Askar 71F: A Full-Frame Flat-Field Wonder for Astrophotographers

The Askar 71F is a wide-field imaging telescope built for simplicity and performance. Designed with photographers in mind, it delivers pinpoint stars across a full-frame sensor. It has a built-in flat field. It needs no separate field flattener. For astrophotographers seeking a straightforward imaging tool, this scope is a powerful companion.

Quadruplet APO design with ED glass

The Askar 71F uses a quadruplet air-spaced apochromatic lens. It includes one extra-low dispersion (ED) element. This helps control chromatic aberration. The optics produce clean, color-free stars. The lens diameter is 71 mm with a focal length of 490 mm. This gives it a moderate f/6.9 focal ratio. Askar optimized the design for astrophotography. The self-flattened design supports full-frame sensors. The 44 mm image circle ensures sharp corners with no visible field curvature.

Perfect for full-frame Imaging

Most telescopes need a separate field flattener. This adds complexity. You must calculate backfocus. Any mistake softens the edges of the image. The 71F eliminates this issue. Its optics are ready for full-frame sensors out of the box. You get sharp stars from the center to the edge. The corrected field spans 44 mm, perfect for DSLRs and large CMOS cameras. You don’t need to worry about tilt or spacing. This is ideal for both beginners and experienced imagers.

Rack-and-pinion focuser for precision

The 71F uses a 2.4-inch rack-and-pinion focuser. It features dual-speed control, with a 1:10 fine adjustment knob. This allows accurate and stable focusing. It handles heavy imaging trains without flex or backlash. A built-in 360° rotator lets you frame your shot precisely. Once framed, you can lock the orientation. The focuser includes M54×0.75 and M48×0.75 threads for direct camera connections. The M48 side includes a 2-inch filter thread, letting you use standard filters.

Visual use: A bonus feature

Though optimized for imaging, the 71F supports visual observation. Askar includes two eyepieces, 8 mm and 20 mm, and an erecting prism. This gives correct, upright views. The telescope delivers wide-field views of star fields, clusters, and nebulae. The short focal length makes it great for panning the Milky Way. While it’s not a planetary scope, you can still enjoy the Moon and planets at low to medium magnification. This flexibility adds value. Astrophotographers can use the scope during the day or show friends night sky objects visually.

Accessories and build

The Askar 71F comes with a well-rounded accessory set:

• Retractable dew shield
• Two finder brackets
• Vixen-style dovetail bar
• M48 and M54 adapters
• Erecting prism and eyepieces
• Durable foam-lined case

The telescope weighs around 2.5 kg (OTA only). With the accessories and the focuser, the total is around 3 kg. It’s portable and travel-friendly. The tube uses high-quality aluminum.

Imaging with the 71F

This telescope is ideal for wide-field deep-sky imaging. You can photograph large nebulae, star fields, and galaxy groups. The 490 mm focal length offers a wide yet useful field of view. You can pair it with full-frame or APS-C cameras. The scope’s native backfocus is pre-adjusted. You don’t need to add spacers or tilt adjusters. Add a cooled camera, filter wheel, and guide scope, and you’re ready. The strong focuser will hold the imaging train securely. Use the rotator to adjust the composition between targets. If you’re imaging under dark skies, you’ll benefit from the fast f/6.9 speed. You can get a high signal in shorter exposures. The scope excels with one-shot color and mono imaging alike.

Key specifications

Optical Design	Quadruplet APO Refractor (air-spaced)
Aperture	71 mm
Focal Length	490 mm
Focal Ratio	f/6.9
Image Circle	44 mm (full-frame coverage)
Flattener	Built-in, no external flattener required
Focuser	2.4″ rack-and-pinion
Focus Adjustment	Dual-speed with 1:10 micro-focusing knob
Camera Rotator	Yes, 360° rotatable
Dovetail Bar	Vixen-style
Adapters	M54 and M48 camera adapters
Net Weight (OTA only)	2.5 kg
Weight with Accessories	3 kg

Price and availability

The telescope is priced at $659 and is available via the official website and other retailers.

Final thoughts

The Askar 71F is a smart choice for astrophotographers. It offers clean, corrected images with minimal effort. You get full-frame compatibility right out of the box. No need for flatteners or spacers. Just connect your camera and start shooting. It’s built well, focuses smoothly, and looks beautiful. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned imager, it delivers excellent value. For wide-field deep-sky imaging, it’s hard to beat at this price.

Clear skies!

---