Sharpstar 50EDPH 50mm f/5.5 Triplet APO Refractor

Product Overview

The Sharpstar 50EDPH is a compact 50mm f/5.5 triplet APO refractor designed for portable wide-field astrophotography, travel imaging, and lightweight observing setups. With a 275mm focal length and ED glass triplet optics, it is built for customers who want a small, capable refractor that can ride on compact mounts and travel easily.

The 50EDPH is especially useful as a grab-and-go imaging telescope, a travel refractor, or a wide-field companion scope for larger systems.

Who Is This Product Best For?

This telescope is best for beginner and intermediate astrophotographers who want a small APO imaging platform, travel users who need a light optical tube, and experienced imagers looking for a compact wide-field refractor.

Why Choose This Product?

• 50mm triplet APO optics for a compact but corrected optical system.
• 275mm focal length and f/5.5 focal ratio for wide-field targets.
• Very portable size for travel imaging and lightweight mount setups.
• Useful for large nebulae, Milky Way fields, star fields, and comet imaging.
• Small enough for compact equatorial and strain-wave mounts.

Recommended Uses

• Wide-field deep-sky astrophotography.
• Portable and travel imaging rigs.
• Large nebulae, star fields, and Milky Way regions.
• Lightweight visual observing of wide star fields and bright objects.
• Beginner imaging setups where portability is important.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

For astrophotography, customers should confirm the required camera-side spacing, adapters, and any dedicated reducer or flattener recommended by Sharpstar for their camera format. A suitable tracking mount, camera adapter, guide setup, and filters may be required depending on the imaging configuration.

Important Limitations

• Small aperture limits high-magnification planetary use and faint visual observing.
• For best imaging results, a compatible field corrector or reducer/flattener may be required depending on the camera sensor.
• Not intended as a primary telescope for customers who want large-aperture visual performance.
• Mounting, guiding, and camera spacing still need to be configured correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sharpstar 50EDPH good for beginners?

Yes, it can be a good beginner imaging refractor because it is small, portable, and forgiving in focal length. It still requires a proper tracking mount and camera setup.

What is it best used for?

It is best used for wide-field astrophotography, travel imaging, and large deep-sky targets.

Can it be used visually?

Yes, it can be used for lightweight visual observing with the right accessories, but its main strength is portable wide-field imaging.

Does it require additional accessories?

Astrophotography setups may require camera adapters, correctors, filters, guide equipment, and accurate spacing depending on the camera being used.

When should it not be recommended?

Do not choose this telescope if the customer wants high-power planetary observing, small galaxies, or maximum visual light gathering.

Our Recommendation

Ontario Telescope recommends the Sharpstar 50EDPH for customers who want a very portable APO refractor for wide-field imaging and travel-friendly setups. It solves the problem of building a light, compact imaging rig without moving into larger and heavier refractors. Choose a larger aperture telescope if visual brightness or high magnification is the main goal.