Askar 71F flat field refractor reviewed by Sarah Mathews

Sharpstar Optics has introduced the Askar 71F, a flat-field refractor telescope designed specifically for astrophotography. This highly portable telescope, available for around $600, has attracted attention for its user-friendly design, making it an appealing choice for beginners and seasoned astrophotographers alike. The Askar 71F eliminates the need for additional components such as field flatteners and complex back-focus adjustments, offering a focal length of 490 mm, which is ideal for capturing popular nebulae and medium-sized galaxies, like the Triangulum Galaxy.

Askar 71F flat field refractor reviewed by Sarah Mathews

Astrophotographer Sarah Matthews, who reviewed the telescope on her YouTube channel, praised its simplicity and versatility. According to her review, the Askar 71F is suited for anyone new to deep-space astrophotography or those transitioning from camera lenses to telescopes. Its design eliminates the need for external field flatteners, as its quadruplet structure includes a fourth lens to ensure stars remain round across the entire field of view. This design feature allows users to avoid the common frustrations of dialing in precise back focus, making the telescope more accessible to novices.

An affordable telescope perfect for beginners in astrophotography

Matthews emphasized the appeal of the Askar 71F’s focal length, which provides enough reach to capture detailed images of celestial bodies without requiring a high-end mount. This aspect makes it an excellent choice for those who want more than the wide-field view provided by entry-level scopes such as the Redcat 51 but don’t want the complexities of long focal lengths above 1000 mm. The Askar 71F’s 490 mm focal length works well with various camera sensors, from APS-C to full-frame, delivering sharp images of targets like the Orion, Eagle, and Horsehead Nebulae, as well as the Andromeda and Triangulum Galaxies.

Despite its f/6.3 focal ratio, Matthews noted that the telescope performs well even with bright targets. For users seeking a faster system, an optional reducer is available, lowering the focal ratio to f/5 and shortening the focal length to 366 mm. This flexibility makes the Askar 71F adaptable to a range of astrophotography projects.

Discover stunning celestial views with the versatile Askar 71F

The Askar 71F also stands out for its ability to function both as a daytime and nighttime telescope. Sharpstar Optics includes a range of accessories that cater to both visual observation and astrophotography. Users receive a 45-degree prism for terrestrial viewing, an 8 mm and a 20 mm eyepiece, and a photo adapter for attaching DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy cameras. The inclusion of such comprehensive accessories underscores the telescope's versatility.

Your gateway to astrophotography: Unleash your creativity with the Askar 71F

When it comes to build quality, the Askar 71F doesn’t disappoint. Its CNC-machined aluminum body feels robust but remains lightweight at only 3 kg with all accessories attached. The telescope’s dew shield minimizes stray light during nighttime observations, while its compact design makes it highly portable for astrophotographers on the move. The telescope’s aesthetics, featuring electric blue anodized accents and a sleek matte black finish, were also highlighted by Matthews as an appealing aspect for those who value the look of their equipment as much as its performance.

One of the more thoughtful features of the Askar 71F is the user-friendly design of its mounting system. The clamshell rings used to secure the telescope to its mount are equipped with locking screws that allow easy adjustments without needing additional tools. This system provides flexibility for balancing the telescope on different mounts, including harmonic drive mounts, which can be more challenging to balance with traditional equipment.

For those concerned about compatibility with other accessories, the Askar 71F features a multifunctional handlebar that can support a guide scope, mini-PC, or other equipment necessary for astrophotography setups. A 230 mm dovetail plate with both 1/4" and 3/8" screw threads ensures compatibility with various tripods and mounts, giving users the flexibility to customize their setup according to their specific needs.

Overall, the Askar 71F offers an exceptional balance of performance, portability, and ease of use, making it a compelling choice for both beginners and more advanced astrophotographers. Its affordable price point, coupled with its thoughtful design and versatility, positions it as a standout telescope in its class.