Leading Apochromatic Refractor Telescopes Ideal for Stargazing Photography
**Top Apochromatic Refractor Telescopes for Astrophotography**
Apochromatic refractor telescopes have proven to be the most successful for deep-sky imaging and planetary work, dominating the Astrophotographer of the Year competition. These telescopes, known for their high-quality optics, are a favourite among imagers using Sky-Watcher mounts.
One of the standout telescopes in the competition is the Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4, a quadruplet Petzval apochromatic refractor with a focal ratio of f/5. This top model offers exceptional performance, making it the number one choice in 2022. For those seeking a slightly more affordable alternative, the Takahashi FSQ-85EDX is a worthy contender, featuring an 85mm aperture, 450mm focal length, and a focal ratio of f/5.3.
Sky-Watcher is another leading manufacturer, with three main ranges of apochromatic refractors: Evostar, Esprit, and Evolux. The Evostar 72ED, for instance, is a budget-friendly option, offering excellent quality and portability. The Evolux is a newly released range of compact doublet apochromatic refractors, sitting between the Esprit triplets and Evostar series.
Other notable telescopes include the Askar V 60mm and 80mm APO Refractor, which boasts a modular design with interchangeable 60mm and 80mm lenses, triplet APO design, and ED glass for reduced chromatic aberration. The Svbony SV550 122mm APO Refractor, with its large aperture (122mm) and excellent optics, is also a popular choice among astrophotographers.
The ZWO Seestar S30, a compact all-in-one smart telescope, is ideal for beginners, offering automated functions like plate solving and autofocus, as well as EQ mode for up to 30-second exposures. For wide-field astrophotography, the William Optics RedCat 51 is a compact apochromatic refractor that provides excellent cross-field sharpness, making it perfect for capturing sprawling nebulas.
Schmidt-Cassegrains are a close second in the competition for planetary imaging, with their long focal length lending itself particularly well to the narrow framing of these objects. However, apochromatic refractors remain the most successful telescope type for astrophotography in the competition.
In 2022, Takahashi and Sky-Watcher continue to lead the way, but other brands like Sky Rover, Explore Scientific, and Askar are now being more commonly used, offering a range of features and pricing options for astrophotographers. It's essential to remember that for the best results, a dedicated astronomy camera should be used with an apochromatic refractor.
[1] [Askar V 60mm and 80mm APO Refractor Datasheet](https://www.askar-optics.com/products/apo-refractor-telescopes/askar-v-60mm-80mm-apo-refractor/) [2] [ZWO Seestar S30 Product Page](https://www.zwoastronomy.com/products/seestar-s30) [3] [Svbony SV550 122mm APO Refractor Product Page](https://www.svbonytelescope.com/product/svbony-sv550-122mm-apo-refractor-telescope/) [4] [William Optics RedCat 51 Product Page](https://www.williamoptics.com/products/redcat-51)
- The Askar V 60mm and 80mm APO Refractor, featuring interchangeable lenses and ED glass, is a notable contender in the astrophotography field, showcasing a modular design that attracts many keen imagers.
- For beginners, the ZWO Seestar S30, an all-in-one smart telescope with automated functions like plate solving and autofocus, offers a stress-free entry into the world of deep-sky and planetary imaging.
- The Svbony SV550 122mm APO Refractor, with its impressive 122mm aperture and high-quality optics, has become a popular choice among astrophotographers seeking to capture breathtaking images of distant celestial bodies.
- The William Optics RedCat 51, a compact apochromatic refractor, enables wide-field astrophotography, providing excellent cross-field sharpness and allowing astrophotographers to capture sprawling nebulas with remarkable detail.
- Despite Schmidt-Cassegrains being effective for planetary imaging due to their long focal length, apochromatic refractors remain the preferred telescope type for astrophotography, as demonstrated by their dominance in the Astrophotographer of the Year competition.
- Sky-Watcher's Evostar, Esprit, and Evolux apochromatic refractors cater to a diverse range of astrophotographers, from those seeking budget-friendly options to those hunting for compact, high-performance telescopes.
- The sports, technology, and space-and-astronomy worlds have different passions, but the appeal of deep-sky and planetary imaging can be found both in the excitement of sports-betting and the thrill of scientific discovery - combining the best of both worlds.
