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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
SharpStar 61EDPH II f/5.5 Triplet APO - Discontinued
SharpStar 61EDPH II f/5.5 Triplet APO - Discontinued

SharpStar 61EDPH II f/5.5 Triplet APO - Discontinued

by SharpStar Optics
SKU SSO-61EDPHII
$605.00 - $605.00
$605.00
$605.00 - $605.00
$605.00
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  • Aperture: 61mm
  • Focal Ratio: f/5.5
  • Focal Length: 335mm
  • Image Circle: 44mm
  • Weight: 1.9kg (with rings)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • SharpStar 61EDPH II f/5.5 Triplet APO

    The SharpStar 61EDPH II refines a proven design, pairing a 61mm triplet objective with a 335mm focal length for a native f/5.5 system. This compact astrograph measures just 235mm when retracted and weighs only 1.9kg with its rings, while its optics produce a 44mm image circle capable of covering full-frame camera sensors.

    Triplet APO Optics: 61mm Aperture and 44mm Image Circle

    At the core of the 61EDPH II is an air-spaced triplet objective lens that includes one element of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. This design delivers excellent chromatic aberration correction, producing high-contrast images with sharp, color-pure stars. The native 335mm focal length is ideal for capturing wide star fields and large nebulae like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

    The optical system is engineered to illuminate a 44mm image circle, fully covering the sensors of full-frame DSLR, mirrorless, and dedicated astronomy cameras. This wide, flat field minimizes vignetting and ensures consistent star shapes from the center to the corners of your images, a critical feature for serious astrophotographers.

    Portable Mechanics: 235mm Length and 1.9kg Weight

    Engineered for portability, the 61EDPH II has a retracted tube length of just 235mm and a total weight of 1.9kg, including the supplied tube ring, dovetail, and handle. This makes it an ideal companion for lightweight, portable tracking mounts, allowing you to build a powerful imaging setup that can travel anywhere.

    Despite its small size, the telescope features a robust 2.5-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, capable of handling heavy imaging trains without slipping. The included dovetail plate is pre-drilled for attachment to a standard photo tripod, adding to its utility for terrestrial photography.

    Full-Frame Imaging at f/4.5 with Optional Reducer

    For imagers seeking a faster, wider system, the 61EDPH II is designed to pair with a dedicated f/4.5 focal reducer (sold separately). This optional accessory transforms the telescope into a 275mm f/4.5 astrograph, significantly cutting down exposure times and fitting even larger celestial objects into the frame.

    • Standard Back Focus: The reducer is designed with a standard 55mm back focus from its M48x0.75 threads, ensuring compatibility with most cameras and filter wheels.
    • 360° Rotator: A built-in rotator allows for effortless framing and composition of your target without loosening the camera or other accessories in the optical train.
    • Full-Frame Correction: The reducer's optics are designed to maintain the 44mm corrected image circle, providing excellent illumination and sharp stars across a full-frame sensor.

    SharpStar 61EDPH II vs. 61EDPH: Key Upgrades

    While sharing the same 61mm aperture, the 61EDPH II represents a significant evolution from the original model. The primary improvements focus on optical refinement and mechanical functionality for the astrophotographer.

    The objective lens has been redesigned for enhanced color correction and field flatness across its 44mm image circle. Mechanically, the integration of a 2.5-inch focuser and compatibility with the f/4.5 reducer with a 360-degree rotator provide a more robust and flexible imaging platform than its predecessor.

  • What is the main advantage of the SharpStar 61EDPH II's 44mm image circle?

    The 44mm image circle is large enough to fully illuminate a full-frame sensor (typically 43.3mm diagonal). This means you can use cameras with large sensors without significant light fall-off (vignetting) at the corners, capturing the widest possible field of view with even illumination.

    How does the optional f/4.5 reducer change the 61EDPH II's performance for imaging the Veil Nebula complex?

    Using the optional f/4.5 reducer shortens the focal length to 275mm. This provides two key benefits for a large target like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960, 6992):

    • Wider Field of View: The shorter focal length allows you to capture the entire nebula complex in a single frame with a full-frame camera.
    • Faster Imaging: An f/4.5 system gathers light much faster than the native f/5.5, allowing you to collect the same amount of data in significantly shorter exposure times.

    Can I use the SharpStar 61EDPH II for visual observing?

    Yes, the SharpStar 61EDPH II is an excellent visual instrument for wide-field views. With a limiting magnitude of 10.7, it can reveal open star clusters like the Pleiades (M45) and large, bright nebulae from a dark sky site. Its primary design focus, however, is astrophotography.

    What kind of mount is suitable for the 1.9kg SharpStar 61EDPH II?

    With a fully rigged weight of only 1.9kg, the 61EDPH II is perfectly suited for small, portable equatorial mounts and star trackers. Mounts in the 15-20 lb payload class, such as a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi or iOptron SkyGuider Pro, can easily carry this telescope along with a guide scope and camera for a highly portable deep-sky imaging setup.

    What is the back focus of the SharpStar 61EDPH II with the dedicated f/4.5 reducer?

    The dedicated f/4.5 reducer for the 61EDPH II provides a standard 55mm back focus from the base of its M48x0.75 male threads. This is the correct spacing for most DSLR cameras with a T-ring and many dedicated astronomy cameras.

    Is the SharpStar 61EDPH II compatible with full-frame cameras?

    Yes. The telescope's optics are designed to produce a corrected and illuminated 44mm image circle, which is large enough to cover the 36x24mm sensors found in full-frame cameras without issue.

  • Aperture Size 61mm
    Focal Length 335mm
    Focal Ratio f/5.5
    Objective Lens Triplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)
    Image Circle 44mm
    Resolution 1.93 arc seconds
    Limiting Visual Magnitude 10.7
    Tube Length 235mm (retracted)
    Tube Outer Diameter 80mm
    Net Weight 1.5kg (OTA only)
    Gross Weight 1.9kg (with tube ring and dovetail plate)

    • 61EDPH II Telescope OTA

      × 1

    • Tube Ring

      × 1

    • Dovetail Plate

      × 1

    • Handle

      × 1

  • SharpStar 1-Year Warranty