Askar FRA400c launched: Sharpstar’s Next-Generation Telescope

Sharpstar Optics has recently unveiled the Askar FRA400c telescope, an enhanced version of their earlier FRA400 model. This new telescope is designed to offer superior performance for both astrophotography and visual observation. In this article, we will explore the features, specifications, and improvements the Askar FRA400c brings to astronomy enthusiasts.

Introduction to the Askar FRA Series

The Askar FRA series, which stands for “Flat-field Refractive Astrograph,” is renowned for its built-in flat field correction. This design ensures that images captured are sharp and free from distortions across the entire field of view. The series caters to both amateur and professional astronomers, offering versatile instruments suitable for various celestial observations.

Key Features of the Askar FRA400c

The Askar FRA400c boasts several notable features:

• Aperture and Focal Length: The telescope has a 72mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, resulting in a focal ratio of f/5.6. This configuration allows for bright and detailed images, making it ideal for deep-sky astrophotography.
• Optical Design: It features a quintuplet air-spaced apochromatic (APO) lens system, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements. This design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring true-to-life color reproduction and sharpness in captured images.
• Image Circle: The FRA400c provides a 44mm image circle, accommodating full-frame sensors and ensuring edge-to-edge clarity in photographs.
• Integrated Field Flattener: The built-in field flattener eliminates the need for additional corrective accessories, simplifying the imaging setup and enhancing convenience for users.
• Build and Portability: The telescope’s optical tube assembly (OTA) measures 370mm in length and weighs 2.68kg. With the inclusion of tube rings and a dovetail plate, the total weight is 3.18kg, making it a portable option for field observations.

Improvements over the Previous Model

While the original FRA400 set a high standard, the FRA400c introduces enhancements that elevate its performance:

Enhanced Optical Performance: The incorporation of dual ED elements in the quintuplet design offers superior control over chromatic aberration, resulting in clearer and more accurate images.

User-Friendly Features: The retractable lens hood and the absence of a need to calculate back focus simplify the setup process, allowing astronomers to focus more on observation and imaging.

Versatility: The telescope’s design supports both visual observation and astrophotography, catering to a broad range of astronomical interests.

Optional accessories

To further enhance the capabilities of the FRA400c, Sharpstar offers an optional 0.7x reducer. This accessory reduces the focal length to 280mm and the focal ratio to f/3.9, enabling wider field imaging and shorter exposure times. The reducer maintains a standard 55mm back focus and includes an M48×0.75 thread for easy attachment of 2-inch filters.

Complete specifications

The Askar FRA400c telescope represents a significant advancement in Sharpstar Optics’ lineup, offering a blend of high-quality optics, user-friendly features, and versatility. Its design caters to both seasoned astrophotographers and visual observers, providing a reliable instrument for exploring the night sky. With its enhanced optical performance and thoughtful features, the FRA400c stands out as a valuable addition to the field of amateur astronomy.

The telescope is now available for pre-order via a few authorized dealers for a price tag of USD 895.

Clear skies!