William Optics FLT Fluorostar 132 f/7 Triplet APO Refractor with 3.7" R&P Focuser or 3.5" Feather Touch Focuser

The William Optics Fluorostar FLT132 is a 132mm f/7 apochromatic triplet refractor designed for serious astrophotographers and dedicated visual observers. As one of William Optics' flagship telescopes, the FLT132 strikes a perfect balance between aperture, portability, and world-class optics, making it a top choice in the 5” refractor category.

Optical Design

• Triplet APO Objective
  The FLT132 uses a three-element apochromatic lens system, including premium FPL-53 ED glass (often dubbed synthetic fluorite). This design minimizes chromatic aberration and delivers excellent color correction and pinpoint stars.

• 132mm Aperture / 925mm Focal Length (f/7)
  A large aperture for wide-field imaging and deep-sky observation while still maintaining manageable portability.

• Fully Multicoated Optics
  For maximum light transmission and sharp contrast.

Focuser Options

• 3.5" Feather Touch Rack & Pinion Focuser (Starlight Instruments):
  Known for silky-smooth precision and ultra-high payload capacity.

• William Optics 3.7" Rack & Pinion Focuser:
  Offers excellent support for imaging gear and includes a built-in camera angle adjuster for convenient rotation of your imaging setup.

Astrophotography-Ready

• Wide Imaging Circle
  Designed to accommodate full-frame sensors, ideal for deep-sky imaging.

• Compatible with Reducers/Flatteners
  William Optics offers field flatteners and reducer/flatteners like the Flat68III, Flat7A, and Flat8 to ensure crisp star shapes across the field.

• Heavy-duty Build
  Stable platform for guiding, filter wheels, cooled cameras, and more.

Aesthetic & Build Quality

• Signature William Optics Design
  CNC-machined aluminum body with anodized accents (gold, red, or blue), retractable dew shield, and robust lens cell.

• Carbon Fiber Style Carry Handle
  Often included with a built-in Saddle-style Guide Scope Base.

• High-Quality Hard Case
  Usually bundled for protection and portability.

Who Is It For?

Astrophotographers using APS-C or full-frame cameras
Observers looking for a portable 5” refractor with rich contrast
Advanced amateurs wanting a long-term telescope investment
Users upgrading from smaller refractors or SCTs to APO triplets

Summary

The William Optics FLT132 is a professional-grade telescope that excels in both form and function. With its precision optics, outstanding build quality, and support for serious imaging gear, it’s a long-term investment for anyone passionate about astrophotography or premium visual astronomy.

The William Optics Fluorostar FLT132 is a premium apochromatic triplet refractor telescope renowned for its high-quality optics and build. This telescope is available with two primary focuser options: the 3.5" Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Rack & Pinion focuser and William Optics' own 3.7" Rack & Pinion focuser. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and decide which is best suited for your needs.?

Overview of Focuser Options

1. 3.5" Feather Touch Rack & Pinion Focuser (Starlight Instruments)

• Build Quality: Renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, offering ultra-smooth and precise focusing.

• Load Capacity: Designed to handle heavy imaging equipment without flexure or slippage.

• Compatibility: Widely compatible with various astrophotography accessories.

• User Feedback: Highly regarded in the astrophotography community for its reliability and performance.?

2. 3.5" William Optics Rack & Pinion Focuser

• Design: Features a dual-speed mechanism with a larger 3.5" drawtube, facilitating better light throughput.

• Integrated Features: Includes a built-in camera angle adjuster, allowing for easy rotation of the imaging train—a feature not present in the Feather Touch model.

• Compatibility: Specifically designed to work seamlessly with William Optics accessories, such as the Flat68III, Flat7A, and Flat8 flatteners.

• User Feedback: Praised for its smooth operation and the convenience of the integrated rotator.?

Comparative Analysis