Very much like me. Less than 2 years in Astrophotography and I started with an Edge HD8, though with a HyperStar V3. I just purchased a RedCat 51 APO for wide field. Shot 2 targets, so far with the 51 and have resolved to keep my Edge configured for F7 for narrow field and planetary (which I have not done much). The HyperStar is an amazing piece of equipment but I dislike the tedium of manually refocusing the Edge every time I would change the configuration from HyperStar to F7. Now I do not have to do either since the Cat handles wide field better. Incidentally, having the cable(s) coming from the front mounted camera is not really an issue. I just keep the two cables together and pass them in front of the aperture together. I enjoyed your video.
I too like the field of view I can get between the two scopes. At some point I may remove the reducer on the EdgeHD 8 but for now I have long list of targets to image in its current configuration. Thank you for taking time and view and comment. If you would be interested in letting me interview you for an episode of Meet The Astrophotographer on this channel let me know via: astrochatterpodcast@gmail.com. 👍
Thank you and good to hear! I'm releasing a video tomorrow where I show how much tilt I have in the system right now when paired with my ASI294MM. I'm glad the tilt adjustment is accessible on this Gen 2 model.
Nice video. Can I ask, what size thread you need for this telescope to attach to the camera? The camera I have uses a M42 thread on the camera side, but there is not much info about what thread it needs to have on the RedCat 51 II-U screw side. An M42 to M48 coupling ring is not the right size, is it?. what are you using?
Thank you for taking time to comment and I'm already loving the RedCat 51 Gen 2! Looking forward to the September new moon period to put in into service. 👍
The RedCat51 is such an amazing device. Mine is configured with the Pro Astro Gear Black Cat 3D printed backed that holds the EAF, ASI AIR, and the guide scope with the WO saddle. It is gear drive and I do not have to be concerned with any drive belt slipping or stretching.
Thank you! Yes my experience owning the WO Z61 mod II and traveling with it is William Optics knows how to construct a scope that holds up build wise. 👍
Congrats on the new Cat. It may not be the f/2 speed of the HS, but it'll be a heck of a lot easier to run. The tilt adapter included in the new "U" version is pretty handy as well - especially given that your 294MM doesn't have any way to adjust tilt :). I think you're going to be quite pleased with this little scope.
Thank Jonny and hope all is well! I'm at peace now having realized my original thoughts on what should have been my first scope as a beginner. 😀 Consolation in waiting is I now have the "U" model which is a plus.
What about Borg 55 f3.6?! Comes with 0.8 reducer as well. You could get with Essato focuser. 55mm image circle with zero distortion. Tough focuser that can handle 10Lb. FL 200mm. Importantly, zillion times better than RedCat, BlackCat, AnyCat.
I too invested in the same scope. I see that both our scopes V2 and even though there are a couple of different variants even in version 2 our scopes are identical. I seriously struggling to screw out the filter adapter to screw a 2 inch filter inside it. I am a dslr user. Any help will be very welcome!!
Not sure I can help in that I run a filter wheel and shoot with a m4/3 sensor. Maybe someone else will comment and offer help. Congrats on your RedCat!
I received this scope today. I tightened the tilt knob and was able to unscrew the "filter adapter/tilt rotator" by turning it counter clockwise. Doing this allowed me to install my 2" filter.
Very much like me. Less than 2 years in Astrophotography and I started with an Edge HD8, though with a HyperStar V3. I just purchased a RedCat 51 APO for wide field. Shot 2 targets, so far with the 51 and have resolved to keep my Edge configured for F7 for narrow field and planetary (which I have not done much). The HyperStar is an amazing piece of equipment but I dislike the tedium of manually refocusing the Edge every time I would change the configuration from HyperStar to F7. Now I do not have to do either since the Cat handles wide field better. Incidentally, having the cable(s) coming from the front mounted camera is not really an issue. I just keep the two cables together and pass them in front of the aperture together. I enjoyed your video.
I too like the field of view I can get between the two scopes. At some point I may remove the reducer on the EdgeHD 8 but for now I have long list of targets to image in its current configuration. Thank you for taking time and view and comment.
If you would be interested in letting me interview you for an episode of Meet The Astrophotographer on this channel let me know via: astrochatterpodcast@gmail.com. 👍
Congrats! It's a great scope. I love mine.
Thank you and good to hear! I'm releasing a video tomorrow where I show how much tilt I have in the system right now when paired with my ASI294MM. I'm glad the tilt adjustment is accessible on this Gen 2 model.
Nice video. Can I ask, what size thread you need for this telescope to attach to the camera? The camera I have uses a M42 thread on the camera side, but there is not much info about what thread it needs to have on the RedCat 51 II-U screw side. An M42 to M48 coupling ring is not the right size, is it?. what are you using?
Let me see what I can do to answer your question.
Great choice, you will love the RC51. The focal length is very forgiving scope compared to a SCT EdgeHD 8. I ♥ my RC51 Gen 2.
Thank you for taking time to comment and I'm already loving the RedCat 51 Gen 2! Looking forward to the September new moon period to put in into service. 👍
Congrats on the new scope. Looking forward to first light
Thank you Perry, much appreciated. Hope all is well!
❤ thank you for the review
You are so welcome!
Congrats on your new equipment. Let the clouds roll in!
Thanks! And the clouds are rolling in as Hilary barrels up the west coast!
The RedCat51 is such an amazing device. Mine is configured with the Pro Astro Gear Black Cat 3D printed backed that holds the EAF, ASI AIR, and the guide scope with the WO saddle. It is gear drive and I do not have to be concerned with any drive belt slipping or stretching.
Nice set up! I'll mounting my EAF tomorrow but I will be using a belt drive. If I have issues with the belt I change to a different configuration. 👍
Congratulation on your new scope! I have a same scope V.1 It's a well made & very sharp scope. Hope you enjoy with the RedCat 51!!! 👍👍👍
Thank you! Yes my experience owning the WO Z61 mod II and traveling with it is William Optics knows how to construct a scope that holds up build wise. 👍
Congrats. I own one and love it. (the older version)
Thank you Marvin. I hope all is well especially with Hilary heading your way.
Congrats on the new Cat. It may not be the f/2 speed of the HS, but it'll be a heck of a lot easier to run. The tilt adapter included in the new "U" version is pretty handy as well - especially given that your 294MM doesn't have any way to adjust tilt :). I think you're going to be quite pleased with this little scope.
Thank Jonny and hope all is well! I'm at peace now having realized my original thoughts on what should have been my first scope as a beginner. 😀 Consolation in waiting is I now have the "U" model which is a plus.
Where do you put the filter for the RC 51 II 'U' model
While I use a filter wheel I believe you can install a 48mm filter into the back where the rotator is located. williamoptics.com/redcat-51-ii
What about Borg 55 f3.6?! Comes with 0.8 reducer as well. You could get with Essato focuser. 55mm image circle with zero distortion. Tough focuser that can handle 10Lb. FL 200mm. Importantly, zillion times better than RedCat, BlackCat, AnyCat.
I'm not familiar with that scope. Thank you for the tip. I'll check it out. Much appreciated!
I too invested in the same scope. I see that both our scopes V2 and even though there are a couple of different variants even in version 2 our scopes are identical. I seriously struggling to screw out the filter adapter to screw a 2 inch filter inside it. I am a dslr user. Any help will be very welcome!!
Not sure I can help in that I run a filter wheel and shoot with a m4/3 sensor. Maybe someone else will comment and offer help. Congrats on your RedCat!
I received this scope today. I tightened the tilt knob and was able to unscrew the "filter adapter/tilt rotator" by turning it counter clockwise. Doing this allowed me to install my 2" filter.