Astrophotoguru · Compare

telescopecomparison · 2-way

Askar FRA600 vs Askar SQA85

Askar FRA600
Askar

FRA600

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

Askar SQA85
Askar

SQA85

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a portable travel rig.

Key differences

+20% focal length
+27% aperture

Specifications

SpecificationAskar FRA600Askar SQA85
Optics
TypeRefractorrefractor
Optical designPetzval Quintuplet APOQuadruplet astrograph FPL-51
Aperture108mm85mm
Focal length600mm500mm
Native f/ratiof/5.6f/5.8
Image circle60mm52mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight7.8kg4.4kg
Advantages of Askar FRA600
  • Tighter framing — 600mm vs 500mm focal length
  • 27% more light-gathering aperture
  • Larger image circle (60mm) — supports bigger sensors
Advantages of Askar SQA85
  • Wider field — 500mm vs 600mm focal length
  • Lighter (4.4kg vs 7.8kg) — easier to travel with
Best for — Askar FRA600
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Askar SQA85
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Askar FRA600 — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 3.44° × 2.29°Scale: 1.29"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.24° × 1.50°Scale: 1.29"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.08° × 1.08°Scale: 1.29"/px
Askar SQA85 — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 4.13° × 2.75°Scale: 1.55"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.69° × 1.80°Scale: 1.55"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.29° × 1.29°Scale: 1.55"/px
Askar FRA600 — recommended user

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

Askar SQA85 — recommended user

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a portable travel rig.

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