find a bright guide star within the large expanse of a target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), ensuring sharp stars across your entire image.

    What kind of guide cameras are compatible with the UniGuide 50mm scope?

    The William Optics UniGuide 50mm is compatible with any guide camera that has a standard 1.25" nosepiece. This includes popular models from ZWO, QHY, Player One, and others. The RotoLock adapter provides a secure grip on any standard 1.25" barrel.

    Is the 200mm focal length of the UniGuide 50mm a good match for an 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien?

    While it can work, a 200mm focal length is on the shorter side for guiding a telescope with a focal length of 1600mm or more. For optimal guiding with a long focal length RC, astronomers often prefer a guide scope with a longer focal length or use an off-axis guider (OAG). However, for exposures under a few minutes with a good mount, the UniGuide 50mm can still provide acceptable results.

    Can I use filters with the William Optics UniGuide 50mm?

    Yes. The UniGuide features an M48 male thread concealed beneath the 1.25" RotoLock adapter. If you unscrew the RotoLock portion, you can attach accessories with a corresponding M48 female thread, such as a filter holder or other adapters, though this is not a common application for a guide scope.

  • Lens Type Doublet Lens
    Diameter 50 mm
    Focal Length 200 mm
    Focal Ratio f/4.0
    Tube Length 252 mm
    Weight 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs

    • William Optics Slide-Base UniGuide 50mm Scope

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  • William Optics 2-Year Warranty