Askar FRA600 108mm f/5.6 Quintuplet Astrograph

Product Overview

The Askar FRA600 is a larger FRA-series quintuplet astrograph with a 108mm aperture, 600mm focal length, and f/5.6 focal ratio. It is designed for high-quality deep-sky astrophotography with a wider corrected imaging field than a conventional doublet or triplet refractor.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The FRA600 is best for intermediate and advanced astrophotographers who want more aperture than the smaller FRA models while staying in a manageable refractor format. It suits permanent setups, portable imaging rigs with a capable mount, and users imaging nebulae, galaxies, star fields, and larger deep-sky targets.

Why Choose This Product?

• 108mm aperture for stronger light-gathering than smaller FRA models.
• 600mm focal length for a versatile deep-sky field of view.
• Quintuplet astrograph design for flat-field imaging performance.
• Native f/5.6 focal ratio with optional reducer support for faster imaging.
• Useful for full-frame and APS-C astrophotography setups when properly configured.

Recommended Uses

• Deep-sky astrophotography from portable or observatory-class mounts.
• Nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and wide-to-medium field targets.
• Full-frame camera imaging where a corrected field is important.
• Advanced imaging rigs using filter wheels, cooled cameras, and guiding systems.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The FRA600 is intended for imaging with appropriate camera adapters, spacing, filters, and a mount with adequate payload capacity. A dedicated F3.9 reducer is available separately for faster, wider-field imaging. Users should confirm camera connection requirements, backfocus needs, and focuser load capacity for their full imaging train.

Important Limitations

• Requires a capable equatorial mount for serious astrophotography.
• Not the most portable option in the FRA series because of its larger aperture and tube size.
• Dedicated reducer, camera adapters, guide scope, camera, and filters are sold separately unless specified in a package.
• Not ideal for small planetary imaging targets compared with long focal length telescopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FRA600 good for beginners?

It can be used by a committed beginner, but it is better suited to intermediate and advanced imagers because it needs a stronger mount and a more carefully planned imaging train.

What is it best used for?

It is best used for deep-sky astrophotography where a corrected wide-to-medium field and more aperture are desired.

Is this for visual observing or astrophotography?

It is primarily an astrograph for imaging. Visual use may be possible with suitable accessories, but imaging is the main reason to choose it.

Does it require additional accessories?

Yes. Most users will need camera adapters, a camera, filters if required, a guiding solution, and a mount sized appropriately for the telescope and accessories.

Our Recommendation

Ontario Telescope recommends the FRA600 for imagers who want the FRA flat-field design in a larger-aperture platform. Choose it over the smaller FRA models when your mount can handle the extra size and you want more reach and light-gathering power.