William Optics Pleiades 68 Astrograph F/3.8 7-Element WIFD

Pleiades 68 Optics: A 7-Element, f/3.8 Design with 3 Super ED Elements

This astrograph is built around a sophisticated 7-element optical formula specifically for imaging. The f/3.8 focal ratio dramatically reduces exposure times, allowing you to collect more data on faint nebulae and galaxies in a single night. Three Super ED glass elements are used to minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring star colors are rendered accurately and pinpoint sharp across the entire field.

The 260mm focal length provides an expansive field of view ideal for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex. Because the optical correction is integrated, you don't need to purchase or calculate spacing for a separate flattener, simplifying your imaging train and eliminating a potential source of tilt.

48mm Image Circle and WIFD Focuser: Full-Frame Illumination and Stability

The Pleiades 68 delivers a corrected and illuminated 48mm image circle, exceeding the requirements of full-frame (36x24mm) sensors and providing ample coverage for APS-C and M4/3 cameras. This ensures your images are free from vignetting and maintain consistent star shapes from the center to the corners of the frame.

Focusing is managed by the robust William Optics Internal Focuser Design (WIFD), a rack-and-pinion system that moves the optics internally. This design prevents sag and flexure common with heavy camera payloads, maintaining critical focus throughout an imaging session. The focuser is fully compatible with popular electronic auto-focusers (EAF) for automated, repeatable precision.

Field-Ready at 2.98 kg: Integrated Rotator, Tilt Adjuster, and Adapters

Engineered for portability and immediate use, the Pleiades 68 OTA weighs only 2.98 kg (6.57 lbs). The package includes a complete set of accessories to build a rigid imaging train right out of the box. An integrated camera angle rotator allows for precise framing, while the included tilt adjuster lets you dial in perfect sensor orthogonality.

• Versatile Mounting: The dual-side Vixen and Arca-Swiss dovetail plate provides native compatibility with a wide range of equatorial mounts and tripod heads.
• Included Adapters: M63 to M48 and M63 to M54 adapters are supplied, ensuring you can connect most dedicated astronomy cameras and DSLRs/mirrorless cameras with the appropriate T-ring.
• Complete Kit: The astrograph ships in a soft carry case and includes a handle bar, mounting ring, riser blocks, and a Bahtinov mask cap for achieving perfect focus.