Askar deals
Askar is a Chinese telescope maker known for compact apochromatic refractors and the modular FRA series, which uses a five-element optical design. This page covers three of its refractors: the FRA300 Pro, the FRA500 f/5.6 APO, and the 80ED f/7 ED doublet. No live deals are listed right now.
Prices at every store and price history for Askar products.
Askar products: prices and price history
Questions and answers
- When does Askar run sales?
- Askar itself rarely discounts; markdowns usually come from US and European astronomy retailers around Black Friday and the winter holidays. Check the price history on each product page to see whether a current price is above or below its usual level.
- Where is Askar cheapest?
- Prices vary by region and by whether the scope ships from China or a local dealer. Buying locally adds import duty and VAT or sales tax but gives you a warranty contact in your country. Compare the landed cost, not just the list price.
- What is the difference between the FRA300 Pro and the FRA500?
- The FRA300 Pro is a 300mm focal length, f/5 five-element Petzval-style refractor built for wide-field imaging with a full-frame sensor. The FRA500 is a 500mm f/5.6 APO triplet with a dedicated flattener, giving a longer focal length and a narrower field. The FRA300 Pro is smaller and lighter; the FRA500 resolves smaller targets.
- Is the Askar 80ED good for visual use?
- Yes. The 80ED is an 80mm f/7 ED doublet, light enough for a small mount and well suited to wide-field viewing of the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky objects. It also works for imaging, though it shows more color fringing on bright stars than the FRA scopes.
- What is Askar's return policy?
- Returns are handled by the dealer you buy from, not by Askar directly. Most astronomy retailers allow returns within 30 days if the scope is unused and in its original packaging, and some charge a restocking fee. Confirm the terms with the store before ordering.