William Optics has long been a trusted name among astrophotographers, known for crafting high-quality telescopes that blend innovation with precision. The Pleiades series, comprising the Pleiades 68, 111, and 181 models, exemplifies this commitment. Each telescope in the series is designed to cater to specific astrophotography needs, ensuring that both amateur and professional astronomers can capture the night sky in stunning detail.
Pleiades 68: Compact powerhouse for wide-field imaging
The Pleiades 68 is a 68mm aperture telescope with a focal length of 260mm and a fast f/3.8 focal ratio. Its 7-element design includes three Super ED glass elements, delivering sharp and vibrant images with minimal chromatic aberration. The telescope features William Optics’ Internal Focus Design (WIFD), which relocates the focuser to the center of the telescope, effectively eliminating tube tilt issues caused by the weight of cameras and accessories. With a 48mm image circle, it supports full-frame sensors without the need for additional flatteners. The Pleiades 68 is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for astrophotographers on the move.
Key specifications
- Optical Design: 7-element astrograph with 3 Super ED lenses
- Aperture: 68mm
- Focal Length: 260mm
- Focal Ratio: f/3.8
- Image Circle: 48mm
- Focuser: WIFD (WO Internal Focus Design), compatible with EAF
- Back Focus: 55mm
- Tube Length: 346mm (retracted), 410mm (extended)
- Weight: 2.98 kg (OTA only), 3.83 kg (with accessories)
Included accessories
- Bahtinov mask/dust cover
- Mounting rings
- Saddle handlebar
- Riser blocks
- Soft carry case
Pleiades 111: Balanced performance for serious astrophotographers
The Pleiades 111 features a 111mm aperture and a 528mm focal length, resulting in an f/4.8 focal ratio. Its 7-element apochromatic design, incorporating FPL-53 glass, ensures high-quality imaging with minimal chromatic aberration. The telescope also utilizes the WIFD system for stable and precise focusing. With a 48mm image circle, it accommodates full-frame sensors, making it suitable for a variety of astrophotography applications.
Key specifications
- Optical Design: 7-element APO refractor with built-in flattener
- Aperture: 111mm
- Focal Length: 528mm
- Focal Ratio: f/4.8
- Image Circle: 45mm
- Focuser: WIFD (WO Internal Focus Design), compatible with EAF
- Back Focus: 55mm
- Tube Length: 645mm (retracted), 785mm (extended)
- Weight: 7.95 kg (OTA only), 10.31 kg (with accessories)
Included accessories
- M48 and M54 camera adapters
- Dust cover with Bahtinov mask
- Saddle handlebar
- Camera angle rotator
- Dovetail plate
- Soft carry case
Pleiades 181: For medium format imaging
The Pleiades 181 is designed for medium format imaging, featuring a substantial 181mm aperture and a 998mm focal length, resulting in an f/5.5 focal ratio. Its 7-element, temperature-compensated lens system ensures high-performance optics. The telescope includes a 4.1” rack-and-pinion focuser for precise control. With a 55mm image circle, it is optimized for medium format cameras, providing broad compatibility and stunning results.
Key specifications
- Optical Design: 7-element APO refractor with temperature-compensated lens system
- Aperture: 181mm
- Focal Length: 998mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5.5
- Image Circle: 55mm
- Focuser: 4.1” rack-and-pinion, compatible with EAF
- Back Focus: 55mm
- Tube Length: 1231mm (retracted), 1496mm (extended)
- Weight: 15 kg (OTA only), 18.7 kg (with accessories)
Included accessories
- M68, M54, and M48 camera adapters
- Tilt adjuster
- Triplet mounting rings
- Losmandy-style dovetail
Common features across the series
All the telescopes in the Pleiades series share some common attributes:
- Advanced Optics: All models utilize a 7-element apochromatic lens system with FPL-53 glass, minimizing chromatic aberration and delivering sharp, color-accurate images.
- Internal Focusing Mechanism (WIFD): The patented William Optics Internal Focus Design eliminates external focusers, reducing the risk of image shift and vignetting. This design ensures stability and precision during focusing.
- Full-Frame Compatibility: The telescopes are designed to cover large image circles, making them compatible with full-frame and even medium format cameras, depending on the model.
- Travel-Friendly Design: Especially the Pleiades 68, which is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for astrophotographers on the move.
Price and availability
William Optics Pleiades 68 ($1,998), Pleiades 111 ($3,798), and Pleiades 181 ($17,996) are available for ordering via the official website and other retailers.
William Optics Pleiades series offers high-quality, fast, and portable astrographs suitable for a range of astrophotography applications. Their advanced optical designs and thoughtful features make them a valuable addition to any astrophotographer’s toolkit.
Clear skies!
