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telescopecomparison · 2-way

Askar 120APO vs SharpStar 100QII

Askar 120APO
Askar

120APO

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

SharpStar 100QII
SharpStar

100QII

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

Key differences

+53% focal length
+20% aperture
Slower by 1.5 f-stops

Specifications

SpecificationAskar 120APOSharpStar 100QII
Optics
TypeRefractorrefractor
Optical designTriplet APOQuadruplet astrograph
Aperture120mm100mm
Focal length840mm550mm
Native f/ratiof/7.0f/5.5
Image circle44mm44mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight8.5kg5.5kg
Advantages of Askar 120APO
  • Tighter framing — 840mm vs 550mm focal length
  • 20% more light-gathering aperture
Advantages of SharpStar 100QII
  • Wider field — 550mm vs 840mm focal length
  • Faster optics at f/5.5 vs f/7
  • Lighter (5.5kg vs 8.5kg) — easier to travel with
Best for — Askar 120APO
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — SharpStar 100QII
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Askar 120APO — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.46° × 1.64°Scale: 0.92"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.60° × 1.07°Scale: 0.92"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 0.77° × 0.77°Scale: 0.92"/px
SharpStar 100QII — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 3.75° × 2.50°Scale: 1.41"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.45° × 1.64°Scale: 1.41"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.18° × 1.18°Scale: 1.41"/px
Askar 120APO — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

SharpStar 100QII — recommended user

Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.

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