William Optics - Ultracat 131 Petzval Optical Tube Assembly
The Ultra-Cat 131 is a refractor created to celebrate three decades of William Optics innovation and craftsmanship. Built around the acclaimed five-element advanced Petzval optical design, optical tube delivers outstanding astrophotography performance.
William Optics Ultracat 131 Petzval Optical Tube Assembly
Integrated Flat-Field Optical Design
Corrects field curvature at the optical design level, delivering consistently sharp, edge-to-edge flat-field images across the entire sensor. This integrated correction removes the need for external field flatteners or additional optical accessories, simplifying the imaging setup while preserving maximum light transmission and optical precision.
Full-Frame and Medium-Format Sensor Coverage
Engineered to fully illuminate and resolve the demands of both 35mm full frame and medium format sensors, this system enables expansive wide-field compositions while preserving exceptional fine detail across the entire image circle. Its generous coverage and superior optical correction ensure pinpoint stars from center to corner, even on larger sensors.
Superior Performance Over 106mm Class Telescopes
Compared to standard 106mm-class telescopes, it delivers greater light-gathering capability, improved resolution, and a wider corrected field, resulting in deeper exposures, sharper structures, and more immersive astrophotography overall.
Fast f/4.9 for Deep-Sky Imaging
With its fast f/4.9 focal ratio, the system captures a substantial amount of light in a shorter period of time, making it exceptionally well-suited for deep-sky imaging. The accelerated light-gathering performance allows for shorter exposure times while still revealing faint nebulae, delicate dust lanes, and subtle galactic structures with impressive clarity and contrast.
This speed enhances imaging efficiency while producing richer colors, stronger signal-to-noise ratios, and more detailed results—ideal for vivid, high-impact deep-sky compositions.
Patented WIFD Internal Focusing System
A major advantage of the Ultra-Cat 131 is WIFD Internal Focusing System. Designed specifically for imaging applications, this patented system eliminates the external rear focuser obstruction common in traditional designs. All focusing takes place internally within the optical tube, maintaining a cleaner optical path while reducing vignetting risk and preventing unwanted mechanical shifts that could compromise alignment.
Thermal Stability and Structural Integrity
Reduces the effects of thermal expansion and contraction, preserving precise optical alignment and consistent performance across a wide range of environmental conditions.
Integrated Sensor Tilt Correction
A patented, fully integrated sensor tilt correction system is built directly into the optical assembly, effectively eliminating image distortion caused by minute sensor misalignment. By allowing precise micro adjustments, it ensures the imaging plane remains perfectly orthogonal to the optical axis.
The result is uniform star shapes, corner to corner sharpness, and maximized detail across the entire frame, meeting the precision standards of professional astrophotographers.
Built-In Patented Bahtinov Mask
Featuring a built-in, patented Bahtinov mask, this design streamlines the focusing process and enables exceptionally precise, repeatable accuracy. By generating a clear diffraction pattern directly within the optical path, users can fine-tune focus quickly and confidently for perfectly sharp, pinpoint stars.
Its seamless integration removes the need for separate accessories, reduces setup time, and ensures faster workflow with consistently reliable results, clearly distinguishing it from competing instruments.




| Brand | William Optics |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping | Free Shipping Available |
| Aperture | 131 mm |
| Case Included | No |
| Focal Length | 648mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/4.9 |
| Focus Type | WIFD RP Focuser - Compatible with EAF |
| Image Circle | 60mm |
| Optical Tube Length | 650 mm - 785.5 mm |
| Optical Tube Weight | 9.95 kg / 21.94 lbs |