Askar FMA180 Pro

[Aurorae]

Keen to hear if anyone has used the Askar FMA180 Pro F/4.5 Sextuplet Apo Lens for astrophotography. I am in search for a lightweight to go on a tracker for wide field shots of bright objects, like Pleiades or Orion etc.

I am keen more on the quality and not whether it is possible, as I suspect the latter is already the case. I currently use a Sigma 105mm, but that beast is extremely heavy and I want something that can get me up closer and with the same great sharpness the Sigma offers.

Any thoughts or suggestions - or better alternatives - would be greatly appreciated ;)

[JA]

Hi Sara,

It'll get you a little closer - about 25% closer, but the Sigma Art 135mm f/1.8 is about 5% sharper in quantitative tests on Lenstip and about 30% lighter than the Sigma Art 105mm f/1.4.

Given the optical quality of the other Sigma Art lenses, I've always thought it would be great to see them offer something around 180 to 200mm.

Best
JA

[Aurorae]

Hi JA,

I am hoping for that 180mm range, which is why I wanted to trial something like the Askar as it is super light and small, but unsure of the quality other than some youtube videos. I do agree the Sigma 135 is better than the 105mm, but I haven't tried the latter as yet.