{"id":10746,"date":"2025-12-16T19:33:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T18:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/?p=10746"},"modified":"2025-12-16T19:36:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T18:36:31","slug":"guide-dachat-askar-sharpstar-comment-choisir-sa-lunette-selon-votre-usage-votre-budget-et-le-poids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/guide-dachat-askar-sharpstar-comment-choisir-sa-lunette-selon-votre-usage-votre-budget-et-le-poids\/","title":{"rendered":"Askar \/ Sharpstar buying guide: how to choose your scope according to your use, budget and weight"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<header>This guide summarizes and translates the \u201cFind the Perfect Telescope...\u201d pages from Askar\/Sharpstar (July 2025). It helps you choose your telescope based on your objective (visual, astrophotography or mixed), your budget and the weight of the optics, with clear tables and practical advice.<\/header>\n<section id=\"pourquoi-askar\">\n<h3>Why Askar\/Sharpstar?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consistent ranges<\/strong> ranging from very portable to high-end photography.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compatible accessories<\/strong> (reducers, flatteners, extensions) and an evolutionary design.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fast f\/d ratios<\/strong> and <strong>generous image circles<\/strong> for APS-C, full-format and even medium-format sensors, depending on the model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"choisir-par-usage\">\n<h3>1) Choose according to your main use<\/h3>\n<p>Basically, an instrument is used to <em>observe<\/em> (visual) and\/or <em>image<\/em> (astrophotography). Askar\/Sharpstar profiles its ranges as follows:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Profile<\/th>\n<th>Recommended ranges<\/th>\n<th>Why<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pure visual<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>APO Series<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Generally larger aperture for equivalent budget and high contrast. Detachable extension rings make it easy to use eyepieces with the right prints.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Majority visual + desire for photos<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>PHQ<\/strong> (in addition to APO), <strong>71F \/ EDPH<\/strong> for small diameters<\/td>\n<td>PHQs are \u201cnative all-rounders\u201d (flatness, reasonable focal length). The 71F\/EDPH offer an accessible entry point for mixed lenses.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Advanced hobby astrophotography<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>FRA<\/strong>, <strong>PHQ<\/strong>, selection of\u2019<strong>APO<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>FRA stand out from the crowd thanks to their <em>very good f\/d ratio with gearbox<\/em> and high transmission. PHQs balance field\/planarity\/simplicity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Pure &amp; demanding astrophotography\u201c<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>SQA<\/strong> (high-performance series), <strong>FMA<\/strong> for EAA and ultra-portables<\/td>\n<td>SQA aims for ultimate sharpness and a well-corrected field. FMA is ideal for <em>Electronic Assisted Astronomy<\/em> and for ultra-light setups.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"poids-monture\"><strong>Our recommendations:<\/p>\n<p>103 APO<\/strong> (visual, deep sky, planetary, and even solar!): <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/103apo\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/103apo\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>80PHQ: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/80phq\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/80phq\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>FRA400C: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/fra400c-askar\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/fra400c-askar\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>SQA55: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/sqa55\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/sqa55\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>2) Choose according to the weight of the OTA (and therefore the frame)<\/h3>\n<p>Weight determines frame and ease of use. Here are the Askar\/Sharpstar guide points:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>OTA weight threshold<\/th>\n<th>Landmarks &amp; uses<\/th>\n<th>Advice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; 2 kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>For mini-mountings \/ star trackers. Precise balance control essential.<\/td>\n<td>Ideal for EAA and large nomadic fields (e.g. FMA135, FMA180 Pro).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; 5 kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>50-85 mm aperture. Easy to carry, perfect for early photography.<\/td>\n<td>A small modern equatorial supports these tubes well (e.g. 50 EDPH, 71F, 80 ED).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; 10 kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u2248100-120 mm. Serious\u201c category for visual + photo.<\/td>\n<td>Excellent comfort zone for many 7-10 kg frames (e.g. 107 PHQ, 120 APO).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&gt; 10 kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Large refractors (&gt;130 mm). Requires robust mounting.<\/td>\n<td>Transport, set-up and heavier accessories to be anticipated (e.g. 151 PHQ, 203 APO).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"budget\">FMA230: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/fma230\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/fma230\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>71F: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/71f-flat-field\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/71f-flat-field\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>107PHQ: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/107phq\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/107phq\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>203 APO: <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/203apo\/\">https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/produit\/203apo\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>3) Choose according to your budget<\/h3>\n<p>The cost of a successful practice is not limited to the tube: frame, eyepieces, diagonal, correctors, filters, power supply, computer\/controller, etc. Think <strong>overall budget<\/strong> to balance the whole.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Budget<\/th>\n<th>What the guide recommends<\/th>\n<th>The spirit of the series<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; CHF 700<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Affordable entry-level lenses (e.g. 80 ED). For astrophotography, the <strong>FMA<\/strong> offer excellent value for money.<\/td>\n<td>Discover, travel light, get started without over-equipping.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; CHF 1,500<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Most \u201ccost-efficient\u201d models. At this level, we can already aim for a scope ready for astrophotography (excluding the purely visual APO series).<\/td>\n<td>Very good balance point <em>quality\/compactness\/budget<\/em>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; CHF 2,500<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>The differences between the series become clear: <strong>SQA<\/strong> (pure photo), <strong>APO<\/strong> (price\/performance), <strong>PHQ<\/strong> (balanced).<\/td>\n<td>Mature mid-range, choice by use.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&lt; CHF 3,500<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Access to models <em>high performance<\/em> (SQA85 among the most expensive &lt;100 mm). 107 PHQ and 140 APO very close in price.<\/td>\n<td>Stronger stitching, better corrected fields, stiffer mechanics.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>&gt; CHF 3,500<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Large diameters &amp; admiralships. Requires sturdy mounts, careful transport and observation space.<\/td>\n<td>Cutting-edge performance for demanding imaging and high-contrast visuals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Radar\u201c reading of series :<\/em> SQA shines in <strong>photography<\/strong>, FMA in <strong>portability<\/strong>, FRA in <strong>speed (focal\/reducer)<\/strong>, APO in <strong>cost-effectiveness<\/strong>, PHQ in <strong>overall balance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"exemples-modeles\">\n<h3>Examples of striking models (quick reference points)<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Model<\/th>\n<th>Type<\/th>\n<th>Diameter \/ Focal length \/ f-d<\/th>\n<th>With reducer (if available)<\/th>\n<th>Image circle announced<\/th>\n<th>Tube weight (approx.)<\/th>\n<th>Recommended use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>FMA135<\/td>\n<td>ED sextuplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>30 mm \/ 135 mm \/ f\/4.5<\/td>\n<td>-<\/td>\n<td>APS-C<\/td>\n<td>0.28 kg<\/td>\n<td>Ultra-nomadic, EAA, large fields<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FMA180 Pro<\/td>\n<td>ED sextuplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>40 mm \/ 180 mm \/ f\/4.5<\/td>\n<td>-<\/td>\n<td>APS-C<\/td>\n<td>0.8 kg<\/td>\n<td>Travel, wide fields, super-light setup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>50 EDPH<\/td>\n<td>Triplet air-spaced (0.84\u00d7)<\/td>\n<td>50 mm \/ 275 mm \/ f\/5.5<\/td>\n<td>231 mm f\/4.6<\/td>\n<td>\u00d855 mm<\/td>\n<td>1.0 kg<\/td>\n<td>Photo starter, nomad<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>71F<\/td>\n<td>Quadruplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>71 mm \/ 400 mm \/ f\/5.6<\/td>\n<td>-<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>2.0 kg<\/td>\n<td>Visual\/photographic all-rounder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>80 ED<\/td>\n<td>ED doublet (0.7\u00d7\/0.85\u00d7\/1.0\u00d7)<\/td>\n<td>80 mm \/ 560 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>392 mm f\/4.9 (0.7\u00d7) \/ 476 mm f\/5.9 (0.85\u00d7)<\/td>\n<td>APS-C<\/td>\n<td>2.0 kg<\/td>\n<td>Economical all-rounder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FRA300 Pro<\/td>\n<td>Quintuplet Petzval<\/td>\n<td>60 mm \/ 300 mm \/ f\/5<\/td>\n<td>-<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>3.7 kg<\/td>\n<td>Fast photo, flat field<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>65 PHQ<\/td>\n<td>Quadruplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>65 mm \/ 416 mm \/ f\/6.4<\/td>\n<td>312 mm f\/4.8 (reduc.)<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>3.9 kg<\/td>\n<td>Simple, high-performance combo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>80 PHQ<\/td>\n<td>Quadruplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>80 mm \/ 600 mm \/ f\/7.5<\/td>\n<td>456 mm f\/5.7<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>4.5 kg<\/td>\n<td>Versatility in the field\u201c<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>107 PHQ<\/td>\n<td>Quadruplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>107 mm \/ 740 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>- (reducer 0.7\u00d7 to \u2248 518 mm f\/4.9 depending on kit)<\/td>\n<td>\u00d860 mm<\/td>\n<td>7.3 kg<\/td>\n<td>Demanding photo\/visual value<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>120 APO<\/td>\n<td>Triplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>120 mm \/ 840 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>672 mm f\/5.6<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>6.5 kg<\/td>\n<td>High-contrast visual + full-format photo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>140 APO<\/td>\n<td>Triplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>140 mm \/ 980 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>- (reducer 0.8\u00d7 \u2248 784 mm f\/5.6)<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>8.8 kg<\/td>\n<td>Deep sky pro setup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>151 PHQ<\/td>\n<td>Quadruplet air-spaced<\/td>\n<td>151 mm \/ 1057 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>740 mm f\/4.9 (reduc.)<\/td>\n<td>-<\/td>\n<td>10.5 kg<\/td>\n<td>Large, demanding photo diameter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>203 APO<\/td>\n<td>Triplet air-spaced (EDx1)<\/td>\n<td>203 mm \/ 1421 mm \/ f\/7<\/td>\n<td>1036 mm f\/5.6<\/td>\n<td>\u00d844 mm<\/td>\n<td>23.5 kg<\/td>\n<td>Flagship: extreme resolution and sharpness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><small>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.<\/small><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"comment-choisir-vite\">\n<h3>How to decide in 3 steps<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Set the main use<\/strong> : pure visual \u2192 <em>APO<\/em> ; mixed \u2192 <em>PHQ \/ 71F \/ EDPH<\/em> ; photo \u2192 <em>FRA\/PHQ<\/em> ; very demanding photo \u2192 <em>SQA<\/em> (FMA for ultralight\/EAA).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check weight\/mounting compatibility<\/strong> target a payload <em>photo<\/em> comfortable (\u2248 50-70 % of the frame's manufacturer's capacity).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Allocate the overall budget<\/strong> : tube + corrector\/reducer + rings + mount + power supply + control (PC\/controller) + filters + diagonal\/oculars if visual.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"faq\">\n<h3>Quick FAQs<\/h3>\n<p><strong>FRA vs PHQ?<\/strong> FRA = fast photo (excellent with reducer, Petzval-type flat field depending on model). PHQ = visual\/photographic balance, comfortable native correction and simple mechanics.<\/p>\n<p><strong>APO vs SQA?<\/strong> APO = highly versatile \u201cworkhorse\u201d, economical for a given diameter. SQA = high performance \u201cphoto pure\u201d line with superior mechanical requirements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who is FMA for?<\/strong> Travel, EAA, wide framing, fast sessions. Perfect for light imaging (star trackers).<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"conclusion\">\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>Askar\/Sharpstar offers an easy-to-read range: <strong>APO<\/strong> for its visual appeal and diameter\/price ratio, <strong>PHQ<\/strong> for mixed use, <strong>FRA<\/strong> for fast photography, <strong>SQA<\/strong> for maximum performance, <strong>FMA<\/strong> for the ultra-portable. By combining <em>use<\/em>, <em>weight<\/em> and <em>budget<\/em>, You'll find the ideal scope to help you progress for a long time to come.<\/p>\n<p><em>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.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ce guide synth\u00e9tise et traduit les pages \u201cFind the Perfect Telescope\u2026\u201d d\u2019Askar\/Sharpstar (juillet 2025). Il vous aide \u00e0 choisir simplement votre lunette en fonction de votre objectif (visuel, astrophotographie ou mixte), de votre budget et du poids de l\u2019optique, avec des tableaux clairs et des conseils concrets. Pourquoi les lunettes Askar\/Sharpstar ? Gammes coh\u00e9rentes couvrant [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12508,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[851,850,852],"class_list":["post-10746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lunettes-apo","tag-askar","tag-choisir-une-lunette-askar","tag-sharpstar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10746"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10746\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12509,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10746\/revisions\/12509"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}