














Pleiades 68 Astrograph
Experience unmatched clarity and precision with the Pleiades 68 - 7-Elements Imaging APO Telescope. Designed for the passionate astrophotographer, this state-of-the-art instrument is a key part of our WIFD series, crafted to deliver impeccably sharp images of the cosmos. With its rapid f/3.8 aperture and advanced optical system, the Pleiades 68 ensures stunning deep-sky captures with reduced exposure times, perfect for both seasoned astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts.
Highlights
Precision Engineering
The advanced 7-element optical system produces sharp, vibrant images while minimizing chromatic aberration.
Optimized for Swift, Detailed Imaging
A generous 68mm aperture and f/3.8 focal ratio allow for detailed deep-sky imaging in shorter exposure times.
Adaptable to Various Imaging Systems
Comes equipped with 48mm and 54mm adapters to ensure compatibility with a broad range of CCD and DSLR cameras.
WIFD Series Excellence
This telescope exemplifies our commitment to superior astro-imaging gear, integrating seamlessly into the esteemed WIFD series.
Choosing between the William Optics RedCat 71 and Pleiades 68 isn’t simply about comparing numbers — it’s about finding the imaging experience that matches your style. Both are precision-engineered instruments, yet they serve different creative philosophies in astrophotography.
The RedCat 71 is built for simplicity, consistency, and portability. Its balanced optical system and forgiving spacing make setup straightforward, allowing photographers to focus on composition and timing rather than calibration. The integrated Petzval design maintains a flat, stable field, ensuring crisp stars even during long exposures. It’s ideal for those who want a reliable, travel-ready telescope that performs flawlessly right out of the box — a true “grab-and-shoot” imaging tool that encourages creativity without complexity.
By contrast, the Pleiades 68 appeals to advanced users who enjoy fine-tuning every parameter. Its ultra-fast optical design rewards precision, delivering exceptional color correction, pinpoint star performance, and unmatched depth in wide-field imaging. This astrograph thrives when paired with careful spacing and meticulous focus, offering professionals the control needed to push the boundaries of deep-sky photography.
In essence, your decision reflects your astrophotography personality. The RedCat 71 embodies effortless performance and ease of use, while the Pleiades 68 represents precision, speed, and mastery. Both share the same William Optics heritage — elegant design, mechanical excellence, and a pursuit of optical perfection — ensuring that whichever you choose, the night sky will never look the same again.
GuideStar Special









GuideStar 61
- Lens Type
- Doublet APO Prime Lens
- Focal Length
- 360 mm
- Diameter
- 61 mm
- Focal Ratio
- f/5.9
- Image Circle
- 42 mm
- Focuser
- Threaded Focuser
- Adapter Included
- M54 → 2" Visual Back
- Optional Flattener
- FLAT 61A 1.0x FLAT 61R 0.8x
- Tube Length
- 340 mm
- Total Weight
- 1.44 kg / 3.17 lbs
Accessory Add-ons
Guider










UniGuide 32mm f/3.75
- Lens Type
- Doublet Lens
- Focal Length
- 120 mm
- Diameter
- 32 mm
- Focal Ratio
- f/3.75
- Tube Length
- 147 mm
- Total Weight
- 0.23 kg / 0.51 lbs








GuideStar 61
- Lens Type
- Doublet APO Prime Lens
- Focal Length
- 360 mm
- Diameter
- 61 mm
- Focal Ratio
- f/5.9
- Image Circle
- 42 mm
- Focuser
- Threaded Focuser
- Adapter Included
- M54 → 2" Visual Back
- Optional Flattener
- FLAT 61A 1.0x FLAT 61R 0.8x
- Tube Length
- 340 mm
- Total Weight
- 1.44 kg / 3.17 lbs
Camera




ZWO ASI 533MC Pro
- Sensor
- Sony IMX533 CMOS ( color )
- Resolution
- 3008 × 3008
- Pixel Size
- 2.9μm
- Sensor Size
- 1″ ( 11.31 x 11.31mm )
- Max Frame Rate
- 20 fps
- Read Noise
- 1.0e
- Cooling Temp
- △35°C
- Quantum Efficiency
- 80%
- Full Well
- 50ke
- Exposure Range
- 32μs–2000s
- DDR3 Buffer
- 256 MB
- ADC
- 14 bit
- Flange Distance
- 17.5mm
- Camera Thread
- M42
- Adapter Included
- M48 → M42 Adapters ( 0 & 16.5mm ) M42 Extender ( 21mm ) M28.5 → M42 Adapter 1.25" Nosepiece → M42 Adapter
- Interface
- USB 2.0 Type-A USB 3.0 Type-B
- Cable Included
- USB 2.0 Type A↔B ( 0.5m ) x2 USB 3.0 Type A↔B ( 2m )
- Camera Weight
- 0.457 kg / 1 lbs
Camera Adapter



M48 T-mount for Pentax K
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Pentax K Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 9.3 mm



M48 T-mount for Canon EOS R Mirrorless
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Canon EOS R Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 34.4 mm



M48 T-mount for Nikon Z Mirrorless
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Nikon Z Mirrorless Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 38.4 mm






M48 T-mount for Canon EOS
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Canon EOS Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 10.6 mm



M48 T-mount for Fuji FX
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Fuji FX Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 37 mm



T-mount for Sony E
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Sony E Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 36.7 mm






M48 T-mount for Nikon F
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Nikon F Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 8.2 mm



M48 T-mount for Olympus Micro 4/3
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- Olympus Micro 4/3 Camera Mount
- Optical Length
- 35.6 mm


M48 → M42 Adapter
- Light-In Side
- M48 (female)
- Light-Out Side
- M42 (male)
- Optical Length
- 5.3 mm
EQ Mount









ZWO AM3 RedCat Limited Edition
ZWO x William Optics Co-branded Limited Edition
Traditional equatorial mounts often require heavy counterweights, making it challenging to balance the right ascension (RA) and declination (DEC) axes. They are cumbersome to transport and store, causing significant inconvenience for amateur astrophotographers during outdoor sessions. Additionally, some strain wave gear mounts have limited functionality, insufficient payload capacity, and lack stability during use. Addressing these issues, ZWO has developed the ASI Mount series, which eliminates the need for counterweights.
The AM3 weighs only 3.9 kg and supports payloads ranging from 8 kg to 13 kg. While portability is crucial, ZWO prioritizes stability to ensure a reliable user experience. The optimized internal structure incorporates harmonic drive reducers and timing belts, delivering precise control and an impressive 300:1 reduction ratio. The mount is versatile, functioning as either an equatorial or an alt-azimuth mount, and can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a handheld controller.
Key Features
Portability and Stability
The optimized internal structure, featuring harmonic drive reducers and timing belts, ensures precise control and stability, achieving a remarkable 300:1 reduction ratio.
Custom Strain Wave Gears
ZWO developed specialized strain wave gears tailored to astrophotography needs, offering extremely low periodic error and high torque. Each mount undergoes factory testing and comes with a unique PE curve to guarantee quality.
Lightweight Design
At just 3.9 kg, the AM3 strikes a balance between portability and stability, prioritizing dependable performance over extreme weight reduction.
8 kg to 13 kg Payload Capacity
Without Counterweights: Supports up to 8 kg.
With Counterweights: Supports up to 13 kg.
(Counterweights should be mounted on a bar no longer than 20 cm.)
Dual Modes: Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth
Equatorial Mode: Ideal for tracking and imaging celestial objects.
Alt-Azimuth Mode: Best suited for visual astronomy.
Easily switch modes using the ASI Mount App or the handheld controller.
Full 0°–90° Altitude Adjustment
Gear 1: Adjust the handle to set angles between 0° and 60°.
Gear 2: Loosen the hex screws to adjust the clamp for angles between 30° and 90°.
Wireless Control
Enjoy features like Tonight’s Target, GOTO, and Live Preview directly from your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
Joystick Hand Controller
Ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, the controller integrates with the Wi-Fi network for wireless operation. Firmware updates and installation can be managed effortlessly via a web interface.
Seamless ASIAIR Integration
The AM3 can be controlled via wired or wireless connection with ASIAIR, offering ZWO’s customers an optimized astrophotography experience.







ZWO AM5N RedCat Limited Edition
ZWO x William Optics Co-branded Limited Edition
Traditional equatorial mounts often require heavy counterweights, making them cumbersome to transport and balance. The AM5N addresses these challenges with a compact, counterweight-free design, offering enhanced portability and stability for amateur astrophotographers. Its optimized internal structure incorporates harmonic drive reducers and timing belts, delivering precise control and a 300:1 reduction ratio. The mount operates in both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes and can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a handheld controller.
Key Features
Enhanced Portability and Stability
Weighing only 5.5 kg, the AM5N supports payloads up to 15 kg without counterweights and up to 20 kg with counterweights, maintaining a balance between portability and performance.
Custom Harmonic Drive System
The AM5N features a custom harmonic drive system with a synchronous belt, ensuring high torque, zero backlash, and low periodic error of ±10 arcseconds.
Integrated Cable Management
Internal cable routing through the DEC saddle allows for seamless power and control connections, reducing cable clutter and the risk of snags during operation.
Dual Mount Modes
Switch effortlessly between equatorial and alt-azimuth modes using the ASI Mount App or the included hand controller. A status LED indicates the current mode: red for equatorial and green for alt-azimuth.
Wide Latitude Adjustment
The mount offers a full 0°–90° latitude adjustment range, accommodating various observing locations and setups.
Wireless and Wired Control Options
Control the AM5N via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C connections. The mount is compatible with the ASIAIR system and supports ASCOM and INDI protocols for versatile operation.
Power Failure Protection
An RA axis brake system engages automatically during power failures, safeguarding your equipment from potential damage.
Seamless ASIAIR Integration
The AM5N integrates seamlessly with ZWO's ASIAIR system, providing an optimized astrophotography experience through wired or wireless connections.




Tripod







Pier Mount 90
- Adapter
- 3/8" Thread ( for ZWO AM3/AM5 )
More EQ Mount types are optional - Weight
- approx. 7 kg
- Loading Capacity
- 90 kg / 198 lbs
- Height
- Stance: 89.3 cm Closed: 79.3 cm Foot Adjustable Height Range: 15 mm
- Material
- Aluminum Alloy
- Pillar Diameter
- 100 mm / 4"
![[Bundle] ZWO Mount Upgrade Kit](http://williamoptics.com/cdn/shop/files/ZWOMountUpgradeKit.jpg?v=1724140371&width=2400)
[Bundle] ZWO Mount Upgrade Kit
Make your ZWO AM3/5 tripod kit load-bearing and stable.


Tripod Extrapadding Backpack
This Tripod Extrapadding Backpack is specifically designed for astro EQ mounts tripod, offering added support and protection for your equipment.
- Thickness: 22mm
- Size: approximately 20 × 20 × 67 cm, with a measurement tolerance of ±3 cm.














Camouflage Tripod Pouch
Featuring durable Velcro straps for secure attachment, this pouch offers ample storage space to make your wildlife observation experience more convenient.
- Lens Type
- 7-Element Astrograph
- Lens Elements
- Super ED Glass x3
- Focal Length
- 260 mm
- Diameter
- 68 mm
- Focal Ratio
- f/3.8
- Image Circle
- 48 mm
- Focuser
- WIFD R&P Focuser Compatible with EAF
- Focuser Travel
- 0-45 mm (Ruler to 50mm)
- Adapter Included
- Tilt Adjuster Rotator M63 → M48 Adapter M63 → M54 Adapter
- Optional Flattener
- No Flattener Required
- T-Mount Support
- Canon EF, RF Nikon F, Z Sony E Pentax K MFT (M4/3) FUJI X
- Camera Format
- Full Frame APS-C M4/3
- Dovetail Type
- Vixen ↔︎ Arca-Swiss
- Tube Length
- 366 mm - 410 mm
- OTA Weight
- 2.98 kg / 6.57 lbs
- Total Weight
- 3.83 kg / 8.44 lbs
Choose options















Experience unmatched clarity and precision with the Pleiades 68 - 7-Elements Imaging APO Telescope. Designed for the passionate astrophotographer, this state-of-the-art instrument is a key part of our WIFD series, crafted to deliver impeccably sharp images of the cosmos. With its rapid f/3.8 aperture and advanced optical system, the Pleiades 68 ensures stunning deep-sky captures with reduced exposure times, perfect for both seasoned astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts.
Highlights
Precision Engineering
The advanced 7-element optical system produces sharp, vibrant images while minimizing chromatic aberration.
Optimized for Swift, Detailed Imaging
A generous 68mm aperture and f/3.8 focal ratio allow for detailed deep-sky imaging in shorter exposure times.
Adaptable to Various Imaging Systems
Comes equipped with 48mm and 54mm adapters to ensure compatibility with a broad range of CCD and DSLR cameras.
WIFD Series Excellence
This telescope exemplifies our commitment to superior astro-imaging gear, integrating seamlessly into the esteemed WIFD series.
What's in the box

Main Tube

Bahtinov Cap

M48, M54
Camera Adapter

Dual-side Plate

Mounting Ring & Handle bar

Riser Blocks

Soft Carry Case

Allen Key Set

showcase
Pleiades 68


