Sharpstar 61EDPH III

Astrophotography enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your stargazing experience with the latest innovation from Sharpstar – the 61EDPH III. This portable refractor telescope is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a compact powerhouse designed to meet the demands of both amateur and seasoned astrophotographers. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the features, benefits, and performance of the Sharpstar 61EDPH III, exploring what makes it a must-have for capturing the wonders of the night sky.

Optical Excellence Redefined: The Heart of 61EDPH III

At the core of the 61EDPH III lies its exceptional optical design. This telescope adopts a triplet air-spaced apochromatic (APO) design, setting a new standard for imaging performance. What sets it apart from its predecessor, the 61EDPH II, is the integration of two low dispersion ED glass elements. This enhancement delivers superior imaging quality, making it not only suitable for visual observation but also a standout performer in the realm of astrophotography.

The telescope boasts a substantial focal length of 360mm and a focal ratio of 5.9. This configuration, coupled with the advanced optics, allows for an impressive 44mm full-frame image circle – a testament to its high-quality imaging capabilities. Whether you're exploring the cosmos visually or capturing its beauty through astrophotography, the 61EDPH III is designed to exceed your expectations.

Multifunctional Handle and Enhanced Exterior Design

Sharpstar has not only focused on optical upgrades but has also considered the user experience and aesthetics. The telescope features a newly designed multifunctional handle, a departure from its predecessor. This handle, which can be connected to the universal Vixen-style finder base, adds versatility to the telescope's functionality.

The exterior design is a testament to elegance and durability. The telescope's appearance is characterized by smooth, natural lines, and it sports the classic red and white color scheme. The high-quality CNC machining, surface painting, and polished oxidation contribute to its overall durability and aesthetic appeal.

Tailored Accessories for Versatility

One of the standout features of the 61EDPH III is its compatibility with specialized accessories that enhance its capabilities for astrophotography. The telescope offers a special full-frame reducer, featuring M68 × 1 threads for connection to the primary lens focuser. This reducer not only transforms the focal ratio to F4.4 but also reduces the focal length to 270mm, making it the ideal choice for deep-sky astrophotography.

Additionally, the 61EDPH III can be equipped with a full-frame flattener, providing users with more options for capturing clear and detailed astronomical photos. The flattener, like the reducer, connects seamlessly to the primary lens focuser, featuring M68 × 1 threads.

Advanced Focuser and Handling Accessories

The telescope is equipped with a 2.5" dual-speed rack-and-pinion precision focuser. This quadruplet air-spaced structure supports full-frame imaging and is fully rotatable by 360 degrees. The focuser ensures precise and smooth adjustments, allowing users to achieve the desired focus with ease.

Handling the 61EDPH III is a breeze, thanks to the longer 200mm Vixen-type dovetail plate. This addition facilitates easier connection to equatorial mounts and accessories, ensuring that the optical tube assembly (OTA) is well-balanced on the mount.

Performance Beyond Boundaries: Realizing Your Astrophotography Dreams

The 61EDPH III is not just a telescope; it's an investment in realizing your astrophotography dreams. With its comprehensive upgrades on the primary lens, exterior design, and accessories, this telescope offers high performance and versatility to meet the diverse shooting needs of different users. Whether you're a beginner exploring the night sky or an experienced astrophotographer aiming for perfection, the 61EDPH III is designed to provide a better shooting experience.

Solid Construction for Reliability

Constructed with precision and durability in mind, the 61EDPH III is solidly built using CNC machined aluminum. The anodized white finish with red highlights not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures lasting beauty. The OTA, weighing only 1.5kg, becomes 1.92kg with rings and a dovetail, making it a lightweight yet sturdy companion for your astrophotography endeavors.

Field Flattener for Optimal Imaging

For astrophotographers seeking a flatter field and minimized aberrations, the Sharpstar full-frame flattener is the perfect companion for the 61EDPH III. With a triplet air-spaced structure and excellent peripheral light reduction control, the flattener enhances the curvature of the field, improves corner image quality, and reduces aberrations, resulting in clearer astronomical photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is an APO telescope?
A: An APO, or apochromatic telescope, uses a lens system designed to bring three wavelengths of light to the same focus, reducing chromatic aberration for clearer images.

Q: Who would benefit from using the 61EDPH III?
A: This telescope is ideal for astrophotographers looking for a portable and high-quality instrument for wide-field imaging.

Q: Can the 61EDPH III be used for visual observations?
A: While primarily designed for imaging, it can also be used for visual observations with the right eyepiece.

Specifications at a Glance:

• Telescope Series: Sharpstar EDPH
• Focal Ratio: f/5.9
• Optical Design: Refractor
• Telescope Aperture: 61mm (2.4")
• Focal Length (mm): 360 mm
• Focuser Style: Rack & Pinion
• Focuser Size: 2.5" Dual Speed
• Focuser Speed: Dual Speed
• OTA Material: Aluminum
• OTA Outside Diameter (in.): 2.95
• OTA Weight (lb.): 4.2
• OTA Length - Extended (in.): 327 mm
• OTA Length - Retracted (in.): 272 mm

A Closer Look at the Sharpstar 61EDPH III

Astrophotography has evolved, and the Sharpstar 61EDPH III stands as a testament to this evolution. As we continue our exploration of this exceptional telescope, let's dive deeper into its features, performance, and the unparalleled imaging experience it promises to deliver.

Astrophotography Brilliance: APO Lens Design

The 61EDPH III boasts an air-spaced apochromatic (APO) triplet lens system, setting it apart as a precision instrument for imaging enthusiasts. The upgrade to two low-dispersion ED glass elements takes its imaging capabilities to new heights. Chromatic aberration is significantly reduced, resulting in images with superior clarity, contrast, and color fidelity. This makes the 61EDPH III a versatile tool, excelling in both visual observation and astrophotography.

Focal Length and Image Circle: Unleashing Creativity

With a focal length of 360mm and a focal ratio of f/5.9, the 61EDPH III opens up a world of possibilities for astrophotographers. The telescope supports a generous 44mm full-frame image circle, providing ample space for capturing breathtaking wide-field views of celestial objects. Whether you're framing galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, the 61EDPH III empowers you to unleash your creativity and capture the cosmos in stunning detail.

Handling and Connectivity: A Seamless Experience

Sharpstar has designed the 61EDPH III with user convenience in mind. The multifunctional handle, an upgrade from its predecessor, adds versatility to the telescope. Connecting to the universal Vixen-style finder base, this handle enhances the overall usability of the telescope. The longer 200mm Vixen-type dovetail plate ensures seamless connectivity to equatorial mounts and accessories, contributing to a well-balanced setup for astrophotography sessions.

Optional Accessories: Tailoring Your Astrophotography Setup

The 61EDPH III's compatibility with optional accessories takes its versatility to the next level. The dedicated full-frame reducer, with M68 × 1 threads, transforms the focal ratio to F4.4 and the focal length to 270mm. This makes the telescope an ideal choice for deep-sky astrophotography, capturing intricate details with precision.

Additionally, astrophotographers can opt for the full-frame flattener, further expanding their imaging options. The flattener, featuring M48 × 0.75 threads, enhances field flatness, reduces aberrations, and ensures edge-to-edge sharpness. With a back focus that can be extended to 81.5mm, this accessory is a valuable addition to your astrophotography toolkit.

Precision Focusing: A Photographer's Dream

The 61EDPH III comes equipped with a 2.5" dual-speed rack-and-pinion precision focuser. This robust focuser ensures smooth and precise adjustments, crucial for achieving the perfect focus in your astrophotography endeavors. With a full 360-degree rotation capability, framing your targets on the camera sensor becomes effortless, providing flexibility in composition.

Durable Construction and Aesthetic Appeal: Crafted to Last

Crafted with precision and durability, the telescope's aluminum body undergoes CNC machining for a high-grade finish. The anodized white color with red highlights not only adds a touch of elegance but also serves practical purposes. The dew shield is retractable, offering protection and convenience during observation and imaging sessions.

FAQs: Addressing Common Queries

Q: What is an APO telescope?
A: An APO, or apochromatic telescope, uses a lens system designed to bring three wavelengths of light to the same focus, reducing chromatic aberration for clearer images.

Q: Who would benefit from using the 61EDPH III?
A: This telescope is ideal for astrophotographers looking for a portable and high-quality instrument for wide-field imaging.

Q: Can the 61EDPH III be used for visual observations?
A: While primarily designed for imaging, it can also be used for visual observations with the right eyepiece.

Conclusion

The Sharpstar 61EDPH III APO telescope is a testament to the advancements in astrophotography equipment. It brings together optical excellence, user-friendly features, and compatibility with specialized accessories, offering a balanced package for astrophotographers. Whether you're capturing the beauty of the night sky or exploring deep-sky wonders, the 61EDPH III is your compact powerhouse for astrophotography. Invest in excellence, explore the cosmos, and unleash your creativity with the Sharpstar 61EDPH III.

Sharpstar 61EDPH III