Askar FRA300 PRO Quintuplet Astrograph

Askar FRA300 PRO Quintuplet Astrograph

Since their introduction, Askar FRA short-focal-ratio astrographs have been highly praised by astronomy enthusiasts. The FRA300 Pro is the most compact in the series, a 60 mm F/5 Petzval astrograph offering a 300 mm focal length, the fastest native ratio in the FRA lineup.

Its star rendering is outstanding. At the center of the field, the RMS radius reaches 2 µm, satisfying even demanding users who care about sharp, well-defined stellar profiles. It performs excellently on full-frame sensors with a 44 mm image circle, making it a rare telescope in its class. Compared to F/6 or F/7 systems, F/5 effectively reduces exposure time, allowing more imaging in less time. Its compact OTA makes it ideal for portable astrophotography.

The FRA300 Pro uses a quintuplet air-spaced optical design with one ED glass element and full multi-coating to efficiently suppress stray light.

A key aspect is the rear lens group formed by two widely spaced elements, improving star quality, enhancing aberration correction, and providing excellent full-frame edge illumination control.

Thanks to its native Petzval configuration, no backfocus calculation is required. Simply focus within the designed range to achieve an optimally corrected field.

Mechanically, the FRA300 Pro features CNC-machined components with smooth coating and light anodising, both elegant and durable. Its mounting ring is lightweight and stylish. Despite higher production cost, every detail is engineered to deliver performance.

The 2.5-inch rack-and-pinion focuser is solid and refined, offering dual-speed control for coarse and fine adjustment. A universal M48 × 0.75 adapter is supplied along with M54 × 0.75 and M42 × 0.75 adapters for easy connection to imaging systems. A built-in 360-degree rotator provides convenient framing.

The FRA300 Pro includes a multifunction handle and a 300 mm Vixen-type dovetail plate compatible with many mounts. The handle accepts a standard finder base, and the dovetail ensures proper balance.

As the first Pro model released by Askar, FRA300 Pro extends the strong reputation of the FRA series. Its impressive performance, compactness, and ease of use make it a superb astrophotography companion offering excellent value.

Specifications FRA300PRO

• Aperture: 60 mm
• Focal length: 300 mm
• Focal ratio: f/5
• Objective type: air-spaced APO Petzval quintuplet including one ED glass element
• Image circle: 44 mm full frame

Maximum accessory connection (focuser fully racked in)

• Imaging mode: 71 mm from the base of the M42 × 0.75 thread
• Imaging mode: 67 mm from the base of the M48 × 0.75 thread
• Imaging mode: 71 mm from the base of the M54 × 1 thread
• Total length: 303 mm
• OTA weight: 2.26 kg
• Total weight with tube rings and dovetail: 3.12 kg
• Rear thread: M48 × 0.75 male

Package contents

• Tube ring
• Handle
• Askar 300 mm Vixen-type dovetail plate
• M54 × 0.75 adapter
• M42 × 0.75 adapter
• Manual