{"title":"Zenith Star","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"william-optics-zenithstar-61-ii-apo-refractor","title":"William Optics Zenithstar 61 II APO Refractor","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Optics Zenithstar 61 II APO\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact 61mm f\/5.9 refractor designed for visual astronomy, travel, wildlife viewing, and wide-field astrophotography. With FPL-53 ED glass, a 360mm focal length, and a 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser, it is a versatile small telescope for customers who want premium optics in a portable package.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Zenithstar 61 II is best for beginners, travelling observers, visual astronomers, and astrophotographers who want one compact APO refractor that can serve multiple roles. It is especially useful for wide-field imaging, grab-and-go observing, and lightweight mount setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose This Product?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e61mm FPL-53 APO optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sharp, high-contrast views with strong colour correction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e360mm focal length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent for wide-field observing and imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ef\/5.9 focal ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flexible for both visual use and camera-based imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-inch focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports common visual and imaging accessories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to transport for travel and quick observing sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginner visual astronomy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide-field astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWildlife and terrestrial viewing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel telescope setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrab-and-go observing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Zenithstar 61 II supports 2-inch accessories and can be paired with William Optics Flat61A or Flat61R optics for astrophotography. Customers using cameras should confirm adapter spacing, flattener\/reducer choice, mount capacity, and focusing accessories before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best astrophotography results across larger sensors, use a suitable field flattener or reducer. Customers looking for high-magnification planetary imaging or small galaxy imaging may prefer a larger aperture or longer focal length telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the Zenithstar 61 II good for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It is compact, portable, and useful for both visual astronomy and learning wide-field astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan it be used visually?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It can be used for visual observing with compatible diagonals and eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan it be used for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It is well suited to wide-field astrophotography when paired with the correct flattener or reducer and a tracking mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe William Optics Zenithstar 61 II APO is a strong choice for customers who want a premium compact refractor for travel, visual observing, and wide-field imaging. Choose it for portability and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOptical Diagram Reports\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe following optical report graphics are included for customers who want to review compatible imaging performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/william-optics-zenithstar-61ii-flat61a-diagram-01.jpg?v=1779651419\" alt=\"William Optics Zenithstar 61 II Flat61A optical diagram report\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/william-optics-zenithstar-61ii-flat61r-diagram-01.jpg?v=1779651432\" alt=\"William Optics Zenithstar 61 II Flat61R optical diagram report\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Optics","offers":[{"title":"Red","offer_id":53154227880047,"sku":"A-Z61II-RD-NEW","price":697.2,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gold","offer_id":53154227912815,"sku":"A-Z61IIGD-NEW","price":697.2,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Space Grey","offer_id":53154227945583,"sku":"A-Z61IITG-NEW","price":697.2,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/william-optics-zenithstar-61ii-perspective-1.jpg?v=1779651376"},{"product_id":"william-optics-zenithstar-81-wifd-apo-refractor","title":"William Optics Zenithstar 81 WIFD APO Refractor","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Optics Zenithstar 81 WIFD\u003c\/strong\u003e is a premium 81mm APO refractor designed for visual observing, portable astronomy, and wide-field astrophotography. With William Optics Internal Focus Design, a compact optical tube, and support for compatible imaging accessories, it gives customers a versatile refractor that can be used visually or as part of a serious imaging setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This Product Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Zenithstar 81 WIFD is best for observers and astrophotographers who want more aperture than a small travel scope while still keeping the system portable. It is a strong fit for beginner-to-intermediate imagers, visual observers, and customers building a compact wide-field refractor system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose This Product?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e81mm APO optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e A strong balance of portability, aperture, and sharp refractor performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWIFD internal focuser:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps maintain alignment and stability with heavier cameras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual and imaging capable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works for eyepiece observing and astrophotography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortable design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easier to mount and transport than larger refractors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImaging upgrade path:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with appropriate William Optics flatteners\/reducers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual astronomy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide-field astrophotography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLunar and planetary observing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortable refractor setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginner-to-intermediate imaging systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor astrophotography, pair the Zenithstar 81 WIFD with the appropriate William Optics flattener or reducer and confirm camera spacing, adapters, and mount capacity. For visual use, pair it with compatible diagonals and eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eImportant Limitations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best edge-to-edge imaging performance with larger sensors, a field flattener or reducer is recommended. Customers seeking high-magnification planetary imaging or small-galaxy work may prefer a longer focal length telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the Zenithstar 81 WIFD good for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It is a good beginner-to-intermediate refractor for customers who want one telescope for both visual observing and astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan it be used visually?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It can be used for visual observing with compatible diagonals and eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan it be used for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. It is well suited to wide-field imaging when paired with the correct flattener or reducer and a suitable tracking mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe William Optics Zenithstar 81 WIFD is a strong choice for customers who want a premium compact refractor with more capability than a 61mm travel scope. Choose it for a versatile visual and imaging platform that remains portable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Optics","offers":[{"title":"Red","offer_id":53154229289071,"sku":"T-ZS-81RD-WIFD-NEW","price":1398.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gold","offer_id":53154229321839,"sku":"T-ZS-81GD-WIFD-NEW","price":1398.6,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/william-optics-zenithstar-81-wifd-perspective-1.jpg?v=1779652899"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/collections\/william-optics-zenithstar-61ii-perspective-1_356c2729-c1f3-48a2-82cd-456628fdbca5.jpg?v=1779820625","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/collections\/zenith-star.oembed","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}