Askar 80ED: The Perfect Beginner Astrophotography Telescope
The Askar 80ED f/7 doublet refractor is a compact, high-quality telescope that’s ideal for visual observing and astrophotography. Its 80mm ED optics deliver crisp views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The smooth 2.5" dual-speed focuser handles everything from eyepieces to heavier cameras with ease. With optional accessories such as a field flattener or reducer (sold separately), you can easily customize your setup to suit your observing or imaging goals.
Askar 80ED Review
High-Quality ED Lens
The Askar 80ED features a doublet lens with one element of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to reduce chromatic aberration and deliver sharper, more color-accurate views. Fully multi-coated optics boost light transmission and contrast, offering near-apochromatic performance without the higher cost of a triplet.
Two Versatile Modes
The Askar 80ED is great for both imaging and visual use. It works with standard diagonals and eyepieces to show crisp views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The 200mm Vixen-style dovetail plate fits most tripods and EQ mounts. It pairs well with popular mounts like the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi, ZWO AM5N, ZWO AM3, or iOptron GEM28.
Ultra Portable & Compact
Weighing just 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) for the telescope alone and 4.4 lb (2 kg) with tube rings and dovetail plate, the Askar 80ED is compact and lightweight. With a retracted length of just 15.9" (404 mm), it’s an ideal portable telescope for astronomy and astrophotography on the go.
3 Options for Focal Length & Focal Ratio
With three optional accessories, you can choose your preferred focal length or focal ratio. Keep the 80ED at its native 560mm focal length with the 1x flattener, achieve maximum light-gathering at f/4.9 for wide-field targets with the 0.7x reducer, or find a balance between the two with the 0.85x reducer.Optional reducers shorten the focal length and increase light-gathering ability, allowing you to capture brighter images faster. This flexibility makes the 80ED an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers.
Precision Dual-Speed Focuser
The Askar 80ED refractor features a smooth dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with a 10:1 fine-tune adjustment, giving you precise control for sharp, crisply focused images. With 2.75" (7cm) of travel. It offers plenty of focus range for different accessories and cameras.
Compatible with Electronic Focusers & Accessories
The three-point locking system securely supports heavy imaging equipment, while the bottom locking screw provides added stability and supports electronic focusers such as the ZWO EAF. The focuser also features an integrated 360° rotator, allowing precise camera or eyepiece positioning for perfect framing without affecting focus.
Retractable Dew Shield
The Askar 80ED’s retractable dew shield helps block stray light and reduce dew buildup. When in use, it extends the telescope’s total length to 19.9" (505mm). When retracted, the telescope stays compact at just 15.9" (404mm). Making it ideal for travel, storage, and grab-and-go nights.
Easy Mounting & Quick Setup
The telescope’s sturdy Vixen-style dovetail plate fits a wide range of tripods and equatorial mounts, making it easy to mount and go. The large tube-ring thumb locking screws let you quickly and securely attach and adjust the telescope. This makes balancing faster before you start your polar alignment routine. The handle is detachable and also includes slots for attaching a finder scope or guide scope. These features make handling and setup quick and easy!
Telescope Diagram
From the focuser to the front element, the telescope includes:
- an itegrated 360° rotator with locking screw
- a rack and pinion focuser with dual-speed focuser knob
- a finder base with locking screw
- tube rings with locking screws
- a handlebar
- a detachable lens hood
- a Vixen-style dovetail plate
Specifications
- Aperture size: 80 mm
- Focal length: 560 mm
- Focal ratio: f/7
- Objective lens: Doublet (including one ED glass)
- Total length:
- 404 mm (15.9 in) when the dew shield is contracted
- 505 mm (19.88 in) when the dew shield is stretched
- Telescope weight: 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs)
- Total weight (including tube ring and dovetail plate): 2 kg (4.41 lbs)
- Rear-end thread type: 2" adapter
- 404 mm (15.9 in) when the dew shield is contracted
- 505 mm (19.88 in) when the dew shield is stretched
