Vixen · Apochromat Refractor
Askar 71F Flat-Field Telescope, 71mm Aperture F6.9 ED Glass Refractor OTA
A compact 71mm ED refractor that handles both visual observing and astrophotography without requiring a heavy-duty setup
Price updated Mar 22, 2026
Performance Scores
Overview
The Askar 71F is a 71mm aperture refractor with an ED glass element and an f/6.9 focal ratio, designed to work equally well for visual use and astrophotography. At 2.5kg for the optical tube alone, it is light enough to pair with a mid-range mount without stressing your gear budget or your back. The flat-field design makes it a genuine option for imaging, since it keeps stars sharp across the full frame rather than just at the center.
For visual observers, it comes ready to use out of the box with an 8mm eyepiece, a 20mm eyepiece, and a 1.25-inch 45-degree erecting prism that produces a correctly oriented image, which is helpful for daytime use on birds or landscapes. The focuser rotates a full 360 degrees after loosening a screw, which is a practical feature when you are trying to frame a shot without repositioning the whole scope. The interior barrel uses matte paint to cut down stray light.
At 71mm aperture, this is not a deep-sky powerhouse, but it performs well on the Moon, planets, and wider star fields. It is a reasonable choice for someone wanting a single versatile scope for both terrestrial and astronomical use.
At a Glance
71mm
Aperture
4.49kg
Weight
Specifications
Key Features
- ED glass element reduces chromatic aberration, producing cleaner color on bright targets like the Moon and planets
- Flat-field optics make it suitable for astrophotography, keeping star images sharp across the full image circle
- Optical tube weighs 2.5kg, compatible with lighter travel mounts and easier to transport than most imaging refractors
- Comes with two eyepieces and a 45-degree erecting prism, allowing immediate use for both astronomy and daytime observation
- 360-degree focuser rotation makes it easier to adjust camera or eyepiece orientation without repositioning the mount
- Matte-painted interior barrel reduces internal reflections, which helps maintain contrast during both visual and photographic sessions
- At 71mm aperture, best suited for the Moon, planets, and wide-field star clusters rather than faint deep-sky objects
Customer Reviews
15 reviews
Although marketed mostly as an astrograph, it is a superb visual instrument, delivering views that are CA free, razor sharp, and with the flat field as advertised. I did not use the included 45 degree angle diagonal but my own 2" dielectric. At 71mm it is not really a planetary scope, but the view o...
Had to accessorize or make the ring clamp and elongated 1.25 to 2 inch focus extension but it's a quality flat field apochromatic refractor even in extreme light pollution like where I am
This is a very good value. Optics are excellent and tube materials feel high quality. Focus control is easy to use. Eye pieces and mount are of good quality. All around telescope for terrestrial and astro viewing with eye piece and digital camera. Works well with alt/az and EQ mounts.