First light with the new Askar 65PHQ from Sharpstar Optics

In this video I setup the Askar 65PHQ and image the Pencil nebula for a first light with the ASI1600mmPro and Optolong 7nm narrowband filters.
#askar65phq
#pencil_nebula
#astrophotography
#astronomy
#nebula

[@Aero19612]

Ok, Logan, this is my last warning: Stop trying to tempt me with ultra cool Astro gear! That’s an awesome scope! I really like the optical designs that don’t require us to go out and buy a field flattener. And I really love the shorter focal length refractors. Such a pleasure to use. Didn’t read the other comments: can you rotate the scope and put the focuser on top so as to avoid using the stand-offs? If it works, it works. So, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Congrats, Logan!

[@LogansAstro]

Haha sorry about that. It’s a really nice scope and although I’ve only done a bit of imaging with it so far, I’m very impressed by it. Having good stars to the corners is fantastic as is not having to find just the right combination of spacers and extenders to get the back focus correct to the nearest half millimeter. Yes you can rotate with whole scope in the clamps so yes you can have the focuser on the top.

[@AlexN-Astro]

I just bought one of these based on your review and a few others I've seen... looks like an amazing scope for the money! Last time I built an astrophotography rig, something with a flat field and a ~400mm focal length would have been over $4000 aud.. basically the options were, Tak FSQ85 or FSQ106... I have never enjoyed trying to get perfect backfocus distance for flatteners/reducers, and so for this reintroduction to astrophotography, my prerequisites were: 1: flat field astrograph. 2: mono CCD with NB filters. 3: go overkill on the mount so I never have to think about it. I settled on the 65phq, sbig stf8300m with Antlia 3nm filters and a Losmandy g11... Really looking forward to the scope arriving so I can get out and test it all out!

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks for checking out the video Alex. I love the Askar 65PHQ so I hope you will love yours too. I have only ever seen people mention that it has a flat field (like mine) so I hopefully these scopes have consistent quality in this regard ( unlike the Redcat51 which is very hit an miss - my Redcat 51 does not have a flat field at all unfortunately). Not having to phaff around with backfocus is certainly a blessing. Sounds like you have things well sorted for the rig and I totally agree about going overkill on the mount because all the little bits and pieces you often end up adding to the rig (powerboxes, guide scopes etc etc) can start to add up in weight. Clear skies.

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Congrats on the new scope Logan and awesome first light!

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Joe. I was a bit of a quickie image but good enough for a first light. Currently imaging some dark nebulae with the scope so 🤞

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Hi Logan it certainly looks a great performer & nice that you don't have to worry about the back spacing to, we did see the pink version at the PAS last weekend.

[@LogansAstro]

Yeah Titch I'm really enjoying using this scope (imaging with it as I type this). James (DSO Imager) has the pink version.

[@AZ4Runner]

That field is very flat.. Super nice out of the box. Looking forward to more images out of that scope from New Zealand. Great first image. CS

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Jason. Yep I was very pleased to see all those nice round stars in the corners. I want to get that scope up north to the Bortle 3/4 skies as soon as time allows. Clear skies

[@AstroCrescentDIY]

That's a nice scope. Read and saw a lot of good things about this. Like the long dovetail. Hope you enjoy this new gadget. Wish you a lot of clear skies!!

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks very much. So far I am impressed with this scope so I'm looking forward to getting a lot more imaging time with it. Clear skies.

[@OlliesSpace]

Very good looking first light Logan and a nice target to try it on. Looks like a top little performer.

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Ollie. Yep it performed well on a quick test run. Now to really put it through its paces imaging the Dark Side.

[@Erniej270]

Congratulations on the new scope. Beautiful image. Unrelated to the scope, your location is absolutely spectacular. Happy photon hunting with the new scope.

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Ernie. Yes we are lucky to live where we do. 23 years ago we bought the "worst house in good street" and although we keep thinking of moving (mostly me looking for darker skies 😂), it would be hard to leave behind the view we have across the outer harbour. And it makes for a nice backdrop for videos 😄.

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Hi Logan, That is a fine-looking scope. That quintuplet lens sure generates a clean view all around. I agree that the handle is not needed and would be better equipped with a guide scope adapter. AWESOME HOO image! Also, I see the cat approves. Looking forward to when you post images from a dark moonless sky.

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Pat. So far I am really liking this scope and yes, Cocoa approves.

[@IcemanAstro]

I think the CEM 60 makes the scope looks even smaller 🤣🤣 some epic images that you have been capturing lately!! Clear skies

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Isaac. Yep, the CEM60 is definitely overkill for the Askar.

[@deepskysanctuary]

Nice Logan! That is a sweet scope. I just sold my Sharpstar 61EDPHII and it performed excellently on small sensors. Thinking of getting something more “premium” with similar aperture. This one is definitely in the running! Currently comparing to the FRA scopes.

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks. Never owned one of the FRA scopes but as far as I can tell from reviews, they are faster but the stars may not be quite so good as the PHQ series out at the corners. So far I am very happy with the 65PHQ from the few imaging sessions I have done (videos to follow). At some stage I would like to pair that scope with something like the ASI2600 but the ASI1600 will have to do for the moment. Clear skies.

[@nikaxstrophotography]

similar to my askar 300 but a longer focal length the whle askar range is a great range and value for money. thanks Logan

[@LogansAstro]

Yes I agree, Askar are making some really nice scopes and the price is pretty good.

[@scotiaastro]

Great video and promising start with the 65PHQ, mate! It looks a beauty and best of luck with it…sorry to hear about your disconnect issues with the ASIAIR…hope you get to the bottom of it…have a great week, buddy! 🔭📸

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks. The last few nights I've been running my setup with my Intel Nuc and NINA and no disconnections at all so it really does seem to point towards being a ASIAIR issue. I might get hold of ZWO and see if they have any ideas because I like the convenience of the ASIAIR, especially when I am imaging away from home. Clear skies.

[@derekbaker3279]

Hi Logan! Nice to see that you got some clear skies to test out your new 'toy'! 👍👍 Great choice for a first subject. I absolutely love that part of the southern sky, with the tangled web of the Vela SNR slicing in & around some really cool HII regions.😀 The final image you captured is gorgeous!👍👍(...BTW, I agree with you regarding the benefits of having an OTA which doesn't need a flattener/reducer...it's why I splurged for the RedCat 71...) One question: What is the Bortle rating for your skies there? Cheers! 😀

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks very much Derek. Yes that area around Vela is super rich in things to image both widefield and at longer focal length. Here at home I am a Bortle 5/6 which isn't too bad for living in a main city. However I am hoping to use the Askar as much as possible up north where I can image in Bortle 3/4 skies and make way around as many of the dark nebulae as I can.

[@donstronomy7606]

Logan, Great video. I am starting to like the Askar range. Would love to get my hands on one soon. Looks like a beautiful spot you have. Congrats on the image.

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Don. I've been able to do a bit more imaging with the scope and continue to be impressed with the results so I think Askar are producing some quality telescopes. Clear skies

[@SimonsAstro]

Hey Logan, that’s a super scope, I’m really liking the Askar brand and I also love the fact that you don’t have to worry about back focus or flattners! I do agree though, the handle is a pain as you can’t attach a guide scope on the top! I do love my FRA400 and the field is really flat with good stars right into the corners! And the rotator is a nice touch. Really nice first light image Logan👍 Shame about the ASIAIR! And thumbs up for the Donkey Kong T shirt, oh and nice puss😀 Clear skies!

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Simon. The Donkey Kong shirt was my road trip shirt from about 8yrs ago (value for money 😂). Donkey Kong was the very basic handheld console game I had when I was younger so had to have the shirt. Hopefully I sort out what is going wrong with the ASIAIR. Interestingly I don't get the disconnections between the mount and the Intel Nuc using the exact same cable so it's kind of pointing towards some sort of fault with the ASIAIR unfortunately. Cocoa likes to hang out when I do astro and very kindly doesn't rub up against or jump on the mount - good kitty.

[@SimonsAstro]

@@LogansAstro Don’t forget, the new Super Mario Bros movie featuring donkey kong out on 7th April😃 I remember those games consoles, unfortunately showing my age🤣 Btw, I missed Jason’s live stream, (2am) here, so just caught up, I heard him mention you might take a business trip to the states, would be great to see you visit Alpha Scorpii! Would make a great video mate!😀 CS

[@LogansAstro]

@@SimonsAstro My older son keeps sending me trailers of the new Mario movie and my younger son is right into the Mario games so it will be a must see. Funnily enough, I think I still have that little orange console here somewhere. I would love to head over to Alpha Scorpii and was looking at a "work" trip early next year but will have to see how the rest of the year pans out.

[@lukesastro2380]

Nice looking scope Logan, enjoy it!!

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Luke

[@nickambrose8606]

Nice image ! Can you not avoid the risers by rotating the scope in the rings ?

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks Nick. Yes definitely you can by rotating the telescope in the rings but I had the risers from another project I never completed so thought I’d use them here.

[@craiglowery4427]

Great review. How come there are no back focus limitation? Is this typical for small refractors? I come from a world of big SCTs with strict back focus requirements.

[@LogansAstro]

It uses a Petzval design, somewhat similar to the Redcat 51

[@mr.f.9672]

Interesting video. Did you consider fra400 also? Is it possible to replace the handle bar with any dovetail to put on the guidescope instead? Do you have any negative side effects when guiding is attached at the finder shoe?

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks. I did consider the FRA400 but from different reviews, I heard the PHQ series, although slower than the FRA series, had better stars out to the corners. I'm using a small QHY guide scope(130mm) and it seems to be working well on the finder shoe but would definitely rather have it on the top of the scope. Haven't looked for a replacement dovetail saddle for the handle as yet. Clear skies

[@DSOImager]

I've been looking forward to seeing your thoughts on the scope. I've yet to try narrowband with mine.. looks like it worked out real well. Quick question on the filters.. in the video you said you used 7nm optolong but the video description says 3nm Antlia. I've started collecting 36mm filters for this one and have been looking at Chroma. They have 8nm, 5nm, and 3nm options. I'm thinking 5nm (already have a 5nm s2)... Given the slowish F ratio.. I'm wondering if a larger bandpass would be a better option (not to mention less expensive!). Thoughts?

[@LogansAstro]

Thanks James for pointing that out (corrected now). Yes it is the 7nm Optolongs - got too many different sets of filters and I get them all confused sometimes (old age is a terrible thing 🤣). I would like to use something narrower narrowband filters with this scope also but just trying to justify buying yet another set of filters. Oh hang on, I can sell the old ones. I would love some Chroma filters but with what our dollar is worth, they cost about a bazillion $NZ....... each. Yeah I'm not sure about the ratio and larger bandpass but in my case I think the $$$ would be deciding factor.

[@TareqAstroPhoton]

I started with Astrodon Ha 5nm then Optolong 7nm filters as a set [Ha 7nm OIII/SII 6.5nm], but through years i felt i don't like Optolong 7nm filters much, and later on i added more filters as 3nm, now i still can't decide if i should keep my old 7nm filters or not, narrower is better for me under B8/9, but it is also type of scopes, some said if i go faster like F3 or f2 then 7nm could be a better option than 7nm or even broader bandpass, my lenses are fast, i don't very fast scopes except F4, with a reducer i can go up to F3, so the filters to stay or go is all depends on the setup i will use it for.

[@deepdiver0101]

Does the 5th lens residen in the focuser or no? My fra300 has it's 5th element right near the end of the focuser, part of the two element correction but actually moves when focusing, which is interesting. The 80phq and bigger don't have a 5th element, curious where it is in the 65.

[@LogansAstro]

To he honest I'm not entirely sure. Looking at the diagram they show on the website of the lens setup, they only seem to show 4 lens components that I can identify so I'm not really sure where the 5th one resides.

[@deepdiver0101]

@@LogansAstro thanks, if you get a chance can you look at the back with the imaging train off, to see if there is glass right up at the end? I'd send a pic of the fra300 but don't know how to attach one 😄 to a comment, maybe not possible

[@helljumper5586]

Heya, I got 2 questions for you. Did you get the scope locally or from overseas? I have up until know dabbled in stacked images. But last month got myself a Star Adventurer GTI mount. I find it impossible to polar align the darn thing and instead I hold my phone to the polar scope so that it’s flat against it and open Stellarium and dial in Alt and Az till the celestial pole is as centred as I can get it. I have managed 20s exposures with pinpoint stars this way. Any tips? I just have a full frame DSLR and 70-200 f2.8 lens so don’t have fancy things to do plate solving etc etc. will eventually built up a kit but as you know everything is mega expensive when you live in nz

[@LogansAstro]

Yes, sadly everything costs megabucks in NZ and if you try to get something from overseas that isn't even available here, import taxes/fees/GST stings. I bought the telescope from Testar in Australia and at least they take off their GST (10%) which helps with the pain of paying our fees on arrival. Since the Star Adventurer is a goto equatorial mount, have you considered controlling everything with an ASIAIR? Since you are using a DSLR, my understanding is that the ASIAIR will work with Canon, Nikon and now Sony DSLRs and it can take you through the whole polar align process pretty painlessly and then you should also be able to get longer exposures. With a full frame DSLR being a very wide field setup, I imaging you could then get away without guiding (depending on how long you want to expose) and then later, when funds allow, get a small guidescope and ZWO guide camera like the ASI120mono mini. I am currently using the ASKAR with the ASIAIRPlus (don't get the Pro, it has crap wifi range) once I replaced the old RS232 serial adapter cable for one that is direct to USB to the ASIAIR and it is working very well now.

[@helljumper5586]

@@LogansAstro oh I didn’t realise the asiair would work with a dslr. Thanks heaps for that suggestion. I will order one I think.

[@kalebanderson6564]

Hey Logan, I think you sold me on this scope! I was comparing this to the fra300 and fra400 and it seems like I can kinda get both with this scope+reducer for the same price as the fra400. This will be my first telescope as well!

[@LogansAstro]

Hi Kaleb. From my experience so far with this scope, I think you've made a great choice. If you combine it with the reducer then yes, you will get something comparable to the specs of the FRA300. Just be aware that focal reducers can produce wonky stars towards the corners and I've seen that demonstrated on the reducers for the 80PHQ and 130PHQ and I think, unfortunately, it is quite common for reducers in general to do that (but may reflect the lottery we get with the variable quality of astro gear aimed as us amateur astronomers). However, I have high hopes that the up and coming new version of BlurXterminator (for Pixinsight) will be able to deal with these wonky stars much better than the current version. Have fun with this crazy (and addictive) hobby of astro and clear skies.

[@cryhavoc38]

so which one to chose. The Askar FRA300, or the Askar 65PHQ ?

[@LogansAstro]

I guess it comes down to speed vs good stars in the corners and which is more important.