What kind of mount do I need for the Askar FRA400C?
With a total weight of 3.18kg (7 lbs) including the handle and dovetail plate, the Askar FRA400C is very lightweight. It works well on portable tracking mounts with a payload capacity of 15-20 lbs or more, such as the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi or a Celestron Advanced VX.
Does the Askar FRA400C require a separate field flattener?
No. The Askar FRA400C features a Quintuplet Petzval-like optical design that is inherently self-flattening. It is designed to produce a flat field across its 44mm image circle without any additional corrective optics, simplifying your imaging train.
How do I connect my full-frame DSLR to the Askar FRA400C?
The FRA400C includes an M48 adapter. To connect a DSLR, you will need a standard M48 T-ring for your camera brand (e.g., Canon EOS or Nikon). The telescope is designed for a 55mm back focus distance, which is the standard for DSLRs with their corresponding T-ring, allowing for a direct and simple connection.
What is the field of view of the FRA400C on a full-frame camera when imaging the North American Nebula (NGC 7000)?
With its 400mm focal length, the Askar FRA400C on a full-frame sensor (36x24mm) provides a field of view of approximately 5.1° x 3.4°. This is wide enough to comfortably frame the entire North American Nebula (NGC 7000) and the neighboring Pelican Nebula (IC 5070) in a single shot.
Can I use the Askar FRA400C for daytime wildlife photography?
Yes. The FRA400C is an excellent dual-purpose lens. Its manual aperture can be stopped down from f/5.6 to f/22 to control depth of field, and the 17 aperture blades create smooth, pleasing bokeh. The 5m closest focus distance also makes it viable for capturing distant terrestrial subjects.
What is the purpose of the adjustable aperture on the FRA400C?
The adjustable aperture serves two main purposes. For terrestrial photography, it allows you to control exposure and depth of field, just like a standard camera lens. For astrophotography, while you'll typically shoot wide open at f/5.6 for maximum light gathering, stopping down can be used to sharpen bright stars or create diffraction spikes for artistic effect, particularly on bright targets like the stars in the Pleiades (M45).
