WILLIAM OPTICS REDCAT 61 WIFD
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William Optics RedCat 61 Wide Field APO Telescope
Introducing the newest member of the acclaimed RedCat lineup—the William Optics RedCat 61. Equipped with the innovative William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD) and offering a generous 46mm image circle, the RedCat 61 delivers exceptional wide-field imaging capabilities in a compact, travel-friendly form.
RedCat 61 with Enhanced Internal Focus Design (WIFD)
One of the most notable upgrades in the RedCat 61 is the integration of the WIFD system. Unlike the older RedCat 51 and 71, which used a helical focuser, the RedCat 61's internal rack-and-pinion design supports autofocus systems like the ZWO EAF without modification. This feature is perfect for astrophotographers looking for seamless automation.
With the focuser mechanism now housed internally, the RedCat 61 reduces issues like sensor tilt and image shift, even under heavy imaging loads. This design ensures your stars stay sharp and round across the frame. It includes M54 and M48 threaded connections and a built-in 360° rotator to easily frame your targets.
High-Quality Optics with Built-in Flattener
Utilizing top-tier FPL-53 glass, the RedCat 61 provides sharp, high-contrast images. Its four-element Petzval optical layout eliminates the need for a separate field flattener, producing a flat image circle of 46mm straight out of the box. With no back-focus calculations required, it's ready to go as soon as your camera reaches focus. You’ll also get some extra spacing flexibility for filters or additional accessories.
Focal Length, Aperture, and Portability
With a 300mm focal length and a fast f/4.9 aperture, the RedCat 61 strikes a balance between its siblings, the RedCat 51 (250mm) and RedCat 71 (350mm). Despite the upgraded focuser system, it remains lightweight—only 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) with all included hardware—making it perfect for use with portable mounts and star trackers.
William Optics also offers a 1.25" diagonal (sold separately) for those who want to switch to visual observing.
Perfect for Wide Field Imaging
This telescope is ideal for capturing extended deep-sky targets like nebulae, large galaxies, and wide sections of the Milky Way. Its shorter focal length also makes it more forgiving with mount tracking, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced imagers alike.
Technical Specification –
Parameter
Value
Optical Design
4-element Petzval
Focal Length
300 mm
Aperture
61 mm (f/4.9)
Image Circle
46 mm
Focuser
Internal WIFD Rack & Pinion (ZWO EAF Compatible)
Focus Travel
0–42 mm (Scale marked up to 50 mm)
Adapters Included
Tilt Adjuster, M60–M54 Rotator, M54–M48 Adapter
Flattener Required
No – Built-in flat field design
Camera Compatibility
Full Frame, APS-C, Micro 4/3
T-Mount Support
Canon EF/RF, Nikon F/Z, Sony E, Pentax K, M4/3, Fuji X
Tube Length
365 mm
OTA Weight
2.47 kg / 5.43 lbs
Total Weight with Accessories
3.39 kg / 7.47 lbs
Carrying Case Dimensions
44 x 23 x 24.5 cm
