Gear Database

William Optics GuideStar 61

William Optics

William Optics GuideStar 61 is a small guide scope for autoguiding short to moderate focal length imaging rigs.

guide-scope midrange
William Optics GuideStar 61

Best Current Offer

Mile High Astronomy logo
Mile High Astronomy
In stock
$438.00

Other retailers

Specifications

Overview

Guide type
Guide scope

Optics

Aperture
61 mm
Dawes limit
1.9"

Specifications

Focal length
360 mm

Derived specs

Focal ratio
f/5.9

Mechanical

Mounting
Guide-scope mounting rings / dovetail required
Weight
1.44 kg

Astrophotography Fit

Best for portable refractor rigs that need a little more guide-scope aperture and focal length.

William Optics GuideStar 61 gives a guide camera its own small optical path so the mount can correct tracking during long exposures. It is simple, light, and effective on wide-field refractors and camera-lens rigs.

The limitation is differential flexure. As focal length rises, or as the main telescope uses a moving mirror, an off-axis guider usually gives more trustworthy corrections.

Best paired with

  • Short refractors, camera lenses, and portable GoTo mounts
  • Mini guide cameras such as ASI120MM Mini, ASI220MM Mini, or similar
  • Rigid rings or dovetail mounting instead of loose finder brackets

Not recommended for

  • SCTs, RCs, and long focal length imaging where OAG is safer
  • Heavy guide cameras that flex the small focuser
  • Trying to correct mount overload or poor balance

Where To Buy

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Retailer Price Availability View Offer
Mile High Astronomy logo
Mile High Astronomy
Mile High Astronomy
$438.00
In stock
Updated 5/15/2026
View Offer - $438.00
Cloud Break Optics logo
Cloud Break Optics
Cloud Break Optics
$697.00
In stock
Updated 5/11/2026
View Offer - $697.00