Hi!
I’ve been imaging using a mirrorless camera and lens for a few months now and would like to get a dedicated astro cam + telescope.
I’ll be using an MLastro SAL-33 mount, As for the camera, I think I’m set for ASI2600mc or some equivalent depending on the price.
My guiding system is ZWO mini guide scope 30f5 (150mm) and ASI120mm camera. I use NINA/PHD2.
Telescope is the only thing I’m still undecided with. My current imaging lens is a Nikkor Z 180-600 so plenty of focal range.
I have an eye on Askar 103 APO. I’ve seen some fabulous images taken with it, but that could be the case for almost any scope you pick.
Are there any alternatives worth consideration? Preferably in similar price.
I’d mostly image smaller/medium nebulae and galaxies.
For bigger nebulae regions, I want to eventually get a second, widefield scope but that’s probably much further from now.
Moving on from mirrorless + lens. First telescope?
You’re not wrong on Askar 103APO. It’s impressing a lot of people. this give some interesting insights: https://www.astromaniacmagazine.com/reviews/askar103apo
But if you’re after a more budget friendly and entry-level scope, their 80ED might be the best bang for your buck: https://www.astromaniacmagazine.com/reviews/askar80ed
I agree, the 103 is a good pick. Since you’re looking for smaller targets, 600mm is going in the right direction. The 2600 is a good all around sensor but because of your targeting choices you might be better off with a 585. For less than what a 2600 costs you could get a complete 585 mono kit, filters and everything. Might worth a look. Also, with the 2600’s 3.79 nm pixels your going to be under-sampled so loosing some resolution under good seeing. The 585 with 2.9 nm pixels is much closer to where you need to be to get the full resolution the glass can deliver.
I own the 103apo and it has gotten a lot of use. Very nice for the money. It is 700mm at the native focal length. At the time I could not afford the 107PHQ or I would have gotten it as it is a little sharper. My 65PHQ is a gem and very sharp. I have multiple cameras that I use with the 103apo. This last year I bought the 585 as Tony mentioned, specifically for galaxies/planetary nebula and the smaller fov has worked nicely. The 2600 will be nice for emission/reflection nebula. Lots of fun building a new rig. Enjoy.
CS, Bob
Thanks a lot everyone!
I started with a Z8 and 400mm f4.5 with the Star Adventurer GTi and moved on to a Redcat 51 WiFD with a QHY Minicam8 mono with 3 nm filters. I know it’s wider field than you want, but that makes it more forgiving on the guiding system ( I also use ZWO mini guide scope 30f5 (150mm) and ASI120mm camera) and NINA/PHD2. I have been very happy with the result.
Others have offered similar opinions already, but I’d like to back them up. I have used the 103APO for about 2 years after switching from a mirrorless + lens, as you are. It’s been a phenomenal first scope for the price, especially if you can find a used one. There are certainly better scopes at higher price points, but I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better 100mm refractor for the price. I’ve always had perfectly round stars across the field with both IMX571 and IMX585 sensors with both the 1x flattener and 0.8x reducer, and the build quality is solid. It’s also light enough that it’s not a hassle to take it to dark sites (super important for us inner-city dwellers). All in all, I’d highly recommend it.
In case you struggle with deciding on a focal length, you might have a look at the ASKAR V. It is a modular scope (60 mm and 80mm lens with reducer, flattener and extender) and you can achieve focal range from 260 to 600 mm depending on how you set it up. Quite some of my images are made using this scope.
dummieastro · Aug 21, 2026, 12:19 AM
I own the 103apo and it has gotten a lot of use. Very nice for the money. It is 700mm at the native focal length. At the time I could not afford the 107PHQ or I would have gotten it as it is a little sharper. My 65PHQ is a gem and very sharp. I have multiple cameras that I use with the 103apo. This last year I bought the 585 as Tony mentioned, specifically for galaxies/planetary nebula and the smaller fov has worked nicely. The 2600 will be nice for emission/reflection nebula. Lots of fun building a new rig. Enjoy.
Your experience with different cameras and the 585 for smaller targets is especially helpful.