William Optics Zenithstar ZS70 2012

[FLO]

For those still mourning the loss of the Zenithstar ZS66, this one is for you

The new William Optics Zenithstar ZS70 ED 2012 will feature an f6 doublet objective with an Ohara FPL51 ED element and a new rotatable R&P focuser.

It can also be used at f4.8 with the optional William Optics 0.8x Reducer III 2011.

An excellent introduction to wide-field imaging!

[E621Keith]

Nice looking scope. I wonder how this compares to the ZS72?

[blinky]

I have a ZS70 - I take it this is a new design? Any idea what the difference is between the old and new?

[AndyH]

As always with W.O., looks stunning.

I saw this on their facebook page. One of their photos that caught my eye, showed the underside and the focuser rack. Looks very sturdy and well built focuser. Hopefully in the flesh, it'll work as well as it looks.

[FLO]

I have a ZS70 - I take it this is a new design? Any idea what the difference is between the old and new?

It now has a more sturdy R&P focuser. It won't have quite the same smooth action of the earlier Crayford but it will have noticeably better load bearing capacity. There might be other subtle refinements but we won't know those til we receive our first delivery (due early January).

HTH

[FLO]

As always with W.O., looks stunning.

I saw this on their facebook page. One of their photos that caught my eye, showed the underside and the focuser rack. Looks very sturdy and well built focuser. Hopefully in the flesh, it'll work as well as it looks.

We have a close-up of the focuser on our website. We also have this pic showing the underside.

HTH

[FLO]

Nice looking scope. I wonder how this compares to the ZS72?

You are probably thinking of the William Optics Megrez 72. We are using a Megrez 72 here at FLO so we'll compare them in the New Year. Personally I think this new Zenithstar 72 will seriously dent sales of the Megrez 72. We'll know more over time.

[MG1]

So is that a cover to the fine focus?

[FLO]

Yes, with dual-speed focuser knobs an impact can push the inner bearing into the metal below creating a divot which makes the focus action rumbly (is that a word!). The cover is designed to prevent that. Moonlite do the same for their focusers.

[E621Keith]

It now has a more sturdy R&P focuser. It won't have quite the same smooth action of the earlier Crayford but it will have noticeably better load bearing capacity. There might be other subtle refinements but we won't know those til we receive our first delivery (due early January).

HTH

I was hoping for the R&P will be Feather Touch smooth. I guess that's asking too much.

[MG1]

Interesting...I wonder why feathertouch don't do that?

[FLO]

I was hoping for the R&P will be Feather Touch smooth. I guess that's asking too much.

Yes, a Feathertouch focuser would cost more than the entire telescope.

We do supply some FLT telescopes with Feathertouch focusers, usually the FLT98 and FLT123, but none below £1k.

[4lefts]

Looks very sturdy and well built focuser. Hopefully in the flesh, it'll work as well as it looks.

I was just thinking the same - I'm glad none of the money is going on a ddg that I don't really want (I say, having not used one).

So... will the price be less that the meg72? If so, colour me interested...

[FLO]

So... will the price be less that the meg72? If so, colour me interested...

The new William Optics Zenithstar ZS70 ED 2012 is already on our website at £369

[AndyH]

Sweet price !

[Deneb]

Hopefully that focuser would prove quite fruitfull...

[4lefts]

The new William Optics Zenithstar ZS70 ED 2012 is already on our website at £369

doh! thanks.

[Magnum]

The design is more similar to the old ZS66 than the old ZS70, in particular the focuser appears to be the 1.6" size that the ZS66 had with the screw on 1.25" adapter that when removed leaves a standard SCT thread for attaching SCT focal reducers. This is also the same setup that my SW Equinox66 uses.

I bet this will be popular as the ZS66 is still highly regarded!

Lee

[blinky]

I was surprised to see them stick to the SCT thread as the ZS70 I have has a 2" focuser and is the main advantage over the ZS66 - you dont need an SCT to 2" Adapter and also you dont get as much vignetting with 2"

[Darren B]

I was going to say if it has the same tube diameter as the ZS66, it would be smaller and lighter than the Megrez 72, but looking at specs on their website, they both weigh the same and the Megrez 72 collapses to a smaller length.

[beetlejuice]

I have the original ZS70. It's a cracking little scope. If this is as good it'll be a winner - looks nicer too.

[johninderby]

Availabilty update ?

Now do I need one or just want one?

John

[sherr03]

Im interested in one of these with the Reducer. How would it compare to a SW ED80? Also what would i need to mount it on my EQ6 Pro Mount with my Canon 350?

Thanks

[E621Keith]

I got to played with one when I visited a foreign dealer while I was on holiday. It's very well built. Looks like a mini GT81. The R&P focuser is good quality, much better than what SW put on their cheap refractors, but not up to the same standard as a FT. I detected a bit of backlash, not much but noticeable. Having tried that and the GT81 side by side, I couldn't decide which focuser I prefer.

I can't say much about the optics, since the smog was pretty bad that day.

[FLO]

Availabilty update ?

Now do I need one or just want one?

They are due to arrive next week

Later than predicted, sorry

As consolation, we shall include a £25 FLO Gift Voucher free of charge with the first five Zenithstar ZS70 orders placed before Monday 23rd.