The BEST $599 Telescope for Astrophotography? Askar 71F Review

In this video, I review the Askar 71F telescope for astrophotography. Master light files of final image shown are available for my amazing Patreon members - thank you!: / sarahmathsastro
Special thanks to Nico Carver ‪@NebulaPhotos‬ for his images and recommendations!
Affiliate links to Askar 71F Telescope + more :) (thank you!!)
Askar 71F
-HPS: bit.ly/486cayW
-Agena: bit.ly/4dKdUQc
Dual-narrowband Filter
-Amazon: amzn.to/4eXn0cI
Askar 71F Reducer
-HPS: bit.ly/485iuXr
-Agena: bit.ly/46KnPTB
AM5N Mount + Tripod
-HPS: bit.ly/4dGL1nn
-Agena: bit.ly/487FJQR
AM3 Mount + Tripod
-HPS: bit.ly/4dJaRHt
-Agena: bit.ly/47sHsPI
Dedicated Astro Camera:
-HPS: bit.ly/3YnRP5c
-Agena: bit.ly/3YqHvZV
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#astrophotography #astronomy #deepspace #deepsky #nebula #beginners #spacephotography #galaxy #moonphotograpy
Affiliate Links:
I am an affiliate partner with Agena Astro, High Point Scientific, and Amazon. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you use them to make a qualifying purchase. This supports the channel so I can continue creating videos. Thank you for your support!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

If you would like to support this channel further, please consider becoming a Patron ❤ www.patreon.com/c/SarahMathsAstro

[@blaxton5280]

Not many have caught on to this refractor, yet. Thanks for making this video! I've shot M33, Iris, and Wizard so far with great results. I just got the reducer and imaged the Heart Nebula the other day. The stars were indeed pinpoint across the entire field with both configurations on my 533MC Pro.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I’m very surprised other haven’t caught on either. I’m also happy to hear that you’ve had such great results with/ without the reducer and also with the 533MC. Cheers

[@Naztronomy]

Great review! I've been using my 71F for almost 6 months now and it's amazing. The reducer makes it even better. Pairs nicely with both my IMX533 sensor and Crop sensor cameras.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you! That’s awesome to hear all around ☺️

[@gghana]

I always really enjoy your reviews. The humour and not taking things too seriously is very appealing. And you know your stuff! Keep it up.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, I appreciate your feedback and support :)

[@guycooke314]

Thanks Sarah! You are very thorough and your comments are important for those looking at this scope or really any refractor being considered. Good day….

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I’m glad they are helpful!!

[@walterwadlow9438]

Thanks!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Wow! Thank you so much for the generous gift, Walter!

[@MrLuke1970]

Hello Sarah I'm an happy owner of the 71F and i can confirm it's one of the best if not the best scope in a price/performance prospective. Very nice results with or without the reducer. Actually Askar is making very well rounded telescopes regarding build quality and optical performance. Hint send another nice letter to them asking to review their brand new SQA 85 telescope. Clear skies 😊

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hello Luke, that’s amazing! So glad everything has been working well for you. Thanks for sharing your experience, that’s very helpful! And, I may just have to send that letter 😉

[@sanjeevgautam2452]

Can you please compare the sharpstar 61 whith this one

[@Mickken]

I love your channel. I'm an underwater photographer. I'm a beginner in astrophotography, and I really love to learn. Thank you, teacher! I'm from Mexico City.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you! That's so cool you're an underwater photographer. Seems like you're intrigued with everything from the depths of the ocean to space :) cheers from the US

[@CURTIS-W5CER]

How do you only have 32k subscribers? You're absolutely great. Your sense of humor is just perfect... at least to me anyway. Anyway, good job. Keep doing what you do.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That’s super kind of you! Thank you :)

[@LuiszDiaz]

I'm starting with deep space astrophography and the 71F is my first scope dedicated to that job (I have a Mak for planets and surfaces), love it so much, I found the perfect balance in it. I love to see the potencial that scope have, and your review just give me a good path to follow in matter of assembly and workflow, thanks a lot and cheers!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

This is excellent! I'm so excited for you and happy this video could be helpful along your journey. Thanks so much and cheers to you, too!

[@jessfritsche]

I’ve been aiming for this scope ever since it was announced and I cannot wait to get my hands on one…Thanks for covering it!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I hope you get the chance, Jess! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers

[@Crimsonyte21]

Hi Sarah, just wanted to let you know that I've taken the plunge and bought this telescope as my first. My current system is Askar 71F, HEQ5 Pro Mount, ZWO 2600MC Pro, ASIAIR, with a guidescope and camera for autoguiding. Thank you for this review. This telescope really called out to me for some reason, and I'm so happy I bought it. In a few years time, I'm hope to get a much large aperture and focal length telescope to image those smaller object in space. Hope you will have some recommendations for me in the future as well.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Congratulations!! Can’t wait to see some images :) cheers!

[@matthewnewton8812]

Reading that letter to Sharpstar was just delicious. I love your clever and irreverent way of using the English language.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Haha, thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm always looking for excuses to use some semblance of olde English.

[@nevadaxtube]

I really enjoy your poise and personal presence. You are confident and articulate which is very appealing. Cheers to you. Andrew

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Andrew!

[@AstroDenny]

Great content, as always. I've always found the Askar made stuff to be pretty good. I was surprised to see that it came with visual stuff. Anyway, you covered all the important points on this and the star quality was really impressive at that price point. Thanks for sharing and have an amazing day.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Denny. I was surprised, too. I think it's neat for a quad that you can do observation with it since that's not always the case. Thanks for taking the time to watch and for your much appreciated feedback. I hope you have an amazing day too!

[@donatienhainaut6000]

Nice and useful review. I've just bought it and the first results are really promising. Sharp images and crip colors of Andromeda, Pleiades and Veil Nebula. Waiting for beter weather for further tests. Thanks! This would be great to test the new focal reducer.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Happy to hear this was useful and congrats on the new scope! That's awesome that you've been able to image with it a bit and that the results have been promising. Hopefully the weather cooperates soon! I've heard great things about the reducer so far from a few people that have it. I may get it myself. Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Cheers, Sarah

[@roderickwho1983]

"Quantumy" ? Love it :-) you caused my wave function to collapse ! ;-) Very helpful video, thanks Sarah

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Absolutely perfect response, thank you!!

[@eottoe2001]

Yes!

[@stevenhoward7083]

I ordered mine 2 days ago from High Point. I have a pmc8 EQ mount. I can’t wait to get this.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Oh heck ya! Congrats!!

[@ToddChevrier]

Hi Sarah! Great job on the video. I first saw this telescope from Nico's video and I am a seasoned astrophotographer. I was looking for a smaller 2nd telescope to get larger celestial object as it is a pain to do mosaic with the ASI294MC PRO and 8" Newtonian....too time consuming and clear skies in Wisconsin don't happen too often. I opted for this telescope and the ASI2400MC PRO with the ASI AM3 mount. This was the best decision ever. I have some jaw dropping images posted over on Facebook and I'll soon be uploading to my astrobin.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hi Todd! Thank you, I’d love to see the images if you get a chance to share. I’m stoked that your setup has been paying dividends :)

[@christiandwindt]

I am so glad I came across this video. I was looking for something to get that was not too expensive, but also checks all the boxes. Finally, after many weeks of searching, I have found a telescope with a multi use handle that I can attach my cat to.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

It's the last part that is the real gamechanger. The innovation of this telescope due to the multi use handle bar + cat attachment is truly revolutionary. I think you'll be most pleased with this scope - as will your cat (...maybe) :D

[@MrFunkinPure]

That is a lovely image. Great, concise and detailed review as well.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you :D

[@old_photons]

Just a quick watch for me (not in the market) but focused more on the final 1/3rd of your video - how it performed. A solid assessment. Nice work Sarah!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks for taking the time to watch even still! Appreciate it!

[@old_photons]

​@@SarahMathsAstro You just had to lure me in? 1]) Can of anti-matter 2) Olde English letter appealing to Askar 3) Special effects! 4) Cat accessory for the not so functional - multi-functional handle - I see what you mean here... bwah-ha-ha

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@old_photons I just couldn’t resist :)

[@starrtraveler29]

@@old_photons Cat accessory should be number one on the list ;)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@starrtraveler29 I 100% agree :)

[@thefailedastronomer7407]

I love that you incorporated Agile methodology into your review. And please tell me that was the actual letter you sent to the telescope manufacturer. That would be hilarious. Absolutely love your videos.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Agile is life :D

[@PatrickManley]

The question is --- what does the astrophotography backlog look like? Fantastic!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

😂 Will need to discuss at the retro!

[@nikaxstrophotography]

The final image of the lagoon was stunning looks like a great little scope!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That’s very kind of you, thank you!

[@Astro_Shed]

Great review, I too have just reviewed this scope and it’s superb, especially with the new reducer attached, I find it’s very very close in quality to my Esprit 100…👍🏻

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That is most excellent to hear! I have yet to test the reducer. Glad that it’s performing so well!

[@MajesticFlights]

Great review!!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Aww, thanks!

[@MajesticFlights]

@@SarahMathsAstro😀👍👍

[@keithhanssen7413]

Another super-thorough review 😊

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Keith!

[@ncironjohn4336]

Love my 71F. Home run for Askar.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That's awesome to hear! Congrats on the new scope :)

[@Wheeljack678]

I thought this was a really good review. I enjoyed watching this. Your goofiness and lovely sense of humor really adds to the entertainment-value as well as the educational. The Askar really looks like a great starter-scope with a focal length appropriate for many objects, as well as a forgiving f-ratio. F/6.9 is not that bad - especially not in the world of guiding and long exposures. (I currently have an 80ED which with reducer is brought down to f/6.3)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I couldn’t agree more with you about the framing and focal ratio. I hope your 80ED has been treating you well!

[@Jim-hq1sj]

I look forward to all your videos. Do you have plans to review the new Celestron origin any time soon?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Jim! That means a lot. I'm not currently, but would be open if the opportunity came about. It looks interesting.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Another great video, Sarah.... Nice scope, but where did you find that can of antimatter? My Ace Hardware is sold out. Thanks, Michael

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Michael! My friends got it for me from Meow Wolf!

[@michaeledmonds3027]

@SarahMathsAstro Thanks for the source... maybe don't open it unless you're working on spaceship propulsion. Take care

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@michaeledmonds3027 that’s what I’m saving it for :) cheers!

[@kyonru]

Well, I now know which telescope I’ll be buying! Thank you so much!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I hope you enjoy it, whichever one you choose ;) Thank you!

[@garyb6219]

That was really well done. Thanks for your hard work and clear explanation. I liked the USD in red, white and blue, nice touch. Also, I was out of snacks, so I popped open a cold 5% beverage. Snacks are better. Take care.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Gary! And good eye (or, eyes?) you have there. I was really trying to add a bit of flare with that color choice, lol. Snacks though, are indeed better than having no snacks... in my life experience :) Cheers!

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

Wow!! I'm going to buy myself a can of Antimatter this weekend! Thanks so much for the inspiration.☢☣💥

[@SarahMathsAstro]

All in the service of antimatter :D enjoy!

[@jimcarter2092]

Another great review sarah, i was looking into buying another scope with A little more focal length than my askar Fma180 pro and my redcat 51. And for the price, the askar 71f will be a great Addition. Thanks for the review! 😊

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Jim! I think you’ll enjoy it ☺️

[@kensegel5909]

Great video, Thank you for reviewing this scope.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you and thanks for stopping by!

[@SDNoel73]

Awesome video, as usual! This is making the short list for possible purchase in the future.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Aww, thanks! It’s a wonderful telescope 🔭

[@GodfatherAstro]

Great review as always!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks so much!!

[@tonyrobinson3744]

Great video thats what I'm looking for. That will go great with my new Star Adv GTI.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks! I need to test it on the GTI but specs-wise it seems till do just fine.

[@nancyricigliano19]

Awesome presentation as always 🙌🙌

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Nancy!! :)

[@longhornastro]

Great video Sarah. Sorry I was so critical on the comments I made on a video back in August This one is very good please keep up the good work

[@SarahMathsAstro]

No apology necessary, feedback is all always welcome! Thanks for coming back to watch. Cheers!

[@beaudamien]

Hello Sarah, I have a ? Did you ever try out the Dwarf 3 smart telescope yet?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hi there, yes I have. I'll have a video out on it in the next couple of months. Do you have any specific question about it I can maybe answer here though?

[@bobdabuilder5713]

Lovely review. I'm adding this to my wish list. ( 15:17 you miss labeled the 1/4" and 3/8" screw holes, I think. 3/8" would be the larger one. ) Doesn't change anything. Just nit picking. 😉

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Lollll thank you! 🤣 great catch!

[@d.fresh.750]

You almost made your very own SpaceCat!!! Nice, thorough review Sarah!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Almost!!! Haha, thank you!

[@jamiboothe]

I don`t need any more telescopes, but you make this one so tempting, from your review.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

It’s just one of those scopes!

[@AstralviewsUK]

Excellent review, Sarah.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you! :)

[@MrKhagol]

go go power ranger..woohoo-good to see another ranger fan. 🤗 nice review. it looks like compared to my FRA 300 quintuplet (60mm)-to make it economical-they've really cut corners on side things except tube and lens part. which is surprising in that they can lower down such cost. the flower pattern or the other microlensing pattern was kind of interesting to see-haven't seen that before and didn't know it existed like that if uv/ir isn't used. thanks for pointing that out. p.s. didn't know the cats are willing to go in place for guide scope-I should've tried that with my neighbor's cat that one time..🤣

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Alway an honor to meet another fan! And I think you're spot on about the FRA 300 comparison. With any cat, it depends on how they feel microsecond to microsecond, but they come around eventually :)

[@scotiaastro]

Great review Sarah! Looks like a nice wee scope and really versatile...I'm looking at one of the PHQ series for my next wide field rig...happy imaging and hope you managed to see Comet A3! :)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

A nice wee scope, indeed! You also can’t go wrong with the PHQ series. Thank you! I was able to image the comet earlier in the week. Loved your latest Reel! Cheers!

[@Skygazer-7]

Impressive, you’re very knowledgeable. Way beyond my little brain. Good open box and presentation 🤗

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Just lots of experience! Thanks for stopping by!

[@brucecenterwall1270]

As always, a great review. It is nice to know that you can mount a kitty on the handlebar 😄 Is that a moire' pattern at 29:34 ?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Bruce! Yes, although, I found that the kitty did not take kindly to the handlebar after too long (like, not even a second, ha!). But yes, apparently it's moire. From what Sharpstar is saying. I've never come across it before, or at least if I have, I wasn't being a pixel peeper and didn't come across it. Any other ideas of what it could be?

[@brucecenterwall1270]

Hmmm, did you have any filters touching each other..... or could it be an electronic interference onto your camera sensor ?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@brucecenterwall1270 no, no filters. Good thinking though

[@thomasphennigan]

“ That would be kind of quantumy “ 😂😂… Great review Sarah !

[@SarahMathsAstro]

:'D thanks Thomas!

[@viewintospace]

Great review Sarah!!!!! What I‘m curious, thinking about an FRA500 - which is more than double as expensive - do you see any advantage besides that it is a bit faster which would still justify paying so much more?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you, Sascha!! You’re exactly right. I think the focal ratio is the selling point for the FRA500 / the larger objective, and the higher-end finishings of the tube and accessories. With the larger objective and faster focal ratio, it probably made sense to go with a quint design and two ED elements for color correction purposes. Whereas the 71F being a quad and has just the one ED glass. It’s crazy how much glass is!

[@joec4655]

YAY... ❤ your videos. Well done and informative.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Aww, thank you! ☺️

[@PatrickManley]

Yeah so if I didn't have a 70mm trip (really a quad after the field flattener...lol), you would have talked me into this. Great review. Great telescope. Enjoy! Also the dino planter is fantastic, and you should provide a link to the can of anti-matter in the details!. Thanks Sarah - great stuff. As someone else already said ANTIMATTER!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Patrick! Haha, I’ll have to find a link to those both. I got the antimatter from my friend from Meow Wolf Las Vegas. But also… ANTIMATTER! Cheers

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

Nice review and a good deal indeed.. It does however not come near to the Altair Altair 70 EDQR F5 Quad, with S-fpl53 optics. And also given clouds often, you need to squeeze out every hour you can, where the F5 in the Altair is Twice as fast.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks! The Altair is like the Askar 71F if it were built with the reducer and better glass, at higher price point but still decent. Nice!

[@av-ji9qy]

Ms. Sarah excellent video ....always very through....so at the beginning of the video the scope is mounted on ?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you so much ☺️ I was mounting it to the AM5N. But I’ve also tested it with the AM3 with great results!

[@stefanschneider3681]

1:27 love it 😍! Is this English like 300 years ago? And did you really send it 😉🤣? Got my 71F a few days ago and my first impression is ... WHOW!! For me it replaces a stock telephoto-lens with my Canon 90D on a star tracker (SA GTi), so it was kind of expected it would outperform this one. But this kind of sharpness really blew me away!! Thx for the video.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Haha, probably some time around there, or maybe even before! It's still how I talk to myself sometimes lol. I did not send that though, I should have! but wow!! Congrats on the scope! I'm stoked that you've been having such awesome results with it. Was it weird going from a camera lens to telescope at all in terms of your workflow?

[@stefanschneider3681]

@@SarahMathsAstro Not really, I have my StarAdventurer for over 2 years and it just blows my mind again and again what is possible with just a camera, a star tracker and some experience 🤩. But I expect the postprocessing to be easier. With camera and lenses there are limitations where I sometimes struggle to find a way around, especially with wide field lenses. But they are great fun anyway! But as you say in the video, this 590 is really a "sweet spot", not too demanding, but still very much "deep sky".

[@bryandraughn9830]

Wow! This is great! Thank you!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you!

[@bigguix]

the voyager plaque ! i have some of the imagery of them as tattoos !

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That is amazing!

[@lukomatico]

What a super video Sarah!! - Really well done! :-D Clear skies to you!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Luke, you gem, you! Thank you! I was just finishing your newest galaxy processing video - excellent as always! I hope you and Chloe (and baby) are doing well. Clear skies to you all!

[@lukomatico]

@@SarahMathsAstro Ah you're too kind! Thank you :-D Everything is OK here for us, we just feel a little like we're in the 'waiting room' now as his due-date approaches, haha! Thanks for asking, Hope you and yours are well too!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I’m sure there are lots of emotions about, so exciting though! Can’t wait for an update and hoping all goes well of course 🫶 and thank you, we’re doing well!

[@hangerbird]

Great review. I was all set to order one, but the weight is too my for my SW Adventurer. I'll have to up grade my tracker before I could get something like this.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Ahh, what mount are you looking into?

[@hangerbird]

@@SarahMathsAstro Either this AM3 or the AM5

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Both great options and suitable for this scope. Let me know when the time nears if you have any questions

[@GlennZucman]

Astro-noob here what's the difference between a telescope like this and a 490mm photography lens? Does it have qualities that my Sony 200-600mm lens does not? The telescope looks very exciting and I'd like to give it a try. I'd use a full frame Sony a7c that was recently Astro-Modified. I have an old, heavy Gitzo tripod that I think would be fine with the weight. I'd need an equatorial mount - is there something I could use that doesn't have a higher price tag than this lens? Thanks for your informative and inspiring video!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hey Glenn! Apologies for my delayed response. I have been slowly getting caught up with messages/ comments since being out of town for a workshop. Thanks for the great question - the main difference would be the level of correction at the price point between a telescope like this and a comparable focal length camera lens. For $599, it's very well corrected in terms of color (no chromatic aberration) and a flat field of view (no stretched out stars in the corners) - all very important aspects when it comes to deep space astrophotography. The other difference would be that the telescope comes configured with the dovetail bar and some of the other accessories that makes mounting it to an equatorial mount seamless and mounting accessories like a guide scope and guide camera to the telescope quite easy. You can certainly purchase a dovetail for a camera lens as well as the other accessories I mentioned. In terms of a mount, you could look into the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GoTo mount. It's around the same pricetag and a secondhand one could probably get you right at the same price point as the scope. If you purchase the bundle where the mount head and the tripod legs come together, I think that setup would be suitable for this telescope and a camera. I hope this helps and thanks sos much again for the great question and taking the time to stop by! All the best, Sarah

[@GlennZucman]

@@SarahMathsAstro Thanks so much! The Star Adventurer GTi GoTo sounds more my speed (price range!) No doubt the AM3 & AM5 are better, but I was a little price-shocked at what it would cost to get this $599 telescope mounted! Perhaps I should think in terms of the mount as a key element that costs/does the most and then hang other pieces around. No doubt "the sky's the limit" on what you can spend (sorry! ) I don't see myself taking any world class images, I'm more of a backpacker who takes a few star photos when I wake up in the middle of the night. I've mostly done that with my Sony A7c, a compact lens like a 24mm f2.8, and a very tiny 8.5 oz Leofoto tripod. I'll probably never take more than that when all the weight is on my back for days at a time, but I do the occasional car camping trip, and now that the Northern Hemisphere days are so short, it might be fun to play with something like the Askar 71F and the GTi GoTo. The GTi price is a bit less shocking. Telescope, mount, accessories, tax, and shipping might all come in around $1500, which is survivable. BTW, do you have an affiliate link for the GTi GoTo? I'll report back if I capture anything more exciting than Elon Musk's satellites!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Of course! And I do think you're on the right track with considering the mount as the number one component for building a kit. I think if you're wanting to stay in this price range and payload capacity, then the Star Adventurer GTi is still a great choice and you can always sell it and upgrade later if you want to get a larger mount. But from the sounds of it, I think it's going to be a perfect addition to your photography gear and help you accomplish your photography goals most importantly. Especially for car camping, this mount setup is really nice. It is wild how it all adds up rather quickly though. But I think with this mount you'll be set for a long time to come! If you do find you need more support for longer exposures, you could then look into a guide camera and guide scope and an ASIAir to get everything connected and running. But in the mean time, shorter exposures of around 2 minutes should be more than do-able I think. Also, here is a link to the GTi (affiliate) no pressure to use it either but also very much appreciated!! amzn.to/4er1j4n let me know if you have any other questions - email or comment and I will be happy to help! p.s. love your emojis!!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Oh!! And be sure to get a T-Mount adapter for your camera model too to connect to the telescope. It should have a telescope-facing diameter of 48mm or M48! The camera facing side must match your camera's lens mount type :D

[@GlennZucman]

@@SarahMathsAstro OIC... more noob questions... is a "Tracking Mount" different than an "Equatorial Mount?" I thought with "a mount" I could take images of any time duration -- not so? Two minutes might actually be enough anyway - when I do long exposures the Sony camera processes the image for the same amount of time as the exposure was, so a 10 minute exposure would have 10 minutes of processing so I'd be sitting in the cold and dark for 20 minutes! I've done some two minute exposures and even four minutes is a long time sitting in the night -- maybe I should drag my quilt & pad out of the tent and stargaze while I'm waiting! Anyway, I'm unclear if there's more than one kind or axis of tracking - what happens after two minutes with a mount like the GTi? And does a mount like the AM5 do something different? Thanks so much for all the info!

[@NASA2officials]

I'm really new to Astrophotography and looking at some telescope reviews on this channel, but I'm happy that I was subscribed! This really his a good scope for astrophotography but I'm still a brokie and I only have 1 70/700 Refractor!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

It’s good that you’re doing your research!

[@NASA2officials]

@@SarahMathsAstro Aww, thx! Also keep up the Good Editing and Fill us with all your Astronomy related Content! Also have you, by any chance, reviewed the Meade NG-70SM Altazimuth Refractor Telescope before!?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@NASA2officials thank you!! I will! And I haven’t reviewed that scope!

[@NASA2officials]

@@SarahMathsAstro No problem. Oh also, the Meade NG-70SM Telescope is the one I am currently using!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@NASA2officials very nice. Are you enjoying?

[@akschu1]

Super helpful information. Thanks!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Glad to hear it, thank you!

[@SingleCoilVoodoo]

This was perfect! I am those first two people wanting to get into astrophotography, and the person who has been relegated to shooting with my dslr and a long zoom! This answered many of my questions…but it has spawned two additional questions: 1. How is shooting with a telescope like this better than shooting with my 600mm zoom? 2. Canned antimatter…if it were to leak out, would the perpetual matter generating material the can is made of…wait, nevermind. 😂

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you!! To your first question, telescopes like these are typically better corrected (flatter fields, corrected for chromatic aberration, etc), which is a must for astrophotography. Obviously some lenses are well corrected but typically very expensive. This is just one reason! But also telescopes like these also come with a lot of the accessories you need to mount the scope to a tracking mount etc. you can certainly purchase those accessories for a lens. 2. 😅

[@jefferycampbell2243]

One difference Sarah didn't mention is that you can use standard astro filters with a 'scope that you can't with a photographic lens. Some cameras allow astro filters over the sensor, but they are model specific.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@jefferycampbell2243 yes! Thank you!

[@fltmed]

Where can I purchase my very own can of Antimatter? I'm jealous! Seriously, thank you for the informative video.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Apparently from Meow Wolf! That’s where my friends got it for me :) and thank you!!

[@TommyM-j7v]

Great vid. Could you please post a link to the Galactic Hunter video to correct the micro-lensing affect (flower affect).

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Tommy! Here is the video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LNg3acj72Zrbs

[@ronconovoa7566]

great information thank you so much

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@stevenwilliams6258]

Informative video! FRA400 or Askar 71F? On the AM5 mount/tripod. ASI2600MC (Duo?). In the Portland, OR area we probably get 4 clear months a year. Jan/Feb and Aug/Sep. Any other time is raining, overcast or these days, even the summer is smoky. So, I was thinking of the Celestron RASA 8 f/2 but I have read a few comments about quality control that concerns me. Not as flexible as the refractors with an option for a reducer. But the faster scope in my area is appealing. At 17lbs plus other stuff hopefully the AM5 can handle it with some weighting down. I am thinking of moving to Nevada, for retirement (taxes) and clear skies. I would like to see a RASA (8) review by you as you are so thorough.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment! In regard to your first question: The FRA400 vs. the 71F - both are great choices. If you're looking for less focal length and don't plan to get a reducer for the 71F, then the FRA400 is the better choice. Although more expensive. Also, if you're looking for faster optics natively, then the FRA400 is the better choice. Both would be suitable for the AM5 and the ASI2600MC Duo, although, if you do go with the Duo, and use a narrowband filter of some kind, hopefully it's one with a wide enough bandpass. Also, you may need some additional adapters to connect the Duo to the FRA400. But a M54 to M48 filter holder/adapter would be a good addition to get. Since you don't have many clear nights, the RASA makes sense. Hopefully Celestron would be willing to work with you if you for whatever reason did receive a unit with issues, but I understand your concerns. For the AM5, the RASA with a reducer and the Duo should work just fine, too. Like you noted, adding additional weight to the accessory carriage would be a good idea and if you wanted, even a counterweight or extra sturdy tripod legs. I would love a RASA, or at least the chance to review one. Hopefully one day I'll get my hands on one. Thanks for stopping by!

[@stevenwilliams6258]

I forgot about filter interaction with an integrated guide camera. So, that helps to complete a purchase list.​@@SarahMathsAstro

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@@stevenwilliams6258 😃

[@penallta16]

Love watching your videos would this be good on a canon 600d modified camera xx

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Aww, thank you! Yes!! I think so! Just need the t-adapter for your camera to connect to the M48 portion of the Askar 71F’s photographic adapter :)

[@stevenhoward7083]

So can I assume that since you never mentioned planetary viewing this scope can't focus on the planets? If so, that would take a dump on my party mood. I have a 4 yr old autistic grandson that is fascinated with the planets. He even taught me about the dwarfs. If I can't focus in Saturn or Jupiter this is of little use to me. Unfortunately I already bought it. I'd like to add that the description that Highpoint gives makes it sound like it's fully versatile. And in their recommended accessories the guidescope, which I also bought, now looks fo be totally inadequate as it's only 33mm. BTW, I enjoy your vids.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

You could if you added a high magnification eyepiece like the Tele Vue Delos 4mm paired with a 2x Barlow. Jupiter would still be pretty small, but details would be visible under stable atmospheric conditions. This scope is definitely made more so for astrophotography of large and bright objects like nebulae and galaxies or daytime observing of birds. It just doesn't have the focal length natively. But again, paired with a barlow of some kind and high mag eyepiece, you could get decent results perhaps. I've not tested this though. Hope this helps!

[@danajberry43055]

Hi, @SarahMathsAstro. Thank you for your thoughtful video. Just curious. It looks like you use a Mac with PixInsight. What processor and how much RAM do you recommend? Thanks, again. Keep up the inspirational work!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hi Dana, thanks for taking the time to stop by and for your kind words. The minimum I believe is 16GB for a 64-bit system, but I would recommend 32GB+ of RAM if you can (with plenty of disk space either locally or on an external SSD). For processors, the M1, 2 work well, but I am currently running on a 2.6 Ghz 6-Core Intel Core i7 and that seems to chug along okay. I'd love to upgrade to the M-series though. Thanks again!

[@danajberry43055]

@@SarahMathsAstro thank you for your reply and your inspirational work.

[@Fender90]

Hail, Lady Sarah, astrophotographer and teacher of the night sky. Thy missive to the Sharpstar company was most mirthful, and I did laugh heartily. I give thee thanks.🤣🤣

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I prithee, accept mine humble thanks.

[@Fender90]

@@SarahMathsAstro 🤣

[@SarahMathsAstro]

😬

[@eottoe2001]

TY. Thanks for explaining this as if people don't have a background because I sure don't. Could you talk about mounts, please?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks for your feedback on that! I’m glad the approach was helpful. Yes, a good middle of the road mount for this would be something like the ZWO AM3. Or did you mean talk about mounts in a separate video more generally?

[@eottoe2001]

@@SarahMathsAstro thanks for the info. A separate video would be nice and see if you get the watches on it. On mounts, there are two things that aren't covered, like what to buy, and how to use them properly. It took me a while to figure out how to place the tripod legs, aim to true north based on my latitude, etc.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@eottoe2001 great to know, thanks for this. I’ll add it to my list of video ideas. I’m sure many people have the same questions.

[@mamertobernal4460]

Great review, Question about the camera adaptor in the box. Do you have to specify the lens mount when ordering, ? P.S. Fuji user here (XT4)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you! Great question - you would need a T-Adapter that would accommodate your specific Fuji camera's lens mount and you would want to make sure that the internal diameter could be threaded to the M48 adapter of the Askar 71F's photographic adapter (the smallest one) with x75 male pitch threads. So in addition to making sure the T-Mount for the camera is made specifically for your camera's lens mount flange, also be sure the T-Mount adapter has an internal diameter of M48 and female threads with x75 pitch. You can Google which T-Adapter to use for your camera and that will get you a good starting point. Just don't get one that's M42 as that will be too small.

[@mamertobernal4460]

@@SarahMathsAstro Thank you for that :) :)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

You're welcome!

[@Raintiger88]

Your antimatter can needs a warning label. Something akin to "do not open outside of magnetic containment."

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Very true :)

[@GuLinux]

"As a user", yeah, that made me chuckle :D

[@SarahMathsAstro]

:D

[@dmintz88]

Nice review, Sarah! I sincerely hope that's the exact letter you sent to Sharpstar! 😂

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, Dan! It’s the letter that should’ve been sent 😂

[@cajunsushi]

Hello Sara, I’m brand new to Astro Photography and have an AVX with a WO ZenithStar 61. Also have a Canon Ra that my favorite nephew gave me to start my new hobby. I’d like to get the Celestron Edge HD8, any thoughts as I don’t see any follow up on your 11 HD. Thank you.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hello there, that was a very thoughtful gift from your nephew. What would you be using the EdgeHD 8 for in terms of targets (nebulae or planetary/ lunar?). Long exposure astro (nebulae, galaxies) will be tough with that long of focal length, which I never recommend for beginners. I think the ZenithStar 61 makes more sense for long exposures on that front but if you're using the EdgeHD 8 for planetary and lunar (lucky imaging), then no problem there for a beginner if you have the hand controller for your mount and a finder scope to find the planets manually. Eventually once you get your footing with long exposures, you could eventually try doing them with the EdgeHD 8. Of course, it's still entirely possible to do them right out of the gate with the EdgeHD 8. Just be sure to get an off-axis-guider to guide with. You could go with a traditional guide camera and guide scope with the ZenithStar 61 since the focal length is much shorter. But of course, an off-axis-guider could still be used too. Hope this helps! and congrats on your new journey!

[@cajunsushi]

@ thank you for your thoughtful response and I think I’ll get some time with the WO and move to the 8HD early next year. Regards

[@SarahMathsAstro]

@cajunsushi happy to help! Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers

[@Jstme_7]

Hello, do you have any videos that recommend cameras for a beginner in astrophotography?😅 I was looking into the nikon d3200.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hi there, I don't currently really. If you're using that camera for Deep Space/ Sky, it should do well. I'd checkout Nebula Photos KZbin channel - he has some great DSLR videos for astro. They're a little older but relevant.

[@MrsBMusic]

I’ve been comparing this to zenith star 61…. I have a star adventurer GTi. Would this be too heavy, used with canon 6d and a mini guide scope?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I think the 71F along with the rest of the gear you mentioned would do just fine on the GTi. I haven't tested for sure, but just specs-wise, I think it will do with proper balancing and polar alignment.

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

Again a great and funny review 👏😄 I wish the ota was black.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks!! Same!

[@roxchan4506]

I just want to order this one , but I am not sure 71F would overload the SA Gti mount or not especially when all the camera and guiding stuffs add to it ....

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Yeah, it may be tough… perhaps a 2600MC Air though

[@thepathnotfound]

Very nice review thx!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you!

[@Astro-Suburbia]

According to ZWO the D60 IR cut filter window on the ASI2600mc is a UV/IR cut filter.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Many thanks!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

The unsolved mystery as to the cause continues...

[@IrishInsomniac76]

Considering astrophotography as a hobby so I am brand new and have been considering the Dream 3 smart telescope. The 71F looks much more like a telescope but I wonder if the Dream 3 is more beginner friendly. Thoughts?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Hi Ivan, are you referring to the Dwarf 3? If you have minimal or no photography experience and limited/ zero observational astronomy experience, a smart telescope like the Dwarf 3 could be a nice option to start out with before you dive into a camera, telescope, and tracking mount - although you totally can still as that's what I did and many do. I have a video of the Dwarf 2 which functions very similarly to the Dwarf 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hny6h6OmbZimjck

[@IrishInsomniac76]

Thank you Sarah and you are right I meant the Dwarf 3 (apologies and great assumption btw). My wife is an amateur photographer who has an older Canon 5D Mark ii so maybe that would work. But then I would still need the scope and moving mount so I think as the Dwarf 3 fits on a decent static tripod camera mount that is probably the MVP option for this BA :)

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I like the name "Dream" as well because it does work like dream. But, I would say that the smart telescope will get you a bit more acquainted with night photography and kind of how it works as well as introduce you to raw data/ linear data for processing later on. If/ when you want to upgrade to more advanced equipment, you totally can and you'll some great insight already under your belt. Cheers!

[@BradTheThird]

When you're taking photos, is there room to put an eyepiece in between the camera before you attach it? Currently I'm attaching a DSLR to a Barlow lens, which naturally only gives me 2x magnification (It's good for getting a picture of the moon, but the moon's boring once you've got a picture of it) and there is no physical space to get an eyepiece in between the camera and the Barlow lens to increase the magnification. And if I'm being honest, I don't even know if eyepieces and cameras are even compatible. I'm new to this so my knowledge of the equipment is minimal. I recently bought my DSLR (which I'm happy with, I got a picture of the Northern Lights a couple of weeks ago on it, and comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). I just don't fancy having to fork out another £300 for a dedicated astronomy camera (and however much this telescope is in Great British Pounds) just so I can get a good picture of Jupiter and Saturn etc.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Great questions! Yes, you can. I have a video on different connection methods for cameras and telescopes here: How to Connect a Camera to a Telescope | Smartphone, DSLR, Mirrorless, Dedicated Astronomy kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2QaoCLiZp1jtk

[@BradTheThird]

@@SarahMathsAstro Yess thanks. What I was describing was the last part of that video ("Eyepiece/ Positive Projection"). It turns out that I need one of those connector tubes. Amazon must be loving me at the minute... I'd had that video recommended to me a few times over the past couple of days but I hadn't watched it. The algorithm knew what I needed before even *I* knew.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I’m glad you found the right connection method! YT knows :)

[@garyb6219]

I have a big question. I'm the proud owner of a Meade LX200 10" SCT purchased in 2001 so it does not have GPS. At this point I'd like to get the ASI533MC Pro & ASIAIR Plus to attach to it. Can I? Will it work with my dinosaur? Also, do I need a guide scope or the AM5 mount? Thanks, I have a large pile of snacks while I await your reply.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Without GPS, I don't think the ASIAir Plus would be able to properly orient itself and the mount. But I am not 100% sure. I would reach out to ZWO to confirm though, because maybe I am incorrect here. And then regarding a guide scope + guide camera for the AM5, guiding would be recommended with most (if not all) harmonic drive mounts. But I suppose if you took short enough exposures it would be fine, but you could still get walking noise in the final stacked master light file from not dithering during the acquisition session (movement of the camera and mount a few pixels between each exposure). Automatic dithering can be enabled if you use a guide scope/ guide camera and have an ASIAir. You could also look into the ASI2600 Duo if you wanted a guide camera built-in. I hope whatever snacks you had were delicious :)

[@MicroscopicMedia]

Hi great video but if I may offer some advice for future videos, at 2:03 I would have gone with "threeasy" after saying "three is a pretty easy number".

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Your comment just made my whole week, lol. Absolutely perfect. Totally should have said that!!

[@MicroscopicMedia]

@@SarahMathsAstro Hey thanks glad I could help! Though if you're serious, it sounds like you've had a rough week lol. I'm new to your channel and so haven't watched much yet but most of what I have watched isn't very punny so perhaps my advice won't work here but you have a cat, do astro photography and have referenced software development so it was an easy call to assume you at least appreciate puns. I'm literally LOOKING forward to watching more content here! 👀 Edit: ok I guess technically "threeasy" is not a pun but rather a portmanteau.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

No, all is welcomed and appreciated :D thank you!!

[@gboot2338]

Im not really into this scope but....I love the Antimatter paint!!!😂😂😂

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I'm glad!! On the back of the can, it reads "Measuring Instructions: Never use a wet spoon" lol

[@gboot2338]

@@SarahMathsAstro it also says...don't apply in small amounts! Use a very, very BIG brush!

[@SarahMathsAstro]

BIG brush 😂

[@bcleste]

As a person that would like to get into astrophotography, what is the benefit of using this or another telescope over my 200-500 f5.6?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Great question! The benefit would be that telescopes that were made specifically for astrophotography like this one, will typically be better corrected both in terms of color and field flatness. This one has the field flatter corrector built into it whereas a triplet or doublet refractor would need an external flattener to flatten the field. Also, these telescopes these days come included with many of the imaging accessories that you'd need for long exposure astrophotography, such as a dovetail bar to mount to a tracking mount, finder shoes for securing guide scopes + guide camera to or other accessories like mini PCs or power boxes. Also, they tend to be easier to focus manually and to also adapt to use with an electronic focuser. Sometimes cost can also be the other factor. A very well corrected camera lens will cost a lot more than $600 typically at the same focal length as something like this. This isn't always the case though since some refractors or other types of telescopes can be thousands of dollars. Hope this helps! Sarah

[@kaeseonline]

It is basically an TS SDQ71, right? I assume they use the same supplier and re-brand it, Like its done with many other scopes.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

It's very similar. I can't confirm supplier though.

[@danbrown586]

1:30 I hope that's actually how your letter/email/other communication read.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Pretty close lol!

[@MikinessAnalog]

Do you have a video about star trackers for time lapse?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

No, not about time lapses, but I do have one with star trackers for long exposures. But, here's a video from Chasing Luminance's KZbin channel that will hopefully be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b53Ig4WffsiqnNU

[@tomc256]

Hmmm... cat, quantum box... Schrödinger’s cat experiment? Seriously, nice review, I want one.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Pretty much all the essentials :)

[@-esseff-]

I have a question: this telescope has a focal length of 490mm @ f/6.9... yet my wildlife lens has a focal length 600mm @ f/6.3... which to my mind means the lens (Sigma 150-600 Sport) is better. Or am I missing something? Is a telescope better for this kind of photography simply because it's a telescope?

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That’s a great question! Also, that’s a great lens (as you already know). Telescopes like these tend to be a bit better corrected particularly for astrophotography than *most* camera lenses (field flatness, color, etc). Many telescopes also come with a lot of the accessories you would need, right out of the box to mount it to a tracking mount, and many also come with accessories to place mount guide scopes to, a mini PC to control image acquisition, among other types of common astrophotography imaging accessories. You, of course, can purchase all of those components for a camera lens. With other types of telescope designs like Newtonians, the appeal with those over a lens is that they give you larger apertures and more reach at a much lower price point; the drawback being that they’re bulkier and sometimes require more tinkering to image with right out of the gate (not always).

[@-esseff-]

@@SarahMathsAstro Asked and answered. Many thanks. I don't really do much of this sort of photography (the occasional moonshot) but I keep playing with the idea of adding a telescope to my arsenal. My take away from your response is that unless I'm getting a focal length of 1000+mm from a telescope it's not really worth it for my usage.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Yeah, probably not!

[@MilosBencic]

Every time all very beautiful and perfect.❤

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thank you! 🫶

[@astrojourneyuk]

Love the letter 😂 and the review.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Oh thanks so much!! I hope you’ve been well! ☺️

[@astrojourneyuk]

@@SarahMathsAstro I’m good thanks. It’s been a long time since I was properly out under the night sky but I’m hoping this winter will change that.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

I’m glad you’ve been well! I hope you’re able to get out there soon though :) really great hearing from you

[@bakerfx4968]

This is almost exactly what I’m looking for for my first actual telescope that’s not a portrait lens lol

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That's awesome lol I think you would dig this then

[@davevick1775]

17:50 - Actually, the focuser extends the tube closer to 50mm, not 40mm. (Mine measures 48.18mm at full extension). Also, I found I had to loosen the mounting screws on the bottom of the rings and slide the vixen plate as far foreward as I could, otherwise there wasn't enough room between the plate and the focus axle to insert & tighten the focus-lock thumbscrew. Other than that, I extremely-very much like this 'scope a lot; I was working toward a Redcat/Spacecat 71 until I saw this guy at a third of the price and no field flattener needed. So far it's been the best six-hundred bucks I've spent on much of anything in life.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

Thanks, I think I meant to say that there is 40mm of graduation markings so thank you for adding the 50mm in the comments for clarity. Did you find much need for the focuser thumbscrew? I found it functioned pretty well even without it. Obviously not desired though. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying this scope though!

[@davevick1775]

I'm shooting with a Lumix S5 mirrorless at the moment, until I can afford to go with a dedicated astro camera - probably an ASI533 of one flavor or another... The S5 is a chunky little beast of a camera, so I put the lock screw in just for safety's sake. I might have gotten away without it, but I've had a fair number of photos ruined (most notably about a third of my Total Eclipse subs, this past April) by lenses that either didn't lock focus or didn't lock focal length, so I tend to shy away from taking chances. You're right, though; the focus rack is very smooth but it's *definitely* not sloppy in the least. Hopefully it stays that way for the life of the telescope.

[@SarahMathsAstro]

That makes total sense. Sorry to hear that has happened with other setups especially for the total solar eclipse. But couldnt agree more with you about the 71F’s focuser. For the price, it’s wild.