Askar FRA400C 72mm f/5.6 Quintuplet Astrograph

Product Overview

The Askar FRA400C is a refreshed, budget-friendly version of the FRA400. It is a 72mm f/5.6 quintuplet dual-ED air-spaced APO refractor with a 400mm focal length and a 44mm image circle, designed for deep-sky astrophotography, everyday photography, and visual observing.

Who Is This Product Best For?

This telescope is best for beginner-to-intermediate astrophotographers who want a compact flat-field refractor, travel imagers who need a manageable optical tube, and visual observers who want a versatile APO refractor that can also support camera work.

Why Choose This Product?

• 72mm aperture and 400mm focal length for wide-field deep-sky imaging.
• Quintuplet dual-ED air-spaced APO optical design.
• 44mm format support for full-frame imaging setups.
• Manual focusing with rear-end adapters for M72, M54, and M48 connections.
• Works natively at f/5.6 and can be paired with the dedicated 0.7x reducer for f/3.9 imaging.

Recommended Uses

• Wide-field nebula and star-field astrophotography.
• Portable deep-sky imaging rigs.
• Full-frame and APS-C camera setups.
• Casual visual observing with the included 1.25-inch/2-inch adapter.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The FRA400C rear-end adapter supports M72, M54, and M48 connections, including an M48x0.75 filter thread. The recommended camera connection length is 55mm, with a supported rear-end connection distance range of 50–60mm. The dedicated FRA400C 0.7x Full-Frame Reducer is optional and reduces the system to 280mm at f/3.9.

Important Limitations

• Manual focus only unless paired with a compatible electronic focuser and the FRA400C AF Kit.
• Astrophotography setups still require correct camera spacing and suitable adapters.
• A mount with appropriate payload capacity is required for imaging.
• The reducer is not included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FRA400C good for beginners?

Yes. It is easier to manage than larger astrographs, but beginners should still expect to learn camera spacing, focusing, polar alignment, and image acquisition basics.

What is it best used for?

It is best used for wide-field deep-sky astrophotography, especially nebulae, large galaxies, and star fields.

Is it for visual observing or astrophotography?

Both. It is primarily attractive as an astrograph, but the included visual adapter also supports visual observing.

Does it require additional accessories?

For imaging, most users will need a camera, adapter/spacer combination, guide system if required, and a suitable equatorial mount. The optional reducer is recommended when faster f/3.9 imaging is desired.

Our Recommendation

Ontario Telescope recommends the FRA400C for customers who want a versatile, compact Askar refractor for both imaging and visual use. Choose it when you want a wide-field APO with a full-frame-ready image circle; step up to a larger FRA model if you need more aperture or longer focal length.