Astrophotoguru · Compare

telescopecomparison · 2-way

William Optics GT 102 vs Askar FRA500

William Optics GT 102
William Optics

GT 102

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

Askar FRA500
Askar

FRA500

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a backyard imaging setup.

Key differences

+41% focal length
+13% aperture
Slower by 1.3 f-stops

Specifications

SpecificationWilliam Optics GT 102Askar FRA500
Optics
TyperefractorRefractor
Optical designApo triplet FPL-53Petzval Quintuplet APO
Aperture102mm90mm
Focal length703mm500mm
Native f/ratiof/6.9f/5.6
Image circle44mm60mm
Full-frame supportYesYes
Physical
Weight5.6kg5.4kg
Advantages of William Optics GT 102
  • Tighter framing — 703mm vs 500mm focal length
  • 13% more light-gathering aperture
Advantages of Askar FRA500
  • Wider field — 500mm vs 703mm focal length
  • Faster optics at f/5.6 vs f/6.9
  • Larger image circle (60mm) — supports bigger sensors
Best for — William Optics GT 102
  • Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Askar FRA500
  • Large emission nebulae and star clusters
  • Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
William Optics GT 102 — typical FOV & scale
  • With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 2.93° × 1.96°Scale: 1.10"/px
  • With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 1.92° × 1.28°Scale: 1.10"/px
  • With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)
    FOV: 0.92° × 0.92°Scale: 1.10"/px
Askar FRA500 — 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
William Optics GT 102 — recommended user

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

Askar FRA500 — recommended user

Best suited for beginners and wide-field enthusiasts running a backyard imaging setup.

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