Your Gateway to Astronomical and Natural Wonders
ABOUT
WILLIAM OPTICS
Corporate
In a short time, William Optics has become a global leader in portable, short-tube refractors and is highly regarded for accessories like the popular WO Diagonals. We’re excited to continue delivering quality products for both beginners and advanced users. Expect new, larger Apochromatic telescopes, along with new accessories and binoculars to fit any budget.
With our founders’ love for nature, we’re expanding beyond astronomy to provide exceptional products for birdwatchers and casual observers as well.
Philosophy
Our reputation for quality, affordable telescopes and accessories has grown worldwide, now reaching even more stargazers. With over 70 Authorized Dealers across 35 countries, and a strong production network in advanced markets (USA, Germany, Japan, Russia, Taiwan), we provide top-notch customer service and competitive pricing that few brands can match.
Our collaborations with renowned companies as suppliers, partners, and OEM clients, plus our established international reach, reflect our commitment to delivering only the best to our customers.
We are dedicated to offering premium optics with unbeatable mechanics, delivering exceptional value. Our motto, “More quality for Less money,” aims to make high-end equipment, like apochromatic refractors, accessible to anyone.
We’re always happy to hear from you—reach out anytime!
WILLIAM OPTICS'
Proud History
By William Yang
First Steps in Astronomy
In 1979, I made my first telescope using my grandma’s glasses and a simple eyepiece from an old school microscope. It was a humble start—just a rolled-up newspaper for a tube, with her lens and the eyepiece taped in place. It was far from perfect, with lots of coma and a rough look, but it worked, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
A New Chapter in California
In 1982, my family moved from Taiwan to California, where my parents hoped I’d get a better education and enjoy Western culture. This move changed my life completely. The California night sky was far clearer than what I’d known back in Taiwan, and I fell in love with it.
In 1986, at 18, I was especially excited for Halley’s Comet. Determined to see it, I worked hard to save up for my first quality telescope, eventually buying an orange Celestron 80mm F9 refractor with a black NP mount — my dream scope at the time.
Turning Passion into Purpose
After completing my BA in 1993, I returned to Taiwan and attended a Star Party in Japan, where I saw stunning astronomical instruments unlike those I’d seen in the U.S. Asian astronomers were much more into Astro Imaging, which fascinated me.
A visit to Takahashi’s factory was especially inspiring — the CEO gave me a tour, showing me how their beautiful, top-quality telescopes were made. That day, I promised myself I’d make my dream a reality.
A Humble New Beginning
After two years of hard work, I started my own company, William Optics, in 1996, with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality refractor telescopes.
In 2001, I introduced the Megrez 80F6, my first short-tube model, which received positive reviews in Sky & Telescope magazine.
In the early 2000s, I met renowned astrophotographer Tony Hallas, who shared valuable knowledge with me.
At the time, I was passionate about astrophysics and owned several AP refractors, including 105mm, 130mm, and 180mm f7 models, along with AP 1200 mounts that I still use today.
After studying Takahashi and AP scopes, I realized I could make my own high-quality APO refractor. I visited top companies like TEC, TMB, APM, and LZOS in Russia to learn about the best materials and designs, which helped me create our own premium refractors.
Creativity & Invention Leads the Way
I’ve always had a deep love for art—especially the music of Chopin and Mozart, which inspires me in my work. I strive to create telescopes that are as much works of art as they are functional tools.
One of my proudest achievements was inventing the retractable dew shield for refractors, inspired by my father’s Japanese fishing pole. If a 12ft pole can collapse to 2ft, why not a telescope dew shield? This design is still in use today.
The WO Signature Mirror Diagonal
The idea for our carbon plate diagonal came from an unexpected source—the cutting of sushi! The texture and precision of the sushi skin inspired me to use it as a material for a high-quality, affordable diagonal. This design was patented in the US and China, and became so popular that imitators emerged, with counterfeit versions still appearing today.
On the World Stage
In 2005, I had the honor of presenting the ZenithStar 66 to Sir Patrick Moore, the UK astronomer and broadcaster, at the UK Astro Show. It was a memorable experience.
In 2007, we collaborated with Ferrari to create the ZenithStar 70 F430, a lightweight, carbon fiber refractor for telephoto lenses. This partnership also led to the F1 binoculars. Our product helped raise €5000 for charity, and I’m proud to say that WO was the first to market a carbon fiber tube refractor.
Back to the Future.
William Optics never stops in our mission to provide quality, affordable products. Over the past 20 years, we’ve built a growing community of customers and friends who share in our success.
Creativity and practicality drive our designs. Our dream has become a reality, and we aim to keep inspiring people to explore astronomy and create their own lasting memories.
Finally, I want to thank to all of our happy customers from the past 20 years, and look forward to new relationships in the future!
Let’s enjoy the night sky together and a happy life as one family. Thank you again for your long and valued support.
- William Yang (2017)