Manufacturer Information
The Askar FRA500 is produced by Askar, a reputable brand known for quality astrophotography equipment. Askar telescopes are appreciated for their robust construction and precision optics. This reliability is critical, as amateur and experienced astronomers alike often look for products offering consistently strong performance without frequent adjustments or extensive maintenance.
Price and Value
Priced at around $1,999, the Askar FRA500 occupies a mid-range position, making it accessible to enthusiasts upgrading from entry-level scopes. The telescope’s cost reflects a thoughtful balance of optical excellence, build quality, and affordability. Users seeking professional-level imaging capabilities without breaking the bank will find the FRA500 particularly appealing.
Key Features
The FRA500 includes several notable features:
- High-quality Quintuplet Petzval optical design: Delivers exceptionally flat fields and eliminates chromatic aberration.
- Built-in Field Flattener: Ensures sharp, distortion-free images without additional accessories.
- 90mm Aperture: Captures ample light for vibrant images of celestial objects.
- 500mm Focal Length (f/5.6): Ideal for deep-sky imaging and expansive star-field captures.
- 55mm Image Circle: Accommodates large sensors, including full-frame cameras.
- Integrated Dew Shield: Protects optics against moisture, extending observation sessions even under humid conditions.
- Robust Focuser: Allows precise, stable adjustments essential for astrophotography.
Technical Specifications
- Optical Design: Quintuplet Petzval
- Aperture: 90mm
- Focal Length: 500mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5.6
- Image Circle: 55mm (suitable for full-frame sensors)
- Weight: Approximately 4.1 kg (balanced for portability and stability)
- Length: Compact enough for portable use and transportation
- Integrated Dew Shield: Reduces dew formation, protecting optics and extending observation sessions
Product Overview and Field Performance
The Askar FRA500 consistently provides sharp, high-contrast images of planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Its premium lens coatings significantly reduce stray light, enhancing contrast and detail, essential for astrophotographers capturing faint celestial targets.
In practical use, the telescope requires minimal adjustments. Its robust internal design minimizes vibration and maintains optical alignment, ensuring consistency during transport and prolonged viewing sessions. Users particularly value the FRA500’s stability, ease of focus adjustments, and reliable performance across varying atmospheric conditions.
The built-in dew shield is particularly effective, significantly improving image quality during humid or colder nights. The telescope’s thoughtful engineering ensures straightforward setup, making it accessible even for novices unfamiliar with advanced equipment.
For astrophotography, the FRA500 provides an excellent foundation without requiring extra field flatteners. While specialized astrophotography may benefit from additional accessories (e.g., specialized filters or advanced guiding equipment), the base setup is highly capable for capturing detailed celestial images.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional optical quality with a built-in Petzval field flattener
- Minimal chromatic aberration ensures superior image quality
- Robust build with thoughtful ergonomic design
- User-friendly setup ideal for both beginners and experienced astronomers
- Competitive mid-range price point offers excellent value
- Huge image circle
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and less compact than smaller refractors, impacting portability for those with limited transport space
- Mounting and imaging setup may require additional investment in sturdy mounts for optimal stability
Additional Observations and Insights
The FRA500 demonstrates impressive adaptability, performing well even under varying atmospheric conditions and moderate urban light pollution. Astronomy clubs and enthusiast groups frequently highlight its reliability and consistent image quality. The telescope maintains precise alignment over repeated transportations and extended sessions, underscoring its durable construction.
Compared with similar telescopes in its class, the FRA500 stands out for its seamless integration of features beneficial to astrophotography, such as its built-in field flattener and substantial image circle, providing a flat-field over an entire full -frame sensor. Future upgrades or accessories, such as motorized focusers or specialized filters, can further enhance its versatility.
For astronomers looking for a dependable, high-quality refractor telescope at an accessible price, the Askar FRA500 represents a compelling choice, combining thoughtful engineering, quality optics, and user-friendly operation.
Final Verdict
The Askar FRA500 Telescope delivers remarkable optical clarity and reliability, especially appealing for astrophotographers and dedicated observers seeking professional-level results without frequent adjustments. Its combination of performance, intuitive features, and reasonable price makes it an attractive option in the mid-range astrophotography market.
Potential buyers should weigh their individual needs against the telescope’s strengths. If clarity, stability, and ease of use are priorities, the FRA500 stands out as an excellent choice, providing memorable astronomical experiences under various observation conditions.
