Sharpstar 61EDPH III 61mm f/5.9 Triplet APO Refractor

Product Overview

The Sharpstar 61EDPH III is a compact 61mm f/5.9 triplet APO refractor designed for portable observing and wide-field astrophotography. With a 360mm focal length, two ED glass elements, and support for a 44mm full-frame image circle when used with the appropriate corrector, it is a versatile telescope for travel rigs, lightweight mounts, and imaging setups.

This third-generation 61EDPH improves the optical design, tube mechanics, handle, and dovetail system compared with earlier versions, making it easier to balance and configure for both visual and imaging use.

Who Is This Product Best For?

This telescope is a strong choice for beginner-to-intermediate astrophotographers, travel imagers, wide-field deep-sky photographers, and visual observers who want a compact APO refractor. It is also useful for experienced imagers who want a lightweight secondary imaging scope.

Why Choose This Product?

• Triplet air-spaced APO objective with two ED glass elements.
• 61mm aperture and 360mm focal length for wide-field imaging.
• Compact OTA weight makes it suitable for portable mounts.
• 200mm Vixen-style dovetail helps balance cameras and accessories.
• Multifunction handle can accept a universal Vixen-style finder base.
• Compatible with optional dedicated full-frame reducer and flattener.
• Reducer option converts the system to approximately 270mm at f/4.4.

Recommended Uses

• Wide-field nebula and Milky Way imaging.
• Travel astrophotography setups.
• Portable deep-sky imaging on compact equatorial or strain-wave mounts.
• Visual observing of bright deep-sky objects and wide star fields.
• Beginner-friendly APO refractor imaging when paired with a suitable mount and corrector.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The 61EDPH III can be paired with Sharpstar’s dedicated 61EDPH III full-frame reducer or full-frame flattener. The reducer uses an M68×1 connection to the focuser and provides an M48×0.75 camera-side thread with 55mm back focus, or M54×0.75 with 75mm back focus when the adapter is removed. The flattener also uses M68×1 to the focuser and M48×0.75 camera-side connection with 55mm back focus, or M54×0.75 with 81.5mm back focus when extended.

Important Limitations

• For best astrophotography results, use the dedicated reducer or flattener.
• The reducer and flattener are separate accessories unless specifically bundled.
• Mount capacity, guiding, camera spacing, and backfocus accuracy still matter.
• Small aperture limits high-power planetary and faint visual observing performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 61EDPH III good for beginners?

Yes, it can be a very good beginner imaging refractor when paired with a suitable mount, camera, and corrector. It is compact, forgiving, and well suited to wide-field targets.

What is it best used for?

It is best for wide-field astrophotography, portable deep-sky imaging, and travel-friendly visual observing.

Does it require additional accessories for imaging?

For the best star shapes across larger sensors, use the dedicated 61EDPH III reducer or flattener. Camera adapters, guide equipment, and filters may also be required depending on the setup.

Can it cover full-frame cameras?

The optical system supports full-frame imaging when used with the appropriate dedicated Sharpstar full-frame reducer or flattener.

When should it not be recommended?

It is not ideal if the customer’s main goal is high-magnification planetary observing, very small galaxies, or maximum visual light gathering.

Our Recommendation

Ontario Telescope recommends the Sharpstar 61EDPH III for customers who want a small, high-quality APO refractor that can grow from visual use into serious wide-field astrophotography. Choose it for portability and flexibility. Choose a larger aperture telescope if your priority is high-power visual observing or small deep-sky targets.