REDCAT 71 F/4.9 APO REFRACTOR

William Optics has an enviable reputation for producing quality astrographs. This model is a member of this stable with all the image quality you can expect. I've found very nice round stars across the entire photographic field, and I could see no evidence of chromatic aberration. I don't have a full frame camera to try it out with, but expect to have the plaudits this 'scope has acquired confirmed. The helical focuser might put off some rack-and-pinion die-hards but I have found it is quite natural to use - just like a camera lens. I use it with an automatic focuser (ZWO EAF) and a coupling kit (Deep Sky Dad), and this arrangement works exceedingly well. The built-in field rotator is a very welcome feature that has no discernable effect on the focus. Also, there is plenty of back-focus to allow for multiple attachments, like filter wheels and off-axis guiders. I'm looking forward to many years of imaging with this 'scope, and I suspect that any loss of image quality will be down to me, not to the 'scope.

I loved my Redcat 51 so decided to step up in aperture and focal length to the 71. The step is really worth it. Everything I liked about the 51, ease of use, limited peripherals required, ease of set up and a dream to use with a DSLR. A great investment that I am very happy with.

Very happy with it. Nice focal length to suit a number of targets. Flat field so no need for extra bits and pieces. Inbuild adjustments easy to access.