{"product_id":"william-optics-redcat-51-wifd-open-box","title":"William Optics Redcat 51 WIFD - Open Box","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturned to get a telescope with more focal length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact Apochromatic Refractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePetzval-like Optical Design for Flat Fields\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWilliam Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-Machined Aluminum Body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated Mounting Ring, Handle, and Dual Vixen\/Arca-Swiss Plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Hassle-Free Astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWilliam Optics Redcat 51 WIFD\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe William Optics Redcat 51 WIFD combines a fast, wide-field optical system with a robust internal focuser, creating a portable imaging platform built for capturing expansive celestial targets. This Petzval-like apochromatic refractor simplifies astrophotography by delivering a sharp, flat field across your camera sensor without the need for complex back focus calculations, making the Redcat 51 a powerful tool for both beginners and seasoned imagers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRedcat 51: A Wide-Field Petzval-like Optical Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the Redcat 51 is its Petzval-like apochromatic optical system. This design uses an integrated flattener to produce pinpoint stars across a wide, corrected image circle, eliminating the need for a separate field flattener accessory. This makes it an ideal instrument for capturing large-scale celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the entire Veil Nebula complex in a single frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the optical correction is built-in, you can connect your camera directly using the included M48 adapter and start imaging immediately. This \"point-and-shoot\" simplicity removes one of the most common points of failure in an astrophotography setup—achieving correct sensor spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe WIFD Focuser: Precision Internal Focusing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis version of the Redcat 51 features the William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD). Unlike traditional focusers that move the camera outward, the WIFD system adjusts focus by moving optical elements internally. This design offers two critical advantages for imaging: it eliminates image shift during focusing and prevents the camera from rotating, maintaining your target's framing perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero Image Shift:\u003c\/strong\u003e The internal mechanism provides a solid, stable platform for your camera, ensuring that focus adjustments are smooth and precise without tilting the imaging train.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFixed Rotational Angle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Your camera and any attached accessories remain fixed in position, which is essential for maintaining guide star calibration and consistent mosaic framing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e The focuser allows for the minute adjustments necessary to achieve critical focus, enhancing the sharpness and detail in your final images.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCNC-Machined Build: The Redcat 51's Go-Anywhere Chassis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted from a solid block of CNC-machined aluminum, the Redcat 51 WIFD is both rugged and highly portable. The entire assembly is engineered for travel and quick setup on lightweight star trackers or full equatorial mounts. The integrated mounting ring, handle bar, and dual-spec mounting plate provide a complete, ready-to-use system out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dual Vixen and Arca-Swiss compatible mounting plate allows you to attach the telescope to virtually any astronomical mount or even a standard photographic tripod. This versatility makes the Redcat 51 an excellent choice for a grab-and-go deep-sky setup or a high-end telephoto lens for terrestrial photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main advantage of the Redcat 51 WIFD's internal focuser?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main advantage of the William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD) is stability. By moving the optics internally, it prevents the camera and imaging train from moving or rotating. This eliminates image shift and maintains perfect framing, which is critical for sharp, automated astrophotography sequences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need a field flattener with the William Optics Redcat 51?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, you do not. The Redcat 51 uses a Petzval-like optical design that has a field flattener built into the optical tube. This provides a flat, corrected field out of the box, so you can attach your camera directly without worrying about additional accessories or back focus spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I mount the Redcat 51 WIFD to my tripod or mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Redcat 51 WIFD includes a dual-spec mounting plate. This plate is compatible with both standard \u003cstrong\u003eVixen-style\u003c\/strong\u003e saddles found on most astronomy mounts and \u003cstrong\u003eArca-Swiss\u003c\/strong\u003e clamps used on high-end photographic tripods, offering maximum mounting flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Redcat 51 a good telescope for viewing planets like Jupiter or Saturn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile you can see planets with the Redcat 51, it is not its primary purpose. Its short focal length and wide field of view are optimized for deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. For detailed planetary viewing, a telescope with a much longer focal length, such as a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain, would be a better choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Redcat 51 WIFD perform on large targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Redcat 51 WIFD excels at imaging very large targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Its wide, flat field of view is designed specifically to capture these massive structures in their entirety, making it a premier instrument for wide-field mosaics and all-sky imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Redcat 51 WIFD suitable for a portable setup on a small star tracker?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Its compact size, light weight, and robust, self-contained design make the Redcat 51 WIFD an ideal choice for pairing with a portable star tracker. This combination creates a powerful, airline-friendly deep-sky astrophotography rig that you can take to dark sky sites anywhere in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eRedcat 51 WIFD Main Tube\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eBahtinov Mask Cap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eM48 Camera Adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDual-side Vixen\/Arca-Swiss Plate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eMounting Ring \u0026amp; Handle Bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSoft Carry Case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAllen Key Set\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/william-optics-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWilliam Optics 2-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"William Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53020194603293,"sku":"U-WO-L-RC51RDIII","price":706.14,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/William-Optics-Redcat-51-WIFD-1.jpg?v=1724263856","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/william-optics-redcat-51-wifd-open-box","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}