Askar 60F Telescope Review
Our verdict
The Askar 60F is a compact manual-focus refractor priced at $499.00 that has earned a strong 4.9 rating from 20 reviewers, a meaningful sample for a specialty telescope. Its small form factor makes it a practical choice for astrophotographers or travelers who need a grab-and-go optical tube.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Astrophotographers and portable-scope enthusiasts who want a well-regarded compact Askar refractor for widefield imaging or as a guide scope.
Skip if
You need a large aperture for faint deep-sky visual observing, or you want a scope designed primarily for terrestrial use.
- Focus Manual Focus
- Dimensions 11 X 3 X 3 In
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.9/5
4.9 average across 20 owner ratings
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Popularity2.7/5
20 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['At 11 x 3 x 3 inches, the Askar 60F is about as compact as a telescope gets while still being a real optical instrument. That small tube makes it easy to carry in a bag and mount on modest equatorial or alt-az heads, which is exactly what astrophotographers want in a widefield or guide-scope role.', 'Askar has built a solid reputation in the amateur astronomy community for quality apochromatic and semi-apochromatic refractors at competitive prices. The 60F fits that brand pattern, and the 4.9 average from 20 buyers is one of the stronger reception scores in this group. Twenty reviews is enough to take seriously, even if it is not a high-volume consumer product.', 'At $499.00, this sits in the serious hobbyist tier. No aperture figure is listed in the available data, which is unusual for a refractor. Buyers should confirm the objective lens diameter and focal ratio from Askar before purchasing, especially if planning to pair it with a specific camera sensor or guiding setup.']
Pros
- 4.9 out of 5 rating from 20 reviewers is a strong and credible signal of buyer satisfaction
- Very compact dimensions (11 x 3 x 3 in) make it ideal for portable or travel setups
- Askar is a respected brand known for quality refractor optics
- Manual focus keeps the design mechanically simple and reliable
Cons
- No objective lens diameter listed in available data, requiring buyers to verify aperture independently
- 20 reviews, while meaningful, is still a limited sample for a $499 purchase
- Compact size means maximum useful magnification for visual use will be limited
- No field-of-view or magnification specs available to set expectations
Specifications
| Focus | Manual Focus |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 X 3 X 3 In |
Performance notes
The 60F designation suggests a 60mm aperture class refractor, though the objective lens figure is not confirmed in the published data. If 60mm is accurate, buyers can expect sharp, color-corrected views of the Moon and planets, with widefield performance suited to open clusters and bright nebulae. The 11 x 3 x 3 inch body is short enough to fit most dovetail saddles without counterweight issues. Manual focus is standard for this class. Focal ratio and backfocus distance matter for camera pairing and should be confirmed directly with Askar.
What buyers say
With 20 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, the Askar 60F has one of the best-received profiles in the Askar telescope lineup on Amazon. Buyers appear consistently satisfied, pointing to a product that delivers on its promises. This level of satisfaction at the $499 price point is encouraging, though the review count is still modest compared to mass-market scopes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Askar 60F suitable for astrophotography?
Compact refractors in the 60mm class are popular for widefield astrophotography because they cover larger sky areas and pair well with cropped-sensor and full-frame cameras. The 60F's short tube makes balancing on a tracking mount straightforward. For best results, confirm the focal ratio and whether a field flattener is recommended for your camera format.
Can the Askar 60F be used as a guide scope?
Yes, compact refractors like the 60F are commonly used as guide scopes alongside larger imaging telescopes. The small size and modest weight work in its favor for this application. You will need a guide camera and guide rings or a dovetail saddle compatible with the tube diameter.
How does Askar compare to other compact refractor brands?
Askar competes in the same space as William Optics, Sharpstar, and similar Chinese refractor brands. The brand is generally well-regarded for fit, finish, and optical quality relative to price. The 4.9 rating on the 60F suggests it holds up well against that competition, but independent optical testing from astronomy forums will give a more detailed picture.