SharpStar 50EDPH f/5.5 Triplet APO
- 50mm Aperture Triplet APO Objective
- 275mm Focal Length
- f/5.5 Focal Ratio
- Includes Two ED Glass Elements
- 1.07kg Total Weight
- 196mm Retracted Length
The SharpStar 50EDPH f/5.5 Triplet APO delivers exceptional color correction from a 50mm objective by using two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements in its air-spaced triplet design. With a native 275mm focal length, this ultra-portable refractor weighs just 1.07kg and measures a mere 196mm long, making it an ideal companion for travel, wide-field imaging, or as a high-end guide scope capable of reaching a limiting magnitude of 10.3.
At the heart of the 50EDPH is an air-spaced triplet objective, a design rarely seen in telescopes of this small 50mm aperture. Including two separate ED glass elements provides outstanding chromatic aberration control, ensuring stars are sharp, pinpoint sources of light without distracting purple fringing. The fast f/5.5 focal ratio gathers light efficiently, making it well-suited for capturing faint, extended objects like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000).
Engineered for portability, the 50EDPH weighs only 1.07kg and has a contracted tube length of 196mm, compact enough to fit in a small camera bag. The scope features a 70mm Vixen-style dovetail plate with slotted 1/4-20 threaded holes, allowing it to be mounted securely on astronomical mounts or standard photographic tripods. A retractable dew shield further enhances its compact form factor while protecting the objective from moisture and stray light.
The 50EDPH is built with the astrophotographer in mind. It includes a 360° rotator for precise camera framing and a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser for critical 1:10 fine adjustments. For visual observers, the rear includes a standard 1.25" adapter for use with diagonals and eyepieces. The package also includes a 2-section 5cm M48 extension tube, enabling you to achieve focus with planetary cameras or for straight-through visual observation without a diagonal.
The SharpStar 50EDPH uses a triplet air-spaced apochromatic (APO) objective that includes two ED glass elements. This is a highly advanced optical design for a 50mm telescope, providing superior color correction and sharper stars compared to standard doublet or single-ED refractors.
The telescope comes with a 70mm Vixen-style dovetail plate. This plate is compatible with most modern astronomical mounts. Additionally, it has 1/4-20 threaded holes, allowing you to mount it directly to a standard photographic tripod for quick visual sessions or terrestrial viewing.
The two 5cm M48 extension tubes are included to provide the correct back focus for different setups. You can use them to reach focus when using a planetary camera or when performing straight-through visual observation with a 1.25" eyepiece without a star diagonal in the optical path.
Yes, absolutely. The 275mm focal length provides a very wide field of view, perfect for framing large objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) in its entirety. Paired with a low-power 1.25" eyepiece, you can easily fit the nebula and its surrounding star-forming regions into a single, immersive view.
The 50EDPH is an excellent choice for imaging large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Its 275mm focal length is a great match for framing the full extent of the galaxy on APS-C or even some full-frame sensors. The high-quality triplet optics will ensure the galaxy's core and dust lanes are captured with sharp, color-pure stars across the field.
While its optical quality is superb, a 50mm aperture primarily excels at wide-field views and portability. It has a limiting visual magnitude of 10.3, meaning it is not designed for high-magnification views of planets or resolving faint details in small, distant galaxies. Its strength lies in capturing large nebulae, star clusters, and vast sections of the Milky Way.
| Aperture | 50mm |
| Focal Length | 275mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/5.5 |
| Objective Lens | Triplet Air-Spaced APO (with two ED glass elements) |
| Limiting Visual Magnitude | 10.3 |
| Tube Length (Dew Shield Contracted) | 196mm |
| Gross Weight | 1.07kg (including dovetail plate) |
| Rear Interface | 1.25" Visual Adapter |
50EDPH OTA
× 1
2-Section 5cm M48 Extension Tube
× 1
70mm Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate
× 1