Manufacturer: Askar (Sharpstar Optics)
Price: $499 USD
Introduction
The Askar 60F is a compact quadruplet Petzval refractor designed for astrophotographers who want a travel-friendly, full-frame-capable imaging scope. Built by Askar, a brand under Sharpstar Optics, the 60F combines excellent optical performance, sturdy build quality, and user-friendly design at a competitive price.
With its self-flattening Petzval optics, the 60F eliminates the need for external field flatteners or complicated backspacing adjustments. That makes it especially attractive for beginners who want simplicity, as well as experienced imagers seeking a reliable portable astrograph.
Key Features
- 60 mm aperture with ED glass elements
- 408 mm focal length (f/6.8)
- Quadruplet Petzval design (self-flattening, no extra flattener required)
- Flat 44 mm image circle — covers full-frame sensors
- 2.4-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser (rotatable, supports heavy imaging trains)
- CNC-machined aluminum tube with anodized finish
- Retractable dew shield
- Vixen-style dovetail plate and CNC mounting ring included
- Photographic adapters: M64→M54 and M54→M48
- 1.25” visual adapter included
Specifications
- Aperture: 60 mm
- Focal Length: 408 mm
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Optics: Quadruplet Petzval APO, fully multi-coated
- Image Circle: 44 mm (full-frame compatible)
- OTA Weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
- Length: ~250 mm (dew shield retracted), ~310 mm (extended)
- Focuser: 2.4-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion, rotatable
- Adapters: M64→M54, M54→M48, 1.25” eyepiece adapter
- Mounting: Vixen-style dovetail with CNC mounting ring
- Dew Shield: Retractable
Product Overview
The Askar 60F is designed with simplicity and performance in mind. Its quadruplet Petzval optical system produces a naturally flat field, making it ideal for astrophotographers who don’t want to fuss with external correctors.
At 408 mm focal length, the scope strikes a balance between widefield and medium-field imaging. It’s wide enough to capture nebulae like the North America Nebula, yet has enough reach for targets such as M33 or the Rosette. The CNC-machined body, retractable dew shield, and anodized finish give it a premium feel, while the included dovetail and mounting ring ensure secure attachment to common astro mounts.
Optical Performance
The 60F’s performance is strong across a range of sensors:
- Flat field: 44 mm image circle covers full-frame sensors without distortion.
- Star quality: Round, pinpoint stars across the frame, with minimal elongation.
- Color correction: Excellent, with very little chromatic aberration even around bright stars.
- Speed: At f/6.8, it’s not as fast as some f/5 astrographs, but still efficient with today’s sensitive CMOS cameras.
This balance makes it a versatile choice for large nebulae, star clusters, and moderately sized galaxies.
Ease of Use and Setup
The Askar 60F is straightforward to use:
- No need for spacing or external flatteners.
- Large focuser threads (M64) with included step-down adapters for M54 and M48.
- Wide field reduces the demand for perfect tracking, making it forgiving on mounts.
- The 2.4-inch rack-and-pinion focuser is smooth, precise, and robust enough for heavy imaging setups.
At 2.5 kg, the OTA is heavier than ultra-compact mini scopes but still portable. It works best with small EQ mounts like the HEQ5, AM3/AM5, or GEM28, and can be used with stronger star trackers if payloads are carefully managed.
Build Quality and Accessories
Build quality is one of the 60F’s strengths. The anodized finish is durable, engraved markings are clear, and the retractable dew shield operates smoothly.
The Vixen-style dovetail plate and CNC-machined mounting ring provide a stable and secure connection to most mounts. Photographic adapters are intelligently designed: the focuser’s M64 thread steps down to M54 (for full-frame astro cameras) and further to M48 (the most common imaging thread). A 1.25” eyepiece adapter is included for casual visual observing.
Value for Money
At $499, the Askar 60F delivers a lot of performance for the price:
- Self-flattening Petzval optics (saves the cost of an external flattener).
- Full-frame image circle.
- Sturdy 2.4” focuser.
- CNC build quality with dovetail and adapters included.
It stands out as one of the most affordable full-frame-ready astrographs in its class.
Use Cases – Who Will Like the Askar 60F?
- Astrophotographers seeking a flat-field, full-frame-ready refractor.
- Travel imagers needing a rugged, compact scope for dark-sky trips.
- Beginners looking for an easy, no-fuss imaging telescope.
- Experienced imagers wanting a capable secondary or portable setup.
- Visual observers who enjoy wide star-field sweeps (though this is primarily an astrograph).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quadruplet Petzval design — no flattener required
- Flat 44 mm image circle, full-frame ready
- Strong 2.4-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser
- Includes Vixen dovetail and CNC mounting ring
- Thoughtful adapter set (M64→M54→M48 + 1.25”)
- Solid optical quality and mechanical build
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Heavier than ultra-compact mini refractors (2.5 kg OTA)
- f/6.8 focal ratio is slower than “fast” astrographs
- 60 mm aperture limits planetary and faint galaxy detail
- Carry bag not always included by default
Final Verdict
The Askar 60F is an impressive compact astrograph that blends portability with professional-level optical design. Its Petzval quadruplet system provides sharp, flat images across full-frame sensors, while the 2.4-inch focuser and large-thread adapters make it a versatile platform for modern cameras.
For astrophotographers wanting a no-hassle, full-frame-ready scope at $499, the Askar 60F is one of the best options available. It’s equally suited to beginners who want an easy introduction and to experienced imagers who need a reliable travel companion.
