FLO

Welcome to SGL ? FLO has never stocked Altair cameras but we understand they are manufactured by a company called ToupTek in China. As far as we can tell their 183c model uses the same Sony sensor as the ZWO ASI 183MC, which is a good match for the RedCat. A while ago we added a calculator to our Astronomy Tools website that calculates a camera’s suitability for use with a telescope. We will know more about connecting cameras when the telescope has launched. HTH, Steve

It won’t be delayed. You will have one as soon as they arrive (it will be mine after you are finished with it) ? Steve

The new William Optics RedCat 51 is already selling remarkably well! This is nice (speaking as a retailer) but we are growing concerned because the telescope hasn't yet been released and, if sales continue at this pace, our entire first delivery will sell out before it arrives! If other retailers are experiencing the same then I think there might be some delays while WO's production catches up with demand. At this stage we can only promise to dispatch RedCat telescopes as soon as we are able in first-come-first-served order. Thank-you for your patience. Steve

That's what we meant when we said... Most manufacturers of imaging scopes (including some expensive high-end ones) are optimistic when they quote imaging circles. Most mount manufacturers are the same when they quote payloads. The RedCat 51 hasn't yet been released but we are predicting it will (though only just) cover full-frame. We are confident it will handle APS-C with ease ? HTH, Steve

Sorry ?

My colleague Grant and I met with RayD at Astrofest. We offered to loan him a Redcat 51 (when they arrive) for review at his Simplified Astro YouTube site. He kindly accepted ? I hope he likes it... Steve

Happy to post photos but I don’t think a review from me, or any other retailer, is a good idea. Reviews by non-retailers are more credible ? Steve

Widescreen Centre have a sample unit. I am sure they will have it with them at Astrofest. HTH, Steve

We have set the price at £649. It might change slightly when the first delivery arrives and we have an actual landed cost but anyone ordering now (from FLO) can feel confident they will not pay more. And if the price lowers then we will refund the difference ? HTH, Steve

... designed and manufactured for astrophotography, from CNC machined aluminium, with a smooth calibrated helical focuser, a focus tension ring, a field rotator graduated by degree, a slot for 48mm filters and a reversible dovetail. The first one to arrive will be mine! ? Steve

Not sure but we are estimating around £675 ?

Meet the new William Optics RedCat 51 APO ? A compact 51mm f/4.9 Petzval (4-elements) refractor that includes FPL-53 and FPL-51 glass. William Optics claim a 44mm flat-field imaging circle (so covers a full-frame sensor). We cannot confirm that yet but we think if it covers the smaller APS-C then that alone will be impressive! It also has a nice integrated field rotator that includes a slot for 48mm filters. Oh, and that red anodising! ? ETA end-Feb late-March.

Not directly. Here in the U.K. feedback must be relayed to Synta/Sky-Watcher via their distributor. The distributor is aware so I am confident Synta/Sky-Watcher will be too. From what I have seen over the years they do respond positively to feedback. Fortunately this is a minor issue confined to a small number of telescopes that is easily solved. Steve

Yes please. It can't do any harm and it might even improve things. I might be wrong but I am guessing a few weeks from now the replacement felt will also compress and we'll need to fit something better. Steve

They certainly look the same.

I have a feeling the replacement felt is the same thickness as the original felt so will provide only a temporary solution. We are going to find and source some better / thicker felt for situations like this so please do email us if it happens again. HTH, Steve

I have learned the distributor sent the felts direct to you. If they are not thicker than the ones they are intended to replace (they should be, otherwise the fix will be only temporary) please email us. HTH, Steve

I haven’t seen the replacement felts (my colleagues in dispatch must have sent them straight to you). They ‘should’ be thicker than the originals and be used to replace them, like RayD says. If they are not thicker please email us. Then when we reopen in the morning I will investigate and find a better solution. HTH, Steve

So far we have had only three owners mention this so we are guessing it is a relatively new thing. Sky-Watcher's importer/distributer are sending some thicker felt. The replacement Rings might be the same (the felt is too thin). I know it shouldn't be necessary, so soon, but replacing the felt inside tube-rings is not unusual and is a good solution. HTH, Steve

From U.K. -> Australia, it must have travelled approx 1000 miles per day ? It is good to hear it arrived safely. Steve

I am guessing a mix of cloudy and sunny days will produce the best photos ⛅ ?

We couldn't resist this ? The Solarcan is a highly affordable camera designed to produce extreme time exposures that capture the Sun’s path across the sky. Minimum exposure time 1 week! Full instructions are printed on the side of the can. Just in time for Christmas ??

That was good advice ? Steve

The importer has advised us the next shipment of Sky-Watcher Evostar 150ED Pro telescopes will dock early next week so should be available through retailers next Thu/Fri ? It is true. We hear the next batch will have a significantly improved box and packaging to ensure it survives even the most aggressive couriers. With this in mind we think an Es' Reid Check & Tune is unnecessary so have removed the option. Sky-Watcher's ED doublets have a reputation for robust, reliable construction. If John is happy to continue his review of the telescope then we will be pleased to supply him one. A regular one, not checked and tuned ? HTH, Steve

If their "late Nov / early Dec" ETA is correct then it will be 1-2 months. (Of course things might be different on your side of the pond). A delay like this between first and second batches of a new Sky-Watcher product is not unusual. HTH, Steve