William Optics Pleiades 68 WIFD f/3.8 APO Astrograph

A compact f/3.8 astrograph for wide, fast deep-sky imaging

The William Optics Pleiades 68 is a 68mm f/3.8 apochromatic astrograph that frames big nebulae, star fields and the largest galaxies in one shot. Its seven-element optical design, with three FPL-53 Super ED elements, delivers a flat 48mm image circle with no separate flattener, so it covers full-frame, APS-C and smaller sensors at a fixed 55mm back focus.

At just 6.6 lbs for the tube, it's light enough for a compact strain-wave mount and easy to travel with to a dark site.

Why imagers choose the Pleiades 68

• Fast f/3.8 optics: gathers light quickly, so you collect more signal in less time, a real advantage on short summer nights or under changing weather.
• Wide 260mm focal length: frames targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, the North America and Pelican Nebulae, or Orion's Belt region in a single field.
• Full-frame coverage, no flattener: the 48mm image circle covers a 36 x 24mm sensor, with the flattening built into the seven-element design.
• WIFD internal focuser: a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with 45mm of travel, a focus position window and a removable knob for fitting an electronic autofocuser.
• Imaging train built in: an included camera angle rotator and tilt adjuster let you frame targets and correct sensor tilt without extra adapters.

The Pleiades 68 is designed for astrophotography only and does not support visual observing with eyepieces.

WIFD: William Optics Internal Focus Design

Instead of moving a drawtube in and out, the patented WIFD focuser slides an optical group inside the sealed tube. Your camera stays fixed to the back of the telescope, so there's no drawtube sag or image shift under a heavy cooled camera, and the moving optics are protected from dust and can't come out of alignment. A viewing window shows a graduated scale so you can return to a known focus position.

Field of view with popular cameras

With an APS-C camera, the whole Andromeda Galaxy, the Veil Nebula complex or the North America and Pelican Nebulae fit in one frame. Full frame reaches for huge regions like the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.

What you'll need to complete your setup

• A mount: at 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) with its ring, handle and dovetail, the Pleiades 68 suits compact mounts like the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i or ZWO AM5N.
• A camera: a cooled astronomy camera such as the ZWO ASI2600MC Pro or ASI533MC Pro, or a DSLR or mirrorless camera with the right T-ring. M48 and M54 camera adapters are included.
• Autofocus: the WIFD focuser accepts an electronic focuser such as the ZWO EAFN or EAF Pro. The manual below shows how to fit it.
• Guiding: the handle's mini Vixen base takes a UniGuide 32 guide scope (not included).

Pleiades 68 vs. 111 vs. 181

Why buy from Mile High Astronomy

• No surprise import duties: our price includes all import duties. Telescopes ordered directly from overseas are often listed without duties, which are then billed separately before delivery.
• Ships from the US: your Pleiades 68 ships from our Denver store, not from overseas.
• Expert help from astrophotographers: we can help you choose a mount, camera and focuser for your setup, and we're here to help after the sale.

What's in the box

• William Optics WIFD Pleiades 68 f/3.8 APO astrograph OTA with rotator and tilt adjuster
• Mounting ring and CNC carry handle with mini Vixen base
• 210mm dual Vixen / Arca-Swiss dovetail plate
• 20mm riser blocks
• Bahtinov mask cover (patented)
• M48 and M54 camera adapters, plus spacer rings
• Soft carry case
• Allen key set

The UniGuide guide scope shown in some photos is not included.

Pleiades 68 FAQ

Do I need a field flattener or reducer?

No. The field flattening is built into the seven-element design. Set your camera sensor 55mm from the rear flat surface of the telescope using the included adapters and spacer rings.

Can I use the Pleiades 68 for visual observing?

No. William Optics designed it for imaging only, and it does not support visual use with a diagonal and eyepieces.

Is the Pleiades 68 good for beginners in astrophotography?

Yes. A short focal length is forgiving of small guiding and tracking errors, the built-in flattener removes back-focus guesswork beyond setting 55mm, and the light weight works on compact mounts. It's also a great wide-field companion to a longer-focal-length scope.

Will it fit my dual-saddle mount?

On some dual-saddle mounts the focuser knob contacts the saddle, so use the included riser blocks. Without risers, the knob hits the Celestron Advanced VX and CGX saddles (and likely the CGEM II), and the iOptron CEM70 and GEM45 / CEM40 dual-saddle plates. It clears the Sky-Watcher EQ6 and HEQ5 saddles.

Can I add an electronic focuser?

Yes. The coarse focus knob removes so an electronic focuser like the ZWO EAFN can drive the focuser directly with a 5–6mm flexible coupling. Installation steps are in the manual.

Pleiades 68 or Pleiades 111?

The Pleiades 68 is faster (f/3.8), lighter and frames about twice as wide, making it ideal for large nebulae and Milky Way regions. The Pleiades 111 has twice the focal length and much more aperture for smaller nebulae and galaxy groups, but needs a larger mount.

Optical performance

Specifications

Online manual: back focus adjustment, electronic focuser installation, tilt adjustment and mounting.