William Optics Apochromatic refractor AP 156/1217 Fluorostar Gray OTA (85097)

The FluoroStar features a top-tier objective lens comprised of three air-spaced elements, utilizing premium FPL-53 ED glass from Ohara, Japan, combined with lanthanum glass. This sophisticated triplet design ensures outstanding color fidelity and image clarity, making it a true high-end instrument.

Pair this apochromat with a high-quality William Optics diagonal, and you’ll experience star views of exceptional sharpness that few telescopes can match. Double stars are resolved cleanly, Jupiter’s bright belts and zones display impressive details, and Saturn’s rings appear as if you are flying past them in a spaceship.

Thanks to its large, unobstructed aperture—unlike reflectors, which require a central secondary mirror—the telescope offers breathtaking views of Messier objects and deep-sky targets. Anyone who has looked through such a high-quality apochromat is bound to fall in love with the universe!

For astrophotography, the FluoroStar’s large image circle ensures bright, evenly illuminated images, even with full-frame cameras. When paired with the William Optics Flat7A field flattener, the scope achieves a fast f/5.6 focal ratio. The flattener can be securely attached directly to the focuser.

The focuser provides smooth, precise micro-adjustment, includes a temperature display, and offers a generous focusing range. It easily supports heavy astrophotography gear and can be rotated for optimal framing on your camera sensor.

The Rotolock adapter holds accessories centrally using a helical thread for a secure, tilt-free connection. The large, ribbed ring is easy to operate even when wearing gloves.

The telescope also comes with a newly designed carrying handle that features an extended finder shoe. This shoe securely holds William Optics finders and guidescopes, as well as any other accessories compatible with the Vixen/Skywatcher finder base.

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Refractor (Apochromat, Triplet lens)

• Aperture: 156 mm

• Focal Length: 1217 mm

• Focal Ratio: f/7.8

• Resolving Power: 0.88 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 12.8

• Light Gathering Power: 500× the naked eye

• Maximum Magnification: 312×

Mechanical

• Tube Weight: 17 kg

• Tube Length: 1330 mm

• Carrying Length: 1120 mm

• Coating: STM

Focuser

• Type: Rack and pinion, rotatable, with 1:10 fine focusing

• Eyepiece Connection: 2"

• Clear Aperture: 94 mm

• Focusing Range: 100 mm

• Ring Clamp: Yes

Mount

• Type: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly; no mount included)

Included Accessories

• Dew Shield: Yes

• Prism Rail: Losmandy-style

• Carrying Handle: Yes

• Focusing Aid: Bahtinov focus mask

• Transport/Carry Case: Not included

• Finder Base: Vixen/Skywatcher standard

• Diagonal: Not included

General

• Series: FluoroStar

• Color: Silver

Recommended Use

• Astrophotography: Yes (excellent)

• Moon & Planets: Yes

• Nature Observation: No

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Solar Observation: No (only with proper solar filter)

User Level

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: Yes