Askar 71F 71mm f/6.9 Quadruplet Flat-Field Refractor Telescope
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- 71mm aperture and f/6.9 focal ratio
- Quadruplet air-spaced APO design with ED glass
- Built-in field flattener
- Supports full-frame sensors
- Lightweight - only 6.6 lbs (3kg)
- Dual-speed 2.4" focuser - electronic focuser compatible
- Multiple rear thread options (M64, M54, M48)
Flat-Field Clarity, Full-Frame Ready: Meet the Askar 71
Manufactured by Sharpstar Optics, the Askar 71F is a compact quadruplet refractor that’s designed for both astrophotography and visual observing. Its 71mm aperture, 490mm focal length, and f/6.9 focal ratio give you bright, high-contrast views and sharp, flat images. Thanks to its built-in field flattener, stars stay pinpoint right to the edges of the frame—no extra optical accessories required.
For astrophotographers, this means wide-field favorites like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and rich Milky Way star fields look clean and distortion-free, even on full-frame cameras.
When used visually, the 71F provides crisp, detailed views of planets, clusters, and nebulae. It can even double as a terrestrial spotting scope, adding more versatility.
Portable, easy to handle, and equipped with premium optics, the Askar 71F is an excellent choice whether you’re starting out in astrophotography or looking to add a high-quality wide-field refractor to your collection.
Askar 71F Telescope Review
Agena Astro affiliate Naztronomy discusses the Askar 71F in this review video:
Askar 71F Highlights: Ready for the Road, Built for the Stars
Quadruplet Flat-Field Optics
The 71F’s four-element apochromatic design, with one ED lens, controls chromatic aberration and flattens the field at the optical level. Its 44mm image circle fully supports both APS-C and full-frame cameras. There’s no need to calculate backfocus or add a separate field flattener.
Take It Anywhere
At just 6.6 lb (3 kg), the Askar 71F is lightweight and travel-friendly. It mounts easily on photo tripods or compact equatorial mounts using the included 230mm Vixen-style dovetail with 1/4"-20 and 3/8" threads. A retractable lens hood makes it even more compact for storage or trips, and it’s a perfect companion alongside a larger setup.
Dual-Speed Focuser with EAF Support
The 2.4" rack-and-pinion focuser offers a 10:1 fine adjustment for precise control and can securely handle everything from lightweight eyepieces to heavy imaging gear. It’s also compatible with electronic focusers like the ZWO EAF, giving you the option to automate focusing for advanced astrophotography.
Ready for Imaging & Visual Use
The Askar 71F includes everything you need for both imaging and visual use. For astrophotography, it comes with M64–M54, M54–M54, and M54–M48 adapters, each with built-in filter threads. For visual observing, the package includes a 1.25" diagonal plus 20mm and 8mm eyepieces, so you can start right out of the box. The diagonal delivers a correctly oriented view for astronomy or daytime use, and switching between camera and eyepieces is fast and hassle-free.
Flexible Mounting Options
Askar includes a multifunction handle with slots for accessories like a guidescope or an ASIAIR controller, plus two finder bases so you can attach more add-ons. A built-in 360° rotator makes it easy to frame your targets.
Factory Certified & Quality Checked
Every Askar 71F is factory-certified before it leaves Sharpstar’s facility. Each telescope goes through mechanical and optical quality control checks, and a signed inspection checklist is included in the box.
At Agena, we don’t open and re-test the optics, but if you’d like an extra round of cosmetic and mechanical inspection before your scope ships, just let us know in the order comments. We’re happy to do this at no cost, though it may add 1–2 business days to your shipping time.
Specifications
- Aperture size: 71mm
- Focal length: 490mm
- Focal ratio: f/6.9
- Objective lens: Quadruplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)
- Image circle: 44mm
- Telescope OTA weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
- Total weight with accessories: 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg)
Rear-end thread type:
- M64×0.75-M54×0.75
- M54×0.75-M54×0.75
- M54×0.75-M48×0.75 (with M48×0.75 filter thread)
Maximum back focal distance (with the focuser fully retreated)：
Imaging mode:
- 82.5mm (from the base of M48×0.75 male thread）
- 100.5mm（from the base of M54×0.75 male thread)
Visual mode:
- 117mm（from the end of 1.25" eyepiece holder）
- 27mm（from the end of 2" eyepiece holder）
Total length：
- 372.5mm (including 1.25" adapter as dew shield contracted）
- 430.9mm (including 1.25" adapter as dew shield fully stretched）
- 415mm (including the photographic adapter as dew shield contracted）
- 473.4mm( including the photographic adapter as dew shield fully stretched)
Askar 71F Camera & Eyepiece Installation Methods
Askar 71F Mechanical Diagram
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of telescope is the Askar 71F?
The Askar 71F is an apochromatic quadruplet refractor. It uses four high-quality lenses to deliver sharp, flat images with minimal color fringing, perfect for both astrophotography and visual observing.
Is the Askar 71F suitable for beginners?
Yes! Its lightweight design, easy setup, and high-quality optics make it ideal for beginners who want to start astrophotography or visual observing without complicated equipment.
What are the size, weight, and portability of the Askar 71F?
The telescope has a 71mm (2.8") aperture, a 490mm focal length, and weighs about 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs). Its compact size makes it easy to carry, mount, and transport for backyard or remote observing.
What objects can I see with the Askar 71F?
You can observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. It’s especially great for wide-field astrophotography targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and dense star fields.
Can the Askar 71F be used for visual observing and daytime spotting?
Yes. While optimized for astrophotography, it provides bright, high-contrast views for visual observing and can double as a daytime spotting scope for terrestrial objects.
Which cameras and sensors are compatible with the Askar 71F for astrophotography?
The 71F works with DSLR, mirrorless, and dedicated astronomy cameras, including full-frame and smaller sensors. Its flat-field optics reduce distortion and star stretching for wide-field imaging.
Do I need extra accessories like field flatteners or focal reducers for astrophotography?
The quadruplet design produces flat, sharp images without a separate field flattener. A focal reducer is optional if you want a wider field of view.
How easy is it to set up the Askar 71F, and what mounts work best?
Setup is quick thanks to its simple optical layout. For astrophotography, a motorized equatorial mount is recommended, while visual observing works well on a sturdy alt-azimuth or GoTo mount.
What exposure times are recommended for astrophotography with the Askar 71F?
Exposure times vary by camera, mount, and sky conditions. Beginners often start with 30-second to 3-minute exposures, stacking multiple images for best results.
How sharp are stars at the edges, and does it show color fringing?
Stars remain tight and round across the field, even at the edges. The apochromatic quadruplet lens system minimizes chromatic aberration, keeping colors accurate and images distortion-free.
How does the Askar 71F compare to other small refractors?
It stands out for its flat-field optics, portability, and versatility. Compared to other doublets, it delivers sharper, distortion-free images across full-frame sensors, making it a strong choice for both beginners and advanced users.
What maintenance is required, and can it handle different weather conditions?
Maintenance is minimal. Keep lenses clean and covered when not in use, and avoid touching them with fingers. It can handle cold or damp conditions but should acclimate to outdoor temperatures and be stored in a dry place to prevent condensation.
Does the Askar 71F come with eyepieces, or do I need to buy them separately?
The 71F includes 2 eyepieces, 8mm and 20mm, and an erecting prism. Additional eyepieces are purchased separately, so you choose the magnification and field of view you prefer.
| Product Banner Type | new |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 601 - 700mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- 1x 71F OTA
- 1x Pair of tube rings
- 1x Handle
- 1x Askar 230mm Vixen dovetail plate
- 1x Set of photographic adapters
- 1x 1.25" 45° erecting prism
- 1x 8mm eyepiece
- 1x 20mm eyepiece
- 71mm aperture and f/6.9 focal ratio
- Quadruplet air-spaced APO design with ED glass
- Built-in field flattener
- Supports full-frame sensors
- Lightweight - only 6.6 lbs (3kg)
- Dual-speed 2.4" focuser - electronic focuser compatible
- Multiple rear thread options (M64, M54, M48)
Flat-Field Clarity, Full-Frame Ready: Meet the Askar 71
Manufactured by Sharpstar Optics, the Askar 71F is a compact quadruplet refractor that’s designed for both astrophotography and visual observing. Its 71mm aperture, 490mm focal length, and f/6.9 focal ratio give you bright, high-contrast views and sharp, flat images. Thanks to its built-in field flattener, stars stay pinpoint right to the edges of the frame—no extra optical accessories required.
For astrophotographers, this means wide-field favorites like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and rich Milky Way star fields look clean and distortion-free, even on full-frame cameras.
When used visually, the 71F provides crisp, detailed views of planets, clusters, and nebulae. It can even double as a terrestrial spotting scope, adding more versatility.
Portable, easy to handle, and equipped with premium optics, the Askar 71F is an excellent choice whether you’re starting out in astrophotography or looking to add a high-quality wide-field refractor to your collection.
Askar 71F Telescope Review
Agena Astro affiliate Naztronomy discusses the Askar 71F in this review video:
Askar 71F Highlights: Ready for the Road, Built for the Stars
Quadruplet Flat-Field Optics
The 71F’s four-element apochromatic design, with one ED lens, controls chromatic aberration and flattens the field at the optical level. Its 44mm image circle fully supports both APS-C and full-frame cameras. There’s no need to calculate backfocus or add a separate field flattener.
Take It Anywhere
At just 6.6 lb (3 kg), the Askar 71F is lightweight and travel-friendly. It mounts easily on photo tripods or compact equatorial mounts using the included 230mm Vixen-style dovetail with 1/4"-20 and 3/8" threads. A retractable lens hood makes it even more compact for storage or trips, and it’s a perfect companion alongside a larger setup.
Dual-Speed Focuser with EAF Support
The 2.4" rack-and-pinion focuser offers a 10:1 fine adjustment for precise control and can securely handle everything from lightweight eyepieces to heavy imaging gear. It’s also compatible with electronic focusers like the ZWO EAF, giving you the option to automate focusing for advanced astrophotography.
Ready for Imaging & Visual Use
The Askar 71F includes everything you need for both imaging and visual use. For astrophotography, it comes with M64–M54, M54–M54, and M54–M48 adapters, each with built-in filter threads. For visual observing, the package includes a 1.25" diagonal plus 20mm and 8mm eyepieces, so you can start right out of the box. The diagonal delivers a correctly oriented view for astronomy or daytime use, and switching between camera and eyepieces is fast and hassle-free.
Flexible Mounting Options
Askar includes a multifunction handle with slots for accessories like a guidescope or an ASIAIR controller, plus two finder bases so you can attach more add-ons. A built-in 360° rotator makes it easy to frame your targets.
Factory Certified & Quality Checked
Every Askar 71F is factory-certified before it leaves Sharpstar’s facility. Each telescope goes through mechanical and optical quality control checks, and a signed inspection checklist is included in the box.
At Agena, we don’t open and re-test the optics, but if you’d like an extra round of cosmetic and mechanical inspection before your scope ships, just let us know in the order comments. We’re happy to do this at no cost, though it may add 1–2 business days to your shipping time.
Specifications
- Aperture size: 71mm
- Focal length: 490mm
- Focal ratio: f/6.9
- Objective lens: Quadruplet air-spaced APO (including one ED glass)
- Image circle: 44mm
- Telescope OTA weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
- Total weight with accessories: 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg)
Rear-end thread type:
- M64×0.75-M54×0.75
- M54×0.75-M54×0.75
- M54×0.75-M48×0.75 (with M48×0.75 filter thread)
Maximum back focal distance (with the focuser fully retreated)：
Imaging mode:
- 82.5mm (from the base of M48×0.75 male thread）
- 100.5mm（from the base of M54×0.75 male thread)
Visual mode:
- 117mm（from the end of 1.25" eyepiece holder）
- 27mm（from the end of 2" eyepiece holder）
Total length：
- 372.5mm (including 1.25" adapter as dew shield contracted）
- 430.9mm (including 1.25" adapter as dew shield fully stretched）
- 415mm (including the photographic adapter as dew shield contracted）
- 473.4mm( including the photographic adapter as dew shield fully stretched)
Askar 71F Camera & Eyepiece Installation Methods
Askar 71F Mechanical Diagram
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of telescope is the Askar 71F?
The Askar 71F is an apochromatic quadruplet refractor. It uses four high-quality lenses to deliver sharp, flat images with minimal color fringing, perfect for both astrophotography and visual observing.
Is the Askar 71F suitable for beginners?
Yes! Its lightweight design, easy setup, and high-quality optics make it ideal for beginners who want to start astrophotography or visual observing without complicated equipment.
What are the size, weight, and portability of the Askar 71F?
The telescope has a 71mm (2.8") aperture, a 490mm focal length, and weighs about 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs). Its compact size makes it easy to carry, mount, and transport for backyard or remote observing.
What objects can I see with the Askar 71F?
You can observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. It’s especially great for wide-field astrophotography targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and dense star fields.
Can the Askar 71F be used for visual observing and daytime spotting?
Yes. While optimized for astrophotography, it provides bright, high-contrast views for visual observing and can double as a daytime spotting scope for terrestrial objects.
Which cameras and sensors are compatible with the Askar 71F for astrophotography?
The 71F works with DSLR, mirrorless, and dedicated astronomy cameras, including full-frame and smaller sensors. Its flat-field optics reduce distortion and star stretching for wide-field imaging.
Do I need extra accessories like field flatteners or focal reducers for astrophotography?
The quadruplet design produces flat, sharp images without a separate field flattener. A focal reducer is optional if you want a wider field of view.
How easy is it to set up the Askar 71F, and what mounts work best?
Setup is quick thanks to its simple optical layout. For astrophotography, a motorized equatorial mount is recommended, while visual observing works well on a sturdy alt-azimuth or GoTo mount.
What exposure times are recommended for astrophotography with the Askar 71F?
Exposure times vary by camera, mount, and sky conditions. Beginners often start with 30-second to 3-minute exposures, stacking multiple images for best results.
How sharp are stars at the edges, and does it show color fringing?
Stars remain tight and round across the field, even at the edges. The apochromatic quadruplet lens system minimizes chromatic aberration, keeping colors accurate and images distortion-free.
How does the Askar 71F compare to other small refractors?
It stands out for its flat-field optics, portability, and versatility. Compared to other doublets, it delivers sharper, distortion-free images across full-frame sensors, making it a strong choice for both beginners and advanced users.
What maintenance is required, and can it handle different weather conditions?
Maintenance is minimal. Keep lenses clean and covered when not in use, and avoid touching them with fingers. It can handle cold or damp conditions but should acclimate to outdoor temperatures and be stored in a dry place to prevent condensation.
Does the Askar 71F come with eyepieces, or do I need to buy them separately?
The 71F includes 2 eyepieces, 8mm and 20mm, and an erecting prism. Additional eyepieces are purchased separately, so you choose the magnification and field of view you prefer.
| Product Banner Type | new |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 601 - 700mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- 1x 71F OTA
- 1x Pair of tube rings
- 1x Handle
- 1x Askar 230mm Vixen dovetail plate
- 1x Set of photographic adapters
- 1x 1.25" 45° erecting prism
- 1x 8mm eyepiece
- 1x 20mm eyepiece
Askar 71F 71mm f/6.9 Quadruplet Flat-Field Refractor Telescope