Askar FRA400C Quintuplet APO Refractor
Powerful Optics, Versatile Design. The Askar FRA400C APO Telescope!
A new member of the Askar FRA series, this iteration of the FRA400 is designed to deliver outstanding performance for a wide variety of uses! The quintuplet design of the FRA400C provides sharp, pinpoint stars for astrophotography, while the helical focuser and adjustable aperture resembles that of a camera lens for an easy switch to daytime photography. You can also view the night sky in stunning clarity with the included visual adapters. However you may choose to utilize this premium refractor, Askar has set you up for success.
Like the other models within the Askar FRA line, the five internal lenses provide incredible color accuracy and high contrast sights. Be stunned by the level of clarity delivered, whether you’re shooting the Andromeda Galaxy, capturing wildlife, or marveling at our Moon through an eyepiece. This Petzval lens design also means there’s no need to fumble with backspacing calculations for astrophotography—simply attach your camera and you’re ready to go! As long as your telescope can reach focus, the stars from corner to corner will be sharp and in-focus as well. Numerous quality of life aspects further enhance your experience with this FRA400C, such as the retractable lens hood, multiple finder bases, and a four-piece photographic adapter. Also included is a Vixen dovetail bar, and a multi-functional handle that seamlessly attaches to photographic tripods, making this Askar refractor a highly adaptable, multifaceted system!
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Optimal for Astrophotography, Daytime Photography, and Visual Astronomy!
If you’re struggling to make a decision between purchasing a camera lens or a telescope, the Askar FRA400C provides the best of both worlds! Blending the familiarity of a camera lens with the power of a telescope, you have near limitless observing possibilities. The 400 mm focal length is ideal for viewing and capturing large deep space objects, such as the beautiful Orion Nebula or the intricate Pleiades Open Star Cluster. This focal length is also great for imaging distant subjects during the day, such as wildlife, and the adjustable aperture gives you creative flexibility in your photographic endeavors. Soak in the light at f/5.6 for astrophotography, or if capturing terrestrial scenes, you have the ability to stop down all the way to f/22. Also, the entire OTA can be rotated to help you find the perfect framing. Simply loosen the rotator locking screw, adjust your camera’s orientation, then lock it down to hold its position in place. The Askar FRA400C is full frame compatible, and houses M48, M54, and M72 adapters for seamless camera attachment. You can even add a 2” filter with the built-in filter adapter! Speaking of adapters, Askar has included 1.25” and 2” visual adapters for use with just about any eyepiece on the market today. When it comes to mounting this Askar FRA400C, easily attach it to a tripod with the M6, 1/4”, or 3/8” threaded holes found at the bottom of the handlebar, or affix it to your equatorial mount with the included 290 mm Vixen-style dovetail plate.
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A Feature-Packed Refractor Fit for Any Event
By marrying high performance optics with a multifaceted design, the Askar FRA400C APO Telescope is a valuable tool for those looking for a telescope suitable for any occasion. Read on as we explore more of what this Askar refractor offers, highlighting its light collecting power, the included focuser, and the host of upgrades available!
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Quintuplet Petzval Lens Structure
As mentioned above, the Askar FRA400C features five internal lenses, two of which are made of ED glass. This optical design corrects the incoming light to a high degree of precision, ensuring each color comes to focus in tandem. The resulting views and images present next-level clarity, revealing stunning detail on nebulous structures and galactic features, as well as Earthly subjects and scenes. Thanks to the Petzval lens design, there is no need to purchase an additional field flattener, as a flat field is inherent when imaging with this telescope. Even across the large, 44mm image circle, you can expect sharp stars from edge to edge! The icing on the cake? There is no need to fumble with backfocus calculations, enabling you to get out and imaging in no time.
Smooth, Precise Focusing
Providing focus is a single-speed helical focuser. With the included locking screw, you not only have the ability to lock in your desired focus, but you can also alter this focuser’s resistance to movement. This mechanism enables you to make fine focus adjustments for sharp, crisp details within your images and eyepiece. Additionally, loosening the locking screw allows for quick adjustments, making it wonderful for wildlife photography. This focuser utilizes MXL-type synchronous gears, ideal for smooth, consistent motion, and is compatible with MXL timing belts for use with electronic focusers.
Optional 0.7x Reducer
If you’re looking to widen your field of view, Askar has developed a 0.7x reducer (not included) to pair with your FRA400C! This reducer adopts a triplet lens design, provides a flat, 44 mm image circle, and shortens the 400 mm focal length to 280 mm. This broader perspective opens the doors to capturing expansive scenes, such as the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, the rich hydrogen fields in Cygnus, and the colorful nebulae near the Milky Way Core. It also brings the native focal ratio of f/5.6 down to f/3.9 for speedier light collection. The rear of this reducer includes a M48*0.75 adapter, which accepts 2” filters for your convenience.
A Host of Inclusions
Enhancing your experience, the Askar FRA400C is ergonomically designed, housing numerous ease-of-life upgrades! For one, the tube ring includes four sets of M4 and M6 threaded holes for seamless accessory attachment. Two finderbases come standard within this package as well. At the rear of this scope, you’ll find M48, M54, and M72 camera adapters along with a built-in 2” filter adapter. Furthering versatility is the added 1.25” and 2” visual adapters. A multifunctional handle is preinstalled on this FRA400C, enabling convenient transport when the scope is upturned. This handle attaches to the included 290 mm Vixen-style dovetail plate, and also houses multiple threaded holes (M6, 1/4", and 3/8") for tripod adaptation.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Achieving Perfect Focus with a Bahtinov Mask |
| Autoguiding |
| Telescope Mount Buying Guide |
| No Fuss Astrophotography Telescopes for Beginners |
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