First Telescope – ASKAR 71F | Any good resources on how to use it? - Forums

Hi everyone,

I’ve just bought my first telescope, the ASKAR 71F, and I’m really excited to start my astrophotography journey. I’ve done some photography before, but this is my first proper telescope setup, so I’m very much in learning mode.

If anyone here uses the ASKAR 71F (or similar refractors), I’d really appreciate any advice, tips, or resources that helped you when you were starting out. Things like:

Good setup guides or YouTube tutorials ( I have found some on YouTube, but mostly reviewing the product)
Focusing tips and achieving good stars and how to use it with my StarTracker.
Recommended accessories
Beginner workflows for imaging
Common mistakes to avoid

I’m still putting my setup together and trying to understand the best way to get started, so any guidance from the community would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance and clear skies! 🌌🔭

Welcome to the game!

To start with, can you give a list of the equipment you have besides the OTA? That will help everyone here in giving you advice.

Have fun!

Tony Gondola · Mar 10, 2026, 03:25 PM
Welcome to the game!
To start with, can you give a list of the equipment you have besides the OTA? That will help everyone here in giving you advice.
Have fun!

Hi Tony

Thank you for your message:

Here’s what I have so far:

Sky-Watcher Start Adventurer GTI
Canon R6 Mark II (Already have the adaptor)
Canon EOS 750 D (Already have the adaptor) - also have 1.4x and 2 x extenders.
RGB Filters

I also have many different glass for Canon camera R and EF mount.

I do not have a focuser. Do I need to consider one? Is there anything else I should consider for my journey?

Thanks

Cassio

Of the above you don't need neither the extenders nor the RGB filters. As of the focuser I assume you mean an EAF and that is optional as you may easily focus manually for starts. If you plan to use the cameras stand alone you will need a intervalometer if not already built in but I doubt they allow for open Bulb settings. Alternatively you'd need a PC if you want to use a specific program to drive both the mount (optionally an EAF) and allow you choose targets, center the target and acquire the images and much more besides. For DSLR I'd recommend APT and it is free.

When I was beginning I was rarely happy with my attempts at hand focusing. I built my own electronic focuser and that really helped to dial in the focus.

But when I got a proper focuser, I was able to really get down to a fine focus in NINA.

I always recommend a true Astro Camera. DSLR’s have too many moving parts. You need to allow for them to settle.

Great telescope choice though. 😉

SonnyE · Mar 10, 2026, 03:46 PM
When I was beginning I was rarely happy with my attempts at hand focusing. I built my own electronic focuser and that really helped to dial in the focus.
But when I got a proper focuser, I was able to really get down to a fine focus in NINA.
I always recommend a true Astro Camera. DSLR’s have too many moving parts. You need to allow for them to settle.
Great telescope choice though. 😉

Thank you Sonny, really appreciate your feedback. Clear skies!

I wouldn’t worry about other lenses and extenders. You’ll just want to combine the 71 with one of your SLR bodies. That will be your base setup. Also, your RGB filters won’t be of much use with a color camera so you can ignore those as well. The 71 has a focuser so you’re all set there. In short, you have the hardware to start shooting in a very basic way using no guiding and short exposures. Set ISO to 1600, exposure times of a few seconds and of course, shoot RAW format. For processing I would suggest Siril in combination with Affinity or GIMP, all free.

To go further you’ll need to add two three things:

Guide scope and guide camera or and off-axis guider and guide camera.

An EAF (electronic auto focuser).

A computer and software to run everything.

I could go into a lot more details here but I think the best thing to do is start shooting with the hardware you have. You’ll learn soon enough from that what’s needed to extend your capabilities.

andrea tasselli · Mar 10, 2026, 03:45 PM
Of the above you don't need neither the extenders nor the RGB filters. As of the focuser I assume you mean an EAF and that is optional as you may easily focus manually for starts. If you plan to use the cameras stand alone you will need a intervalometer if not already built in but I doubt they allow for open Bulb settings. Alternatively you'd need a PC if you want to use a specific program to drive both the mount (optionally an EAF) and allow you choose targets, center the target and acquire the images and much more besides. For DSLR I'd recommend APT and it is free.

Hi Andrea,

Thank you for your response.
Yes, I meant an EAF. I am a bit rubbish with focus, so I can benefit from having one, I guess.
The intervalometer is already built in the Canon R6 Mark II, but it also has an intervalometer that I can connect with the camera if needed.

Thank you for your response. Clear skies!

Tony Gondola · Mar 10, 2026, 03:56 PM
I wouldn’t worry about other lenses and extenders. You’ll just want to combine the 71 with one of your SLR bodies. That will be your base setup. Also, your RGB filters won’t be of much use with a color camera so you can ignore those as well. The 71 has a focuser so you’re all set there. In short, you have the hardware to start shooting in a very basic way using no guiding and short exposures. Set ISO to 1600, exposure times of a few seconds and of course, shoot RAW format. For processing I would suggest Siril in combination with Affinity or GIMP, all free.
To go further you’ll need to add two three things:
Guide scope and guide camera or and off-axis guider and guide camera.
An EAF (electronic auto focuser).
A computer and software to run everything.
I could go into a lot more details here but I think the best thing to do is start shooting with the hardware you have. You’ll learn soon enough from that what’s needed to extend your capabilities.

Thank you Tony. Hoping for clear skies so I can do this, but it has been very rubbish in the UK lately.

I appreciate all of your recommendations.

Clear skies!

Echoing what others have said here

Start with what you have and you will quickly make a list of additional things you need/want.

I would also add that balance is absolutely critical with the SA GTi. It’s critical for all mounts (minus harmonic), but you’re dealing with the top end of what the GTi can handle in both weight and moment of inertia. So a misbalanced load is going to greatly affect your imaging sessions.

Also, I have a similar scope (Askar 65PHQ) mounted on the same GTi. I have it perfectly balanced but couldn’t imagine running without an autoguider. I have an Askar 32mm guide scope and ASI120mm. With that I’m able to successfully run 180sec subs.

Additionally, if you run an autoguider you will need a controller like the ASI Air Plus. It’s thoughtless plug and play and I love it. Plus it will plate solve for you so you don’t have to star hop and spend hours imaging only to stack and find out your framing sucked.

Buy a bahtinov mask if you don’t have one already. You can easily focus your scope with it. An EAF is a nice to have but not a necessity.

Welcome to the rabbit hole!

CS!

The 71F is the core of my mobile setup and I love it! Easy to handle and it comes with so many options: the different adaptor rings, two shoes for guide scopes or finders and the ‘handle’ that doubles as a really sturdy base for more equipment. Good choice!

As the others have stated: start with what you’ve got. As for focusers: it tried the QHYCCD QFocuser HighPrecision, because allows for manual focusing via a knob. Unfortunately, the 71F’s fine focuser can slip and thus the Qfocuser was not able to deliver consistent focusing. I switched to a ZWO EAF on the coarse side and that works very nice.

And if you ever need an upgrade: the 0.75 Reducer for the 71F is worth the investment!

Clear skies!

Ethan Sweet · Mar 10, 2026, 07:59 PM
Echoing what others have said here
Start with what you have and you will quickly make a list of additional things you need/want.
I would also add that balance is absolutely critical with the SA GTi. It’s critical for all mounts (minus harmonic), but you’re dealing with the top end of what the GTi can handle in both weight and moment of inertia. So a misbalanced load is going to greatly affect your imaging sessions.
Also, I have a similar scope (Askar 65PHQ) mounted on the same GTi. I have it perfectly balanced but couldn’t imagine running without an autoguider. I have an Askar 32mm guide scope and ASI120mm. With that I’m able to successfully run 180sec subs.
Additionally, if you run an autoguider you will need a controller like the ASI Air Plus. It’s thoughtless plug and play and I love it. Plus it will plate solve for you so you don’t have to star hop and spend hours imaging only to stack and find out your framing sucked.
Buy a bahtinov mask if you don’t have one already. You can easily focus your scope with it. An EAF is a nice to have but not a necessity.
Welcome to the rabbit hole!
CS!

Hi Ethan

Thank you so much for the suggestions.

I completely agree with you that getting the balance right is the tricky part. But I am committed to getting it right.
Thank you for the guide scope and camera suggestions. I will read more about the autoguider, as this is the first time I hear about it :)

Also, many thanks for the Bahtinov mask suggestion. I did not know that; it will certainly help me focus.
I love the rabbit hole LOL

Clear skies!

Robin Bosshard · Mar 10, 2026, 08:55 PM
The 71F is the core of my mobile setup and I love it! Easy to handle and it comes with so many options: the different adaptor rings, two shoes for guide scopes or finders and the ‘handle’ that doubles as a really sturdy base for more equipment. Good choice!
As the others have stated: start with what you’ve got. As for focusers: it tried the QHYCCD QFocuser HighPrecision, because allows for manual focusing via a knob. Unfortunately, the 71F’s fine focuser can slip and thus the Qfocuser was not able to deliver consistent focusing. I switched to a ZWO EAF on the coarse side and that works very nice.
And if you ever need an upgrade: the 0.75 Reducer for the 71F is worth the investment!
Clear skies!

Hi Robin,

Thank you for the suggestions, glad to hear that the scope is good. Haven’t tried yet, so I am due for some very frustrating nights ahead. LOL

I was already considering the ZWO EAF and the 0.75x reducer.

Thanks for your help.
Cassio

Cassio Pieroni Trevisani · Mar 10, 2026, 09:31 PM
Robin Bosshard · Mar 10, 2026, 08:55 PM
The 71F is the core of my mobile setup and I love it! Easy to handle and it comes with so many options: the different adaptor rings, two shoes for guide scopes or finders and the ‘handle’ that doubles as a really sturdy base for more equipment. Good choice!
As the others have stated: start with what you’ve got. As for focusers: it tried the QHYCCD QFocuser HighPrecision, because allows for manual focusing via a knob. Unfortunately, the 71F’s fine focuser can slip and thus the Qfocuser was not able to deliver consistent focusing. I switched to a ZWO EAF on the coarse side and that works very nice.
And if you ever need an upgrade: the 0.75 Reducer for the 71F is worth the investment!
Clear skies!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for the suggestions, glad to hear that the scope is good. Haven’t tried yet, so I am due for some very frustrating nights ahead. LOL

I was already considering the ZWO EAF and the 0.75x reducer.

Thanks for your help.
Cassio

Heads-up, when using the reducer, you will need to make sure you have 55mm back focus since it will be taken out of its “native” set-up. I’d also second that APT is a good option for DSLR-centric control.

bigCatAstro · Mar 10, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Cassio Pieroni Trevisani · Mar 10, 2026, 09:31 PM
Robin Bosshard · Mar 10, 2026, 08:55 PM
The 71F is the core of my mobile setup and I love it! Easy to handle and it comes with so many options: the different adaptor rings, two shoes for guide scopes or finders and the ‘handle’ that doubles as a really sturdy base for more equipment. Good choice!
As the others have stated: start with what you’ve got. As for focusers: it tried the QHYCCD QFocuser HighPrecision, because allows for manual focusing via a knob. Unfortunately, the 71F’s fine focuser can slip and thus the Qfocuser was not able to deliver consistent focusing. I switched to a ZWO EAF on the coarse side and that works very nice.
And if you ever need an upgrade: the 0.75 Reducer for the 71F is worth the investment!
Clear skies!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for the suggestions, glad to hear that the scope is good. Haven’t tried yet, so I am due for some very frustrating nights ahead. LOL

I was already considering the ZWO EAF and the 0.75x reducer.

Thanks for your help.
Cassio
Heads-up, when using the reducer, you will need to make sure you have 55mm back focus since it will be taken out of its “native” set-up. I’d also second that APT is a good option for DSLR-centric control.

Thank you for the recommendations I really appreciate it! Clear skies.

I would try it without the .75 reducer first. It shouldn’t need a reducer since 1. It is already a short focal length telescope. and 2. It is a Petzval.

I ended up getting the Focal Reducer / Flattener for my telescope because of its images. My 130 dropped from 910mm to 728mm. So a disappointment as I thought I was buying closer to twice the focal length of my 80mm triplet.

Petzval’s are supposed to be ready to go right out of the box. So I’d try it as is before deciding on any reducers.

Explore your options for electronic automatic focusers well, before you buy. I replaced (or displaced) my EAF (ZWO ASI) with a Pegasus focuser and much happier.

Thinking further on this, Cassio, I did a search to see if I could find you anything to ponder on. Found this. Basically, an online PDF file to help. But I would expect ASKAR would have supplied some links to help you get going with your new telescope.

Something I noted is it is basically a 1.25 inch focuser. So you will be limited somewhat in the cameras/sensors that will work well with your new telescope. Big sensors will be pinched, so don’t bother with APS-C or Full frame. They won’t work. The image will be pinched.

It should work great with the smaller sensors though.

Start off with some eyepieces, just to get a feel for it. Look at the Moon. The Moon can be your focusing friend. Get a feel for the telescope while waiting for other accessories to slowly ship in. Better to be looking through than to be looking at it in the house. I ordered a small beginners eyepiece set just to have something to use with my first telescope. It was nice, and the Grandkids have those eyepieces to use with the ED80T CF, since I’ve moved on to my 130mm triplet telescope.

One of my favorite eyepieces was my Celestron 8 X 24mm zoom for farting around with Visual. And it is 1.25” so it should work fine with your new telescope. But you will be moving along quickly into your AP.

There’s an important point here SonnyE. I occasionally run across posts here and in other places where it’s clear from the question that the person who is asking has absolutely zero experience with using a telescope visually. Having that background gives you an experience base and an intuitive understanding of seeing, focusing, magnification, focal length and many other things. For someone totally new to this, it’s a really useful ground school that helps you understand what all this tech is actually doing.

SonnyE · Mar 13, 2026, 06:01 PM
Something I noted is it is basically a 1.25 inch focuser. So you will be limited somewhat in the cameras/sensors that will work well with your new telescope. Big sensors will be pinched, so don’t bother with APS-C or Full frame. They won’t work. The image will be pinched.

The visual “backend“ is a 2” adaptor with a 1.25” adaptor screwed in (and all the visual extras as 1.25”), but for imaging, there is an array of stacked rings included. You can just screw off the 2” eye piece holder and put the rings onto the 68mm (I think, not sure) main opening, giving you 54mm and 48mm options. Even with the reducer you’ve got an 44mm full-frame image circle.
You get nearly everything you could need to get into the game, it really is a wonderful starter package!

Robin Bosshard · Mar 13, 2026, 08:40 PM
SonnyE · Mar 13, 2026, 06:01 PM
Something I noted is it is basically a 1.25 inch focuser. So you will be limited somewhat in the cameras/sensors that will work well with your new telescope. Big sensors will be pinched, so don’t bother with APS-C or Full frame. They won’t work. The image will be pinched.
The visual “backend“ is a 2” adaptor with a 1.25” adaptor screwed in (and all the visual extras as 1.25”), but for imaging, there is an array of stacked rings included. You can just screw off the 2” eye piece holder and put the rings onto the 68mm (I think, not sure) main opening, giving you 54mm and 48mm options. Even with the reducer you’ve got an 44mm full-frame image circle.
You get nearly everything you could need to get into the game, it really is a wonderful starter package!

Yes, it does look like a great starter package. I wish I had the options and the value back when I spent $1,000 on my ED80T CF starting out. But that was a Long Time ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far away… 🤔

Thank you for your insight, Robin!

If you’re happy to use ASAir there’s a manual describing the whole process end to end at https://mega.nz/file/ft52jaLY#Fn0iBy4UIPlV-QM4xa28Ofu20ixwF8EmiBwNOiVvP2A

You could take PC + Windows + Nina route and hope to mix & match the hardware but I never got that to work well.

In the end I ditched all that and went with a ZWO ASIAir, ASI2600MC DUO and EAF.

MaksPower · Mar 14, 2026 at 04:20 AM
If you’re happy to use ASAir there’s a manual describing the whole process end to end at https://mega.nz/file/ft52jaLY#Fn0iBy4UIPlV-QM4xa28Ofu20ixwF8EmiBwNOiVvP2A
You could take PC + Windows + Nina route and hope to mix & match the hardware but I never got that to work well.
In the end I ditched all that and went with a ZWO ASIAir, ASI2600MC DUO and EAF.

I just bought an ASIAir, EAF. I am excited to try this tonight with clear skies finally. :)

Thank you. CS!

Grab a bahtinov mask to dial in your stars. You’ll need one that will fit your telescope as there are lots of different sizes. Something like this https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1819223085/askar-71f-bahtinov-mask?ls=r&external=1&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-1&sca=1&content_source=55a986f9826115528ea2d789c708a8e6%253ALT68bd3920417792160587477df1f8bf8ee813ff00&logging_key=55a986f9826115528ea2d789c708a8e6%3ALT68bd3920417792160587477df1f8bf8ee813ff00

Have fun with your new telescope, and hope you enjoy this amazing hobby.

I did not read the whole topic, I just checked the summary on the right hand side but from what I see there hasn’t been serious mention about the weight so I’ll give my 2 cents on that.

The gross weight of that scope is 3kg (6.61lb), that is already 60% of the GTI 5kg (11lb) capacity. Add the camera and you’ll probably be at least between 4.0 and 4.5 kg (8.8lb to 10lb).

I am not trying to scare you or saying it can’t work, search Astrobin and you’ll fine many beautiful images taken with that scope and a GTI but I would suggest you try things out before adding a focuser or any other accessories that will increase the weight.

Test it with the bare minimum (scope and camera), make sure you can balance it (more on it at the bottom), get a near perfect polar alignment and see how long you can expose without trailing. Make sure to try that on windy nights as well as calm ones. With the shield extended and the camera attached you’ll be somewhere between 21” and 24” long, that can catch some wind gusts.

Once you know you got things working you can start adding accessories as you see fit and redo this exercise until you reach the point where you can no longer shoot without trailing.

About balancing. The GTIs are know to be stiff which can make them difficult to balance, particularly on the DEC axes. That’s when IMO being over 60% of capacity can make things difficult because you may thing you rig is balanced when it’s not. Nico Carver talks about it and gives a little trick to help. Here’s a link to the correct timestamp.

https://youtu.be/2rX1Fs12smY?t=2448

The better the balancing and Polar Alignment, the longer the exposures you can take without guiding. I believe being methodical about this will save you tons of frustrations and lead to better results in the end.

Robin Bosshard · Mar 10, 2026, 08:55 PM
The 71F is the core of my mobile setup and I love it! Easy to handle and it comes with so many options: the different adaptor rings, two shoes for guide scopes or finders and the ‘handle’ that doubles as a really sturdy base for more equipment. Good choice!
As the others have stated: start with what you’ve got. As for focusers: it tried the QHYCCD QFocuser HighPrecision, because allows for manual focusing via a knob. Unfortunately, the 71F’s fine focuser can slip and thus the Qfocuser was not able to deliver consistent focusing. I switched to a ZWO EAF on the coarse side and that works very nice.
And if you ever need an upgrade: the 0.75 Reducer for the 71F is worth the investment!
Clear skies!

Hey there! I finally found someone else using the 71f with a QHY High Precision. It’s my first autofocuser and has been giving me a lot of trouble (I use NINA). I was suspecting it was slipping but even after really making sure the coupler was tight it still seems to be inconsistent. I measured the backlash manually to be about 10 and thought that solved it, but still the other night after a meridian flip at 1am (I was asleep) all the data til 430am was garbage and out of focus.

How did you determine the 71F’s fine focuser itself can slip?

Did you have the “Holding Torque” setting enabled for the focuser and if so what value? I realized I didn’t and have just set it to the maximum of 31 but have yet to test it out on a clear night. It’s definitely hard to turn the manual knob with this setting on.

Thanks!

Kyle

First Telescope – ASKAR 71F | Any good resources on how to use it?

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