Why Askar/Sharpstar?
- Consistent ranges ranging from very portable to high-end photography.
- Compatible accessories (reducers, flatteners, extensions) and an evolutionary design.
- Fast f/d ratios and generous image circles for APS-C, full-format and even medium-format sensors, depending on the model.
1) Choose according to your main use
Basically, an instrument is used to observe (visual) and/or image (astrophotography). Askar/Sharpstar profiles its ranges as follows:
| Profile | Recommended ranges | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pure visual | APO Series | Generally larger aperture for equivalent budget and high contrast. Detachable extension rings make it easy to use eyepieces with the right prints. |
| Majority visual + desire for photos | PHQ (in addition to APO), 71F / EDPH for small diameters | PHQs are “native all-rounders” (flatness, reasonable focal length). The 71F/EDPH offer an accessible entry point for mixed lenses. |
| Advanced hobby astrophotography | FRA, PHQ, selection of’APO | FRA stand out from the crowd thanks to their very good f/d ratio with gearbox and high transmission. PHQs balance field/planarity/simplicity. |
| Pure & demanding astrophotography“ | SQA (high-performance series), FMA for EAA and ultra-portables | SQA aims for ultimate sharpness and a well-corrected field. FMA is ideal for Electronic Assisted Astronomy and for ultra-light setups. |
103 APO
(visual, deep sky, planetary, and even solar!): https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/103apo/80PHQ: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/80phq/
FRA400C: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/fra400c-askar/
SQA55: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/sqa55/
2) Choose according to the weight of the OTA (and therefore the frame)
Weight determines frame and ease of use. Here are the Askar/Sharpstar guide points:
| OTA weight threshold | Landmarks & uses | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| < 2 kg | For mini-mountings / star trackers. Precise balance control essential. | Ideal for EAA and large nomadic fields (e.g. FMA135, FMA180 Pro). |
| < 5 kg | 50-85 mm aperture. Easy to carry, perfect for early photography. | A small modern equatorial supports these tubes well (e.g. 50 EDPH, 71F, 80 ED). |
| < 10 kg | ≈100-120 mm. Serious“ category for visual + photo. | Excellent comfort zone for many 7-10 kg frames (e.g. 107 PHQ, 120 APO). |
| > 10 kg | Large refractors (>130 mm). Requires robust mounting. | Transport, set-up and heavier accessories to be anticipated (e.g. 151 PHQ, 203 APO). |
71F: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/71f-flat-field/
107PHQ: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/107phq/
203 APO: https://deep-space-astronomy.ch/produit/203apo/
3) Choose according to your budget
The cost of a successful practice is not limited to the tube: frame, eyepieces, diagonal, correctors, filters, power supply, computer/controller, etc. Think overall budget to balance the whole.
| Budget | What the guide recommends | The spirit of the series |
|---|---|---|
| < CHF 700 | Affordable entry-level lenses (e.g. 80 ED). For astrophotography, the FMA offer excellent value for money. | Discover, travel light, get started without over-equipping. |
| < CHF 1,500 | Most “cost-efficient” models. At this level, we can already aim for a scope ready for astrophotography (excluding the purely visual APO series). | Very good balance point quality/compactness/budget. |
| < CHF 2,500 | The differences between the series become clear: SQA (pure photo), APO (price/performance), PHQ (balanced). | Mature mid-range, choice by use. |
| < CHF 3,500 | Access to models high performance (SQA85 among the most expensive <100 mm). 107 PHQ and 140 APO very close in price. | Stronger stitching, better corrected fields, stiffer mechanics. |
| > CHF 3,500 | Large diameters & admiralships. Requires sturdy mounts, careful transport and observation space. | Cutting-edge performance for demanding imaging and high-contrast visuals. |
Radar“ reading of series : SQA shines in photography, FMA in portability, FRA in speed (focal/reducer), APO in cost-effectiveness, PHQ in overall balance.
Examples of striking models (quick reference points)
| Model | Type | Diameter / Focal length / f-d | With reducer (if available) | Image circle announced | Tube weight (approx.) | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMA135 | ED sextuplet air-spaced | 30 mm / 135 mm / f/4.5 | - | APS-C | 0.28 kg | Ultra-nomadic, EAA, large fields |
| FMA180 Pro | ED sextuplet air-spaced | 40 mm / 180 mm / f/4.5 | - | APS-C | 0.8 kg | Travel, wide fields, super-light setup |
| 50 EDPH | Triplet air-spaced (0.84×) | 50 mm / 275 mm / f/5.5 | 231 mm f/4.6 | Ø55 mm | 1.0 kg | Photo starter, nomad |
| 71F | Quadruplet air-spaced | 71 mm / 400 mm / f/5.6 | - | Ø44 mm | 2.0 kg | Visual/photographic all-rounder |
| 80 ED | ED doublet (0.7×/0.85×/1.0×) | 80 mm / 560 mm / f/7 | 392 mm f/4.9 (0.7×) / 476 mm f/5.9 (0.85×) | APS-C | 2.0 kg | Economical all-rounder |
| FRA300 Pro | Quintuplet Petzval | 60 mm / 300 mm / f/5 | - | Ø44 mm | 3.7 kg | Fast photo, flat field |
| 65 PHQ | Quadruplet air-spaced | 65 mm / 416 mm / f/6.4 | 312 mm f/4.8 (reduc.) | Ø44 mm | 3.9 kg | Simple, high-performance combo |
| 80 PHQ | Quadruplet air-spaced | 80 mm / 600 mm / f/7.5 | 456 mm f/5.7 | Ø44 mm | 4.5 kg | Versatility in the field“ |
| 107 PHQ | Quadruplet air-spaced | 107 mm / 740 mm / f/7 | - (reducer 0.7× to ≈ 518 mm f/4.9 depending on kit) | Ø60 mm | 7.3 kg | Demanding photo/visual value |
| 120 APO | Triplet air-spaced | 120 mm / 840 mm / f/7 | 672 mm f/5.6 | Ø44 mm | 6.5 kg | High-contrast visual + full-format photo |
| 140 APO | Triplet air-spaced | 140 mm / 980 mm / f/7 | - (reducer 0.8× ≈ 784 mm f/5.6) | Ø44 mm | 8.8 kg | Deep sky pro setup |
| 151 PHQ | Quadruplet air-spaced | 151 mm / 1057 mm / f/7 | 740 mm f/4.9 (reduc.) | - | 10.5 kg | Large, demanding photo diameter |
| 203 APO | Triplet air-spaced (EDx1) | 203 mm / 1421 mm / f/7 | 1036 mm f/5.6 | Ø44 mm | 23.5 kg | Flagship: extreme resolution and sharpness |
Notes: The figures above are condensed from the detailed table in the guide (aperture, focal length, f/d ratios, gearbox options, image circle, length, weight). Some values vary according to versions/accessories. Ask us for advice on your sensor and mount.
Quick FAQs
FRA vs PHQ? FRA = fast photo (excellent with reducer, Petzval-type flat field depending on model). PHQ = visual/photographic balance, comfortable native correction and simple mechanics.
APO vs SQA? APO = highly versatile “workhorse”, economical for a given diameter. SQA = high performance “photo pure” line with superior mechanical requirements.
Who is FMA for? Travel, EAA, wide framing, fast sessions. Perfect for light imaging (star trackers).
Conclusion
Askar/Sharpstar offers an easy-to-read range: APO for its visual appeal and diameter/price ratio, PHQ for mixed use, FRA for fast photography, SQA for maximum performance, FMA for the ultra-portable. By combining use, weight and budget, You'll find the ideal scope to help you progress for a long time to come.
Need personalized advice (sensor, prints, backfocus, choice of reducer/aplaner, filter/wheel/OAG compatibility)? Contact Deep Space Astronomy, and we'll optimize your setup from A to Z.
How to decide in 3 steps