Start by taking a good look at the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope. Have you ever imagined that art and science can match so perfectly, so beautifully on the land of optical instruments? Not many people can imagine that a stunning-looking telescope with golden finishing can also be more than a decorative showpiece for the living room, but a high-performing instrument that can satisfy even the most pretentious of beginner and mid-level astronomers who are looking for an affordable semi-professional telescope. William Optics telescopes have quite the tradition of delivering some of the best refractor telescopes on the market and you can convince yourself by reading a few William Optics company reviews.

Today we will present you with a legendary product, the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope, a true object of art, both technically and aesthetically speaking. We will see what the telescope can do in terms of sky gazing and celestial objects viewing and decide if this product is as good as it is advertised.

What is the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope?

Let’s start this William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope review by looking into the scope’s tech specs, as after all, these are what matters most to mid-level astronomers. We have a telescope boasting 81 mm in aperture and 478 mm in focal length. The f/5.9 focal ratio is perfect for astrophotography and for obtaining crystal clear and sharp images of celestial objects, be them planets, stars or even nebulas and clusters.

When it comes to optics, this apochromatic telescope also features a triplet air-spaced objective (FPL-53) with an ultra high precision lens cell (CNC machined). Triplet refractor telescopes are one of a kind and this one makes no exception because the lens comes with a special type of multi-coating (special super-high transmission coating – STM Coating) on all surfaces for brilliant colors and breathtaking contrast and levels of detail (including textures and surfaces). We have to emphasize on the fact that the lens shade is retractable, a feature you won’t find too soon in other similar models.

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The 2″ R&P focuser boasted by the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope is fully 360 degrees rotatable, with a 1:10 dual speed which allows no shifting in imaging, another feature which astrophotography passionate will love. The focuser tube also comes with a graduated scale for precise camera alignment and a large aluminum knob (with a pre – installed thermometer). If you were concerned about heavy loading, you’ll be happy to find out that the focuser also comes together with stainless steel reinforcement inserts on both sides and on the back.

The L-type mount is an L-Bracket in a patented design which also features a Vixen/Synta-style dovetail base.

The tube is retractable (another feature you won’t find too soon in beginner and semi-pro dedicated telescopes) and the tube weight is only 8 lbs.( 3.7 kg). The telescope is sturdy and very well built, being light and easy to transport to large fields or mountain tops during field and camping trips. However, this jewel should be kept in the house, as the gorgeous finishing and the powder-painted white CNC-machined aluminum tube might suffer unfortunate accidents and it would be a shame, as the product is indeed a very fine piece of art. According to some William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope customer ratings, the telescope is easy to carry by plane too.

Last but not least, the telescope shows a brilliant quality/price balance, showing that William Optics can create both high quality telescopes and also financially affordable products for the seasoned astronomers out there.

Pros and Cons to Using the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope

Continuing their tradition and their promise to the customers, William Optics delivers a golden-rimmed, white coated beautiful telescope that is more than a piece of decorative art, is an astronomy tool which is praised by beginners and mid-level astronomers alike. Let’s continue the William Optics GT81 81mm Apo Refractor Telescope review with clear pros and cons on whether you should get interested in the product.

PROS:

• Perfectly balanced aperture and focal length for astrophotography;
• Sharp William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope images of planets, celestial objects and deep sky formations in perfect colors, textures and details;
• Triplet air-spaced objective (FPL-53) with fully coated STM coatings;
• As field stops go, the knife edge baffles satisfy the most pretentious astronomers;
• The 2″ 360° rotating camera-angle adjuster with 1:10 fine focus makes the telescope a delight in terms of hi-tech and performances;
• The retractable lens shade and the tube are rare features, making this telescope a leader in its niche;
• It presents a few tech touches few other scopes will ever show: a Vixen/Synta-style dovetail base for an L-Bracket mount, large aluminum knobs, stainless steel reinforcement inserts on the sides and on the back of the focuser, brass compression rings ( for a permanent state of blemish-free), glow-in-the-dark carry handle and others;
• Very well built, easy to carry, lightweight, compact even for airplane transportation;
• Easy to assemble and use;
• Incredible looks, in white and golden-rimmed finishings.

CONS:

• It is hard to find a William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope manual online or specific William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope instructions on how to assemble and use the telescope, as the product doesn’t come with guidelines inside the box;
• The product is mostly dedicated to the connoisseurs in astronomy and astrophotography, being pricey for those just looking for a fun way to spend some free time looking at the sky.

Where to Find the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope?

The best price and the best offer you can find is on Amazon, as there you will find the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope for sale for $968.00 (and free shipping). The ones on a budget have plenty of options when it comes to the best refractor telescopes for beginners, but the semi-professional astronomers and the ones dedicated to astrophotography understand quite easily why this is actually an affordable and even cheap product, given its special features and specs, as the telescope is a rare breed on the market, especially if you take into consideration its looks.

Extra Info:

Maintenance Advice

The telescope is lightweight, sturdy and very well built, so as maintenance goes, keep the lenses safe from dust and humidity. Given the exterior aspect of the telescope and its added value as a decorative item, keep it safe from mechanical accidents, scratches and transportation damages.

Telescope Accessories

The William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope comes with the dual speed focuser, the retractable lens shade, the adapter and the L-Bracket, but there are many compatible accessories for upgrading the product. There are specially built carrying cases, filters, adapters, flatteners and lenses available for purchase.

Warranty and Guarantee Information

William Optics offers a 2 years warranty for this product, covering the usual repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear.

Our Recommendation

Before ending this William Optics GT81 81mm Apo Refractor Telescope review, we have to give you our honest opinion related to the product and we cannot say anything else but that this is a fabulous piece of technology and art which is a long-term investment, a showpiece bringing an added value to your property’s curb appeal and a telescope which will allow you to discover the mysteries of the universe and capturing them on camera.

One of the best telescopes for astrophotography money which can buy, the William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope features so many good and reliable tech specs, that you realize it’s actually cheap, considering the market niche). The attention to detail is excellent, the built is impressive and the exterior aspect is breathtaking. You may want to look for William Optics GT81 81mm f5.9 Apo Refractor Telescope YouTube presentations as well, but we recommend this product wholeheartedly to all seasoned, pretentious, refined and experienced semi-professional astronomers and astrophotographers out there.

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