Askar 50P, 50/190 f/3.8 apochromatic telescope for wide-field astrophotography

A small lens for photographing vast fields

The Askar 50P is an apochromatic telescope designed for wide-field astrophotography. Its 50 mm aperture and 190 mm focal length make it ideal for framing extensive nebulae and large portions of the sky. It is designed for photographers who wish to build a setup with a camera and mount selected separately.

Its optical design is a Petzval APO quadruplet with an aperture ratio of f/3.8. These characteristics represent a different approach from that of a long-focal-length telescope designed for small objects. Before choosing this telescope, it’s helpful to start by considering the subjects you want to photograph, then compare their framing with that of your camera.

Choose the camera based on the desired field of view

The manufacturer states that the device is compatible with the APS-C format and features a design optimized for 1-inch sensors. The sensor selected directly affects the field of view: therefore, two different cameras will not necessarily provide the same framing with this lens. When selecting a sensor, you must consider the sensor format, its pixel count, and the connectors required for installation.

A short focal length is a starting point for an ultra-wide-angle project, but it is not enough to define the entire setup. The camera, any filters, and adapters must form a coherent system. You must verify their exact model numbers and the manufacturer’s specifications before considering the entire setup ready for photography.

A setup you can customize based on your equipment

The stated weight of 1.4 kg includes the clamps and the dovetail. This figure applies to the instrument in this configuration; it does not represent the weight of a complete camera setup. The camera and accessories add their own weight. Therefore, when choosing a mount, you must consider the actual equipment installed, the mounting hardware, and the conditions of use.

You’ll also need to provide a camera, a suitable mount, a stable support, and power for the setup. The camera and mount setup must also be tailored to the equipment you’ve chosen. If you already own some of these components, we can use their model numbers as a starting point to identify the necessary connectors and accessories—without automatically replacing your existing equipment.

The M48 mount allows the camera to be attached using the appropriate adapters. Askar specifies a mounting distance of between 50 and 65 mm, with a recommended length of 55 mm. The helical focus ring is used to achieve a sharp image; the 360° rotation mechanism then makes framing easier. The motorized focus system is a separate accessory.

Technical specifications