Building equipment that integrates easily with any system is crucial. You can concentrate on taking breathtaking pictures of the universe in that way.
Furthermore, you won’t have to waste a tonne of time fumbling with mounting, adapters, and other difficulties. A suitable telescope is an answer to each of these problems. However, buying the right one is a challenge.
For instance between Radian Raptor 61 vs Redcat 51 which should be your choice?
The Radian Raptor is in the lead with a 61 mm aperture and an f/4.5 focal ratio. On the other hand, the Redcat comes with an f/4.9 focal ratio and a 51 mm aperture. Both of these are lightweight and easily portable. The focal length and the magnification also differ between these two.
This quick summary might seem too hazy for you to distinguish between the two. Without additional facts, you most certainly cannot decide. Fear not, everything you require is available right here!
Radian Raptor 61 vs Redcat 51: A Brief Comparison
Let’s quickly review the main elements that characterize each telescope’s performance and operating mode.
| Comparison factor | Radian Raptor 61 | Redcat 51 |
| Aperture | 61mm | 51mm |
| Focal length | 275mm | 250mm |
| Magnification | 122mm | 102mm |
| Focal ratio | F/4.5 | F/4.9 |
| Weight | 4lbs | 3.4 lbs |
| Chromatic Aberration | Aprochromatic Design with triplet refractor | Aprochromatic Design with Petzval refractor |
| Price | $980 – 1000 | $ 700 – 823 |
You could still be unsure of which telescope to pick. A newcomer getting into this situation is not rare.
For this reason, we have put up a more thorough evaluation of the two. Let’s Have a look to determine which choice is best for you.
Radian Raptor 61 vs Redcat 51: A Detailed Comparison
Once you know these characteristics, you will be able to compare and contrast the telescopes. Additionally, you will be able to choose the telescope that best meets your needs and budget.
Aperture:
Any telescope’s aperture is one of its most crucial specifications. This is the size of the telescope’s main lens or the mirror. An image is brighter with a larger aperture.
The aperture of the Radian Raptor is 61mm, while the aperture of the Redcat is 51mm. Similar to what an 80mm telescope can observe, these telescopes will offer breathtaking views of the Moon. Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars will also be visible as long as their orbits permit it.
You will be able to make out some of Mars’ details. However, in the case of Redcat, the rest will generally be displayed in a single hue.
The image of the Radian Raptor will be extraordinarily sharp and detailed across most of the frame. Here is the comparative pictures of the Orion Nebula using these two telescopes.
Aperture also determines the majority of a telescope’s other critical features, even parameters like weight and cost.
Focal Length:
It’s a common question to everyone, what is focal length for telescopes?
The focal length is the distance light travels within the telescope from the aperture to the focuser. This is where you set your eyepiece or DSLR camera, often known as prime focus imaging.
Millimeters are used to measure this. A telescope with a short focal length will be more suitable for wide-field viewing of the stars.
With a 275mm focal length, the Radian Raptor also has the advantage in this situation. However, the Redcat isn’t far behind with a 250mm focal length.
Magnification:
This is the degree to which a telescope magnifies its subject. It is determined by dividing the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length.
Consider that the eyepiece’s focal length is ” f ” whereas the objective’s focal length is ” F.” Then the telescope/eyepiece set has an F/f magnification.
Another way for you to know the highest magnification is aperture length. The highest usable magnification of a telescope is generally double its aperture in millimeters.
So for Radian Raptor, the highest magnification should be 122mm. And for the Redcat magnification will be 102mm approximately
Focal Ratio:
A long focal ratio eyepiece will have a restricted field of vision and a higher magnification. This is ideal for viewing the moon, planets, and multiple stars. An optimal focal ratio for these items is f/10 or higher.
However, a lower focus ratio is preferable if you want to observe expansive views. This will let you see star clusters, the Milky Way, and galaxies to a wider extent.
Both the Redcat and the Radian Raptor have an f/4 focal ratio. With a little variance in the value. They will offer a view of the night sky that is nearly the same yet more expansive.
The view won’t allow for much magnification. But the galaxies and star clusters will be very visible. Radian has an exact ratio of f/4.5, while Redcat has a ratio of f/4.9.
So for a wider view it’s better if you get the Radian. On the other hand the RedCat won’t disappoint you if you’re getting a narrower vision proximity.
Chromatic Aberration:
Both the Redcat and the Radian Raptor have apochromatic designs. Chromatic aberration will be almost nonexistent with APO performance. The distinction is in the refractor.
Redcat comes with a Petzval refractor. And the Radian is built with a triplet refractor. A Petzval has the advantage of providing a flat field. Due to the absence of field curvature, this is useful when utilizing a large chip camera.
However, a field flattener can be fitted to a triplet refractor to lower the focal length. While it can increase the focal ratio and accomplish roughly the same results. A Petzval might have a wider lighted field of view, which is the only distinction.
In case, you’re worried about the performance check out these amazing photographs using William optics Redcat 51 petzval refractor.
Weight & Mount:
Both of these telescopes are lightweight and are simple to move about with. The total weight of the Radian Raptor is only 4 lbs (1.8 kg).
It can be transported on even the smallest travel mounts. I would say Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod will be a great fit with this one.
And if you want to use a base for this telescope then SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Latitude (EQ) Base is another great option.
The RedCat telescope can be mounted on an equatorial mount with a base which turns around. The equatorial mount might be challenging to manage. The Redcat weighs around 3.4 pounds or about 1.6 kilograms.
Price:
The Redcat telescope is unquestionably the less expensive of the two but just for a few dollars. The Radian Raptor is available to purchase for $980 – 1000.The price of the Redcat is $700 – 830.
This certainly makes Redcat more affordable for people on a tight budget. However, an included travel backpack from Radian is included with the Radian 61.
This backpack has padded pockets. So you can comfortably transport the telescope, a CMOS camera, and other gear to your favorite location.
So Which One Meets Your Needs?
Generally speaking, we believe it’s better to focus on current needs than to plan too far ahead. Look for telescopes that are both reasonably priced and deliver on their promises of performance.
All things considered, we believe that the Radian Raptor 61 might be your best option. The Redcat, on the other hand, is not far behind.
If you’re still hesitant, you can rent these telescopes and try them out. You’ll be able to see how these telescopes actually work using your the sky atlas you have. And determine which models perform best with the equipment you already have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the RedCat 51 Require a Field Flattener?
No, you won’t be needing a field flattener. The RedCat is simple and practical in the field because it doesn’t require a field flattener. The Petzval quadruplet design of the lens is extremely sharp and nicely adjusted.
What Sort of Telescope is Needed to View Jupiter?
Jupiter can be seen with any modest telescope with an aperture of 60mm to 90mm. Even the planet’s cloud belts and zones can be seen with these modest telescopes. The four Galilean moons can be seen clearly with even an 8×42 binocular.
Is a Refractor Telescope Suitable for Astrophotography?
A refractor is a superior choice if you are enthusiastic about astrophotography. Because of its optic design, it can catch celestial objects like nebulae and galaxies in deep space.
End Words
That concludes our discussion of the Radian Raptor 61 vs Redcat 51. In terms of pricing and quality, these two telescopes are the best.
Depending on the type of deep-sky photography you intend, you can pick one of the two. Hope our discussion helps you decide between the two. Additionally, if you want more clarification, speak with an experienced astrophotographer.
Happy stargazing!
