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The RedCat 51 Color Astrophotography Kit is a complete, guided deep-sky imaging system built around the equipment serious beginners and upgraders are actually using today: the William Optics RedCat 51 WIFD III, the ZWO ASI2600MC Pro cooled color camera, and a ZWO harmonic mount. Choose the compact AM3N or step up to the AM5N if you plan to add a larger telescope later.
Everything is controlled from your phone or tablet with the ZWO ASIAIR Plus, including plate solving, autoguiding, autofocus and imaging sequences, so you spend your clear nights collecting data instead of troubleshooting cables and laptops.
Note: This is a complete astrophotography system, not a push-button smart telescope. Setup, polar alignment and some learning are required. If you want one-button imaging, see our smart telescopes.
What's Included
- William Optics RedCat 51 WIFD III, 250mm f/4.9 Petzval APO (with Bahtinov mask cap, rings, dovetail and soft case)
- ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (2025 model) cooled APS-C color camera
- ZWO harmonic mount with TC40 carbon fiber tripod: choose AM3N (17/28 lb payload) or AM5N (33/44 lb payload)
- ZWO pier extension (PE160 with the AM3N, PE200 with the AM5N) and tripod carry case
- ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB smart controller
- William Optics UniGuide 32 guide scope
- ZWO ASI220MM Mini guide camera
- ZWO EAFN electronic autofocuser
- Optolong L-eNhance 2" dual-band filter with ZWO M54 2" filter drawer
- ZWO 12V 10A AC power adapter
- One 30-minute tech support session with the Mile High Astronomy team
Why This Setup
- A proven wide-field scope. The RedCat 51 is one of the most-used small refractors on AstroBin, with a flat field across full-frame sensors and an internal focuser that holds focus through the night.
- The camera the community relies on. The ASI2600MC Pro's 26MP APS-C IMX571 sensor, zero amp glow and regulated cooling make it the most-used deep-sky color camera on AstroBin.
- Harmonic mount, no counterweights needed. The whole imaging payload weighs roughly 9 lb, well within either mount's no-counterweight rating. Most RedCat 51 imagers on AstroBin choose the AM5/AM5N, which leaves room to add a larger telescope later.
- Guiding included. Harmonic drive mounts need autoguiding for long exposures. The UniGuide 32 and ASI220MM Mini handle it out of the box.
- Built for light-polluted skies. The L-eNhance dual-band filter isolates hydrogen-alpha, hydrogen-beta and oxygen-III emission, so you can image emission nebulae from Front Range suburbs as well as dark sites.
Imaging Specifications
| Focal length / ratio | 250mm, f/4.9 |
|---|---|
| Field of view (ASI2600MC Pro) | approximately 5.4° × 3.6° |
| Image scale | approximately 3.1 arcseconds per pixel |
| Camera sensor | Sony IMX571 APS-C, 6248 × 4176, 3.76µm pixels |
| Mount payload (no counterweight) | AM3N: 17 lb / AM5N: 33 lb |
| Control | ZWO ASIAIR app (iOS and Android) |
What You'll Need
- A phone or tablet with the free ASIAIR app
- AC power, or a 12V battery or portable power station for dark-site use (not included)
- Optional: a dew heater strap and controller for humid or cold nights
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose the AM3N or the AM5N?
Both carry this kit easily without counterweights. Choose the AM3N for the lightest, most portable setup. Choose the AM5N if you expect to add a larger telescope, such as an 80–100mm refractor, in the future.
What can I photograph with this kit?
The 5.4° × 3.6° field of view is ideal for large nebulae and galaxies, such as the North America and Pelican Nebulae, the Heart and Soul Nebulae, the Rosette Nebula, the Veil Nebula complex, the Orion Nebula region and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Do I need a computer?
No. The ASIAIR Plus runs the camera, mount, guiding and autofocus, and you control it from a phone or tablet over Wi-Fi.
Can I use this kit in a light-polluted area?
Yes. The included L-eNhance dual-band filter is designed for emission nebulae under suburban skies. For galaxies and star clusters, remove the filter and image from a darker site.
Why is a guide scope included?
Harmonic drive mounts have periodic tracking error that must be corrected for exposures longer than a few seconds. The UniGuide 32 and ASI220MM Mini provide that correction automatically through the ASIAIR.
Is there a monochrome version of this kit?
Yes. The RedCat 51 Mono Astrophotography Kit uses the ASI2600MM Pro with a 7-position filter wheel and Optolong LRGB and 7nm SHO filters for narrowband imaging.
Is this a smart telescope?
No. It is a modular imaging system that delivers much higher image quality and flexibility than smart telescopes, but it requires setup and some learning. The included support session helps you get started.