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$Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor$

$Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor - Image 2$

$Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor - Image 3$

Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor

Name: Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor
SKU: 16675
Availability: InStock

Original price was: $599.50.Current price is: $239.80.

Discover the Askar FRA400 Quintuplet APO Refractor! Elevate your stargazing—explore the universe with unparalleled clarity!

72 in stock

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Overview

The Askar FRA400: A Flat-Field Refractive Astrograph

This portable, Askar FRA Quintuplet series telescope is a premier astrograph designed to deliver quality flat-field images during astrophotography sessions. FRA, which stands for “Flat-Field Refractive Astrograph” provides built-in flat field correction. Askar has utilized a Petzval-like quintuplet design, with two lenses made of special extra-low dispersion ED glass on this 72 mm f/5.6 refracting optical tube. Full-frame imaging is supported, with a 44 mm image circle.

Using a design similar to Petzval means the OTA is excellent at controlling and diminishing chromatic aberration. This modern optical design includes a retractable dew shield and a 3″ rack-and-pinion, high-precision focuser with a 360-degree rotator. This is a very convenient feature, as it allows a connected camera or other accessory to be rotated to the best or most comfortable orientation. The focuser comes equipped with fine focus adjustment for obtaining desired focus for astro-imaging or visual observation.

Everything Needed to Integrate the FRA400 Into Your Astrophotography Setup

Included with the astrograph are a pair of red anodized tube rings with integrated carrying handle. Additional accessories include an M68 to M48 adapter, a 2″ to 1.25″ adapter, and a dovetail plate. With all accessories, the total weight of this system is slightly over six pounds, making it lightweight and portable.

Novel Quintuplet Optical Design
The Askar FRA400 adopts a novel, Petzval-like optical design. With a 72 mm aperture, this quintuplet refractor features 5 elements in a 3+2 configuration. Two of the three front elements are made from extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to significantly reduce chromatic and other aberrations. Additionally, there is built-in flat field correction, eliminating the need for an additional field flattener accesory.

Several Helpful Accessories Included
The FRA400 also comes with several accessories to help better integrate the optical tube to your astrophotography setup. Included with the optical tube are tube rings with carry handle, a rectractable dew shield, a 150 mm dovetail plate, an M68 to M48 adapter, a 2″ adapter, a 2″ to 1.25″ adapter, and a manual. Also integrated into the focuser is a 360-degree rotator, which allows you to rotate a connected camera or other accessory to the desired orientation.

Recommended: Askar f/3.9 Full-Frame Reducer (Sold Separately)
This full-frame reducer from Askar (sold separately) is designed to provide even greater performance out of the FRA400. The reducer reduces the field 0.7x, shortening the focal length to 280 mm and creating an f/3.9 system.

what our customer say this product:

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Based on 1 review

5 star	100	100%
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Donald P. Verified Buyer – 21 July 2024

Though I already own a 72mm doublet OTA with a focal length close to 450mm, the FRA400 was irresistible to me because it was a quintuplet design and I didn’t need to worry about a field flattener or backfocus. Additionally, the FRA400 is a little faster than the other scope, F/5.6 versus F/6.

So far, imaging sessions have exceeded my exp

ectations with three [3] DSO objects: North American Nebula, Pelican Nebula and the Veil Nebula complex. The FRA400 proved its worth on all three DSO imaging sessions. In my opinion, the best test case was shooting the Veil Nebula complex.

The only complaints I have with the FRA400 is that it does not come with a storage case and a tool [hex wrench provided] is required to open and close the mounting rings; an oversized knob is my preference for that chore. Still, the detractors aren’t enough for me to ding its star rating.

For each imaging session with the FRA400, the following equipment list was used.

Conditions
Sky: Bortle 7-8
Wind: calm
Average Start Temp: >80 Fahrenheit, >27 Celsius

Equipment
FRA400 OTA, 400mm FL
ZWO 2600MM Pro, Gain = 100, Cooling 0 Celsius
ZWO EFW with 2” Baader 6.5nm Ha, Sii, Oiii filters
ZWO ASIair Plus controller
ZWO EAF
ZWO ASI120MM guide camera
32mm guide scope, 120mm FL

Other Equipment Used
ZWO AM5 mount
ZWO TC40 tripod with 200mm pier extension
Power Supply – private assembly

In summary, this was money well spent. By adding the 0.7x reducer, I now have a 400mm OTA and a 280mm OTA. While the reducer awaits for skies to clear, the basic FRA400 is a real winner. Setup was quick and without any need to adjust for backfocus.