Askar 71F: The Ultimate Budget Flat-Field Telescope?
APO Refractor
Overall this is a fantastic telescope, providing a great platform stepping away from automated astrophotography with the Seestar, to a manual but more involved process with a manual rig. You can see and feel the build quality immediately, and the viewing experience is crystal clear.
Also worth checking Facebook Marketplace locally, First Light Optics, or Rother Valley Optics as they regularly have a sale on selected items.
Pros
- + Integrated field flattener so no need to buy an extra component
- + Solid build quality — the dual-speed focuser feels precise
- + Wider field of view than the Seestar suits bigger targets and mosaics
Cons
- − The focuser locking screw is supplied in a separate bag within the box, so be sure to double check before you throw away any packaging
Recommended Accessories
Worth pairing with these if you're buying it.
Sky-Watcher EvoGuide 50ED Guidescope and Camera
Also worth checking Facebook Marketplace or eBay to compare prices for the individual components. I've seen EvoGuides alone go for 60GBP.
ZWO Electronic Automatic Focuser
While I enjoy focusing manually and fine-tuning with a Bahtinov mask, if you prefer a fully automated experience like the Seestar, you can add an EAF to automate focusing when connected to a controller like the ASIAIR.
Also worth checking Facebook Marketplace or eBay
3D-Printable Accessories
If you've got access to a 3D printer, these are worth printing instead of buying.
Bahtinov Mask for Askar 71F
The Bahtinov mask is a must have addition to any rig, regardless of whether your choice is smart or manual. See my guide page on focusing with a Bahtinov mask, and explore my built in mask generator to build your own if you have a different telescope.
Design by benoitbotton on Thingiverse, CC - Attribution