7 replies to this topic

[rgolekar]

Hi,

I am looking for wide field refractor to pair with my new 2600MM Duo. I have narrowed down to Askar FRA 300 and Redcat 71 WIFD. Apart from the price difference is there anything that I would be missing if I go with Redcat 71? Or there is little to gain with Redcat 71 considering the price increase(almost $500)?

I do own a Askar 103APO and Zwo AM5N. Suggestions welcome.

 

 

[sehoon104]

2600mm will do fine with both. They're different focal length and has its pros and cons.

 

Redcat 71 is using SD glass, so it's much sharper quality. However, the abberations in the corners will be very common.

 

Askar FRA300 is using ED glass, probably fkl61 variant. It's noticeably softer, but achieves great star shape to the corners.

 

BlurXterminator shrinks this performance gap, but for the askar, it'll be harder to drizzle.

[Drothgeb]

2600mm will do fine with both. They're different focal length and has its pros and cons.

 

Redcat 71 is using SD glass, so it's much sharper quality. However, the abberations in the corners will be very common.

 

Askar FRA300 is using ED glass, probably fkl61 variant. It's noticeably softer, but achieves great star shape to the corners.

 

BlurXterminator shrinks this performance gap, but for the askar, it'll be harder to drizzle.

You would think the RedCat would be better. But looking at the spot sizes, they’re almost the same. 

[ris242]

buy the 0.6 reducer for the 103?

[sehoon104]

You would think the RedCat would be better. But looking at the spot sizes, they’re almost the same. 

Askar actually looks better in the advertised spot diagram. I just assumed from my personal experience with redcat 61 which was much sharper than fra300, but way more severe abberations in the corners.

[Drothgeb]

Askar actually looks better in the advertised spot diagram. I just assumed from my personal experience with redcat 61 which was much sharper than fra300, but way more severe abberations in the corners.

Your experience with a RedCat is better than mine. No more Cats for me. 

[sehoon104]

Your experience with a RedCat is better than mine. No more Cats for me. 

No more Cats for me too haha
They just can't support fullframe well and quality is inconsistent. I think someone here said WO's design is a bit more ambitious while Askar is slightly blurry but consistent. Back to the OP's question, I'd say no for worth $500 more. Just get something like SQA55. WO support was dreadful for me at least, so I prefer products that are consistent in quality.

[Drothgeb]

No more Cats for me too haha
They just can't support fullframe well and quality is inconsistent. I think someone here said WO's design is a bit more ambitious while Askar is slightly blurry but consistent. Back to the OP's question, I'd say no for worth $500 more. Just get something like SQA55. WO support was dreadful for me at least, so I prefer products that are consistent in quality.

I’m a big fan of the Askar FMA180. So when the MinCat was announced, I was one of the first in line to buy one. I think mine arrived at the same time they announced that the optics are crap, and you need BXT. Whaaaaat??? BXT corrects it perfectly (including FF), so I did keep it. But like I said, no more Cats.

 

I agree about the SQA55. Spots look very nice, and I’ve heard good things about it. Less $$$ too.

 

Astro-Tech and SvBony both have pretty decent less expensive options too.

Edited by Drothgeb, 11 April 2025 - 05:05 AM.