- Description
- Specifications
The William Optics Pleiades 68 Astrograph is a fast 68mm f/3.8 7-element imaging APO designed for advanced wide-field deep-sky astrophotography. With a 260mm focal length, 48mm image circle, Super ED glass, and William Optics Internal Focuser Design, it is built for astrophotographers who want speed, precision, and a compact optical system for full-frame and APS-C imaging.
Who Is This Product Best For?
The Pleiades 68 is best for intermediate to advanced astrophotographers who want an ultra-fast wide-field astrograph and are comfortable with precise backfocus, focusing, and camera alignment. It is especially well suited for imagers who want to capture nebulae, large star fields, and faint deep-sky structures with shorter exposures.
Why Choose This Product?
- Fast f/3.8 focal ratio: Helps reduce exposure time for deep-sky imaging.
- 7-element optical design: Built for sharp, well-corrected astro-imaging performance.
- 68mm aperture: Compact but capable light-gathering performance for wide-field imaging.
- 48mm image circle: Supports full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds imaging systems.
- WIFD focuser: Helps maintain stability in demanding astrophotography setups.
Recommended Uses
- Fast wide-field deep-sky astrophotography
- Large nebula imaging
- Milky Way region imaging
- Star-field imaging
- Portable and advanced backyard imaging systems
- Full-frame and APS-C camera setups
Compatibility and Accessory Notes
The Pleiades 68 includes a tilt adjuster rotator plus M63 to M48 and M63 to M54 adapters. It supports common camera mount ecosystems including Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, Pentax K, Micro Four Thirds, and Fuji X. William Optics notes that this model does not include an internal M48 filter thread, so a filter wheel connected to the M48 or M54 thread is recommended for filter use.
Important Limitations
The Pleiades 68 is designed specifically for astrophotography and does not support visual observing. Its fast f/3.8 optical system also makes accurate 55mm backfocus especially important for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pleiades 68 good for beginners?
It is better suited to intermediate and advanced astrophotographers because the fast f/3.8 design rewards precise spacing, focus, and camera setup.
What type of astrophotography is it best for?
It is best for fast wide-field deep-sky imaging, large nebulae, star fields, and full-frame or APS-C astrophotography.
Does it need a flattener?
No. The optical design is built for astro-imaging without a separate field flattener.
Can it be used visually?
No. This telescope is designed for astrophotography only and does not support visual observing.
Our Recommendation
The William Optics Pleiades 68 is a strong choice for astrophotographers who want a very fast compact astrograph for wide-field deep-sky imaging. Choose it when imaging speed, full-frame support, and high optical correction matter. Consider a more forgiving Cat-series model if you want simpler setup and less sensitivity to backfocus spacing.
Optical Diagram Reports
The following optical report graphic is included for customers who want to review optical performance.
| Lens Type | 7-Element Advanced APO Astrograph |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 260 mm |
| Aperture | 68 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/3.8 |
| Image Circle | 48 mm |
| Focuser | WIFD rack-and-pinion focuser; compatible with EAF |
| Back Focus | 55 mm |
| Adapter Included | Tilt adjuster rotator, M63 to M48, M63 to M54 adapters |
| Camera Format | Full Frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds |
| Filter Note | No internal M48 filter thread; filter wheel recommended for filter use |
| Visual Observing | Not supported |
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