William Optics Pleiades 181 is a 181 mm Seven-element APO astrograph for deeper refractor imaging, smaller galaxies, and high-quality visual observing.
No flattener required; M68, M54, and M48 camera adapters included
Corrected field
Native medium-format flat field
Mechanical
Focuser
4.1-inch rack-and-pinion focuser
Weight
15 kg / 33.07 lb
Tube length
1231-1496 mm
Dovetail
Losmandy-style dovetail
Astrophotography Fit
Best for deeper refractor imaging, smaller galaxies, and high-quality visual observing when the mount, camera format, and correction hardware are chosen as one system.
William Optics Pleiades 181 sits in the telescope slot for deeper refractor imaging, smaller galaxies, and high-quality visual observing. The useful headline specs are aperture 181 mm, focal length 998 mm, f/5.5.
Camera coverage: Medium format / full frame / APS-C / Micro 4/3. Image circle: 55 mm. Back focus: No flattener required; M68, M54, and M48 camera adapters included.
Refractors keep the field routine calmer: no regular collimation, predictable cooldown, and a clean path to autofocus and filtered imaging. The tradeoff is aperture and reach.
Weight matters here: 15 kg / 33.07 lb. Leave payload headroom for the camera, guider, focuser, dew control, and cables instead of judging the mount by bare tube weight alone.
Best paired with
Corrected field flattener or reducer when the design requires one
Cooled APS-C or smaller astro cameras matched to the image circle
Autofocus, guide scope or OAG, and a mount with comfortable payload margin
Not recommended for
Large full-frame sensors unless the corrected field supports them
Very small travel mounts near their realistic imaging payload limit
Buyers expecting one telescope to be ideal for every target size
Where To Buy
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High Point Scientific (In stock)
Mile High Astronomy (In stock)