9 replies to this topic

[ShanTay]

Hello all! Having a hard time deciding between these two. Also having a hard time finding more direct comparisons between them online. I see lots of positive reviews for both.

When it comes to imaging DSO's, which has the leg up? The 400 is lighter and and a quint while the 130 is a triplet. Both are the exact same price where I'm looking so that's also making it harder to choose. I will say I've never used an astrograph, only an 81mm refractor, so not sure if the shorter build makes it harder to attach guide scope/guide cam, asi air etc.

If anyone could share their thoughts on this i'd appreciate it!

[Sacred Heart]

ShanTay,

 

First thing I see is two different focal lengths.  400mm vs 700mm   So what are you wanting to image??  Astronomy tools can help you visualize approximate FOV.

 

https://astronomy.to.../field_of_view/

 

Are you visual or 100% imaging??   

 

To me, the triplet is more versatile,  focal length varies more with a reducer / flattener.  The 400 already has a flattener in it. To me, not a big difference. 

 

Question is,  do you want the reach 700mm gives you??  Can your mount support a 700mm focal length scope??  Image scale / tracking error. 

 

Optical quality, someone else is going to have to answer, preferably actual owners.

 

Joe

[daveco2]

I've had the 103 APO for over a year.  Very well built and excellent images.  But no experience with the 400FRA.

 

In any case, the focal lengths are very different, 700 mm versus 400 mm, so it's hard to see how they could be compared.

 

If you're looking for a first scope, I would choose the 400 mm as it is suitable for many more targets and would be easier to use.

[Andros246]

Askar103 wins both in aperture and on the spot diagram.

 

I would go for the askar103 with the 1x flattener there is very minor color fringing isnt a big deal, well worth it for the price.

[Ranger Tim]

Decide on your focal length first, then find a scope in that range.

[F.Meiresonne]

The main advantage of the FRA series is the build in field flattener. So no need to buy one and to fiddle with the distance. For AP you need a field flattener to get round stars in the corners, so having one build in, is an advantage.  I use the FRA 500, and i really like it.

[ShanTay]

ShanTay,

First thing I see is two different focal lengths. 400mm vs 700mm So what are you wanting to image?? Astronomy tools can help you visualize approximate FOV.

https://astronomy.to.../field_of_view/

Are you visual or 100% imaging??

To me, the triplet is more versatile, focal length varies more with a reducer / flattener. The 400 already has a flattener in it. To me, not a big difference.

Question is, do you want the reach 700mm gives you?? Can your mount support a 700mm focal length scope?? Image scale / tracking error.

Optical quality, someone else is going to have to answer, preferably actual owners.

Joe

Thanks for the reply! I'm 100% imaging. My mount can handle the weight of the 103APO for sure. I guess my main concern is that i definitely prefer the wider F.O.V of the 400FRA, but I'm wondering if it's a compromise on image quality compared to the 103APO.

[tcm2007]

An advantage of the 103 APO is that with the three reducer/flattener options you have three scopes in one - 700mm f/7, 560mm f/5.4 and 420mm f/4 for a relatively low additional outlay.

 

So you can have you 400-ish field of view, but ar twice the light gathering speed. And have the option of more length when needed. 

[psienide]

Hello all! Having a hard time deciding between these two. Also having a hard time finding more direct comparisons between them online. I see lots of positive reviews for both.

When it comes to imaging DSO's, which has the leg up? The 400 is lighter and and a quint while the 130 is a triplet. Both are the exact same price where I'm looking so that's also making it harder to choose. I will say I've never used an astrograph, only an 81mm refractor, so not sure if the shorter build makes it harder to attach guide scope/guide cam, asi air etc.

If anyone could share their thoughts on this i'd appreciate it!

I might suggest the Askar 65PHQ over the FRA400. Similar focal length with better spot diagrams but a little slower.

I was looking to purchase an FRA400 for some time, but after more research I decided on the better corrected 65PHQ.

Edited by psienide, 15 March 2025 - 06:30 PM.

[mhooper]

The 103APO is just a great telescope. If you can get the flatter and both reducers you essentially have three telescopes. That’s why I bought mine and use it the most often.