Sharpstar has officially announced the release of the Askar 80ED, a new refractor telescope aimed at amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. The telescope is positioned as a mid-range optical tube assembly (OTA) and is designed to offer a balance between portability, optical performance, and affordability.
New Portable Doublet
The Askar 80ED is a doublet refractor telescope featuring an 80mm aperture and a 560mm focal length, resulting in an f/7 focal ratio. The optical tube is constructed from CNC-machined aluminum and weighs approximately 1.7 kilograms. When retracted, the tube measures 404mm in length, making it suitable for travel and field use.
The telescope includes a 2.5-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, which is designed to accommodate both visual and imaging accessories. According to product specifications, the focuser is capable of supporting heavier setups, including filter wheels and cooled cameras.
ED Glass
The 80ED uses a doublet lens system that incorporates one element of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. This configuration is intended to reduce chromatic aberration and improve image clarity. The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and minimize internal reflections.
While not a triplet design, the 80ED is marketed as offering near-apochromatic performance, which may appeal to users seeking high-quality optics at a lower price point.
Imaging Accessories and Compatibility
Sharpstar has released a range of optional accessories for the 80ED, including a 0.7x reducer, a 0.85x reducer, and a dedicated field flattener. The 0.7x reducer shortens the focal length to 392mm and increases the speed to f/4.9. It includes three lens elements, one of which is ED glass, and is optimized for APS-C sensors. The 0.85x reducer adjusts the focal length to 476mm (f/5.9), offering a compromise between field of view and magnification.
These accessories are designed to be modular and are compatible with M48-threaded imaging equipment. The telescope provides a standard 55mm backfocus, allowing integration with a wide range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as dedicated astronomy cameras.
Visual Use and Mounting Options
Although primarily designed for imaging, the Askar 80ED can also be used for visual observation. It is compatible with standard diagonals and eyepieces and is capable of observing lunar, planetary, and bright deep-sky objects.
The OTA includes a Vixen-style dovetail bar and a removable handle that can serve as a mounting point for a finder or guide scope. It is compatible with lightweight equatorial mounts such as the Sky-Watcher HEQ5, ZWO AM5, and iOptron GEM28.
Price
The Askar 80ED is priced at approximately $1,000 USD. Optional accessories, including the reducers and field flattener, are sold separately. The telescope is available through authorized astronomy retailers, including High Point Scientific. Availability may vary depending on regional demand and distributor stock levels.
Final Word
The launch of the Askar 80ED marks another step in the growing accessibility of high-quality astronomical equipment for hobbyists and aspiring astrophotographers. While Askar 80ED is positioned as a mid-range refractor, its modular design, imaging support, and compact form factor reflect a broader industry shift toward versatile, travel-friendly telescopes that don’t compromise on performance.
