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The Apertura 75Q Quintuplet Refractor is a high-quality telescope designed for both visual observation and astrophotography. It features a five-element Petzval optical design, which includes an FCD100 extra-low dispersion element, to produce sharp, bright, and high-contrast images.
The telescope comes with an 11.75” D-series dovetail plate pre-installed, compatible with most telescope mounts. An 11.25” V-series dovetail bar is also included in the box for mounting on V-style saddles or as a replacement for the top handle. To replace the D-series dovetail with the V-series bar, use a 3/16" or 5mm hex head wrench to remove the four silver screws securing the rings to the D-series dovetail. Then, position the V-series dovetail on the rings, aligning the holes, and reinstall the four silver screws, tightening them until snug.
The V-series dovetail can also replace the handle, allowing for the mounting of accessories such as mini PCs, Wi-Fi camera controllers, power distribution devices, or guide scopes. This requires removing the finder scope base by unscrewing two silver screws with a 3/32" (2.5 mm). The handle itself is removed by unscrewing two screws with a 5/32" (4 mm) hex head wrench, and these screws are then reused to install the V-series dovetail in its place.
For visual use, the Apertura 75Q includes a 1.25" eyepiece holder. To attach it, first lock the camera rotator with its thumb screw. Then, unthread the spacer for the filter cell along with the cell itself, and thread the visual adapter in its place. The telescope is then ready to accept a 1.25" diagonal.
Important Note: The telescope is not compatible with 2” diagonals and visual accessories due to the limited available back focus of the system.
When using a 1.25" diagonal mirror, such as the Apertura 1.25" Carbon Dielectric Mirror Diagonal (APT-D1CF, sold separately), focus is typically found around the 25mm mark on the focuser's drawtube. This exact position may vary slightly depending on the specific diagonal and eyepiece used.
The Apertura 75Q is designed with an industry-standard back focal distance of approximately 55mm. This distance is crucial for achieving optimal image quality and focus with cameras. While Petzval designs are known for simplifying back focus requirements, proper spacing is still necessary for the camera sensor to reach focus. Once the camera is spaced out enough to reach focus, the telescope will perform optimally. The 55mm back focus is typical for DSLRs with T-adapters or cooled astronomy cameras with their included adapters.
The telescope offers M76x1, M54x0.75, and M48x0.75 connections for attaching cameras and accessories. An M48x0.75 filter thread is also present. Optional M52 and M76 connections are available for specialized applications.
The dual-speed rack and pinion focuser features an integrated rotator, which is beneficial for both imaging (allowing for easy framing) and visual observations (for quick positional adjustments).
The focuser includes a lock mechanism to hold the drawtube in place, preventing accidental adjustments. A small thumb screw is pre-installed for this purpose. If the thumb screw is difficult to access due to the dovetail plates or other accessories, it can be replaced with a lower-profile set screw using a hex key (included in the black cardboard package with the V-style dovetail bar). This set screw allows the focus lock to be manipulated from the bottom of the dovetail bar. Replacing the thumb screw with the set screw is particularly useful when installing an autofocuser, as it prevents interference with the autofocuser bracket.
The 75Q has a built-in threaded 2" filter cell. To install a filter, unthread the knurled section at the very back of the telescope (where the rear dust cap threads on). Inside this section are threads for a 2" filter. Simply thread the filter into these threads and then reinstall the cell back into the telescope.
An autofocuser should be installed on the coarse knob side of the telescope. To do this, use the included 2mm hex key to loosen the set screw holding the coarse focus knob in place, then remove the knob. The Apertura 75Q has a 6mm connection on the coarse adjustment shaft, so an adapter or flex coupler of this size will be needed for the autofocuser. There are three M4 screw holes on the bottom of the focuser shaft housing that can be used to mount the autofocuser bracket.
The Apertura 75Q is covered by the Apertura Absolute Warranty, which provides two years of coverage against product defects. After this initial two-year period, the product qualifies for Apertura's Three-Year Accident Replacement Program. The Apertura Absolute Warranty is transferable. It is important to retain the original receipt and the product's original boxes and packaging for any warranty claims.
WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with this optic. Permanent irreversible eye damage can result.
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