Askar 50P Telescope Review
Our verdict
The Askar 50P is the most affordable and most compact telescope in the Askar lineup reviewed here, priced at $299.00 with a tiny 6 x 2.8 x 5 inch form factor. Two early reviewers both gave it top marks, though two opinions are a very thin sample.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Travelers, backpackers, or astrophotographers who need the smallest possible Askar optical tube for widefield imaging or as an ultralight guide scope.
Skip if
You need meaningful aperture for deep-sky visual observing, or you want a scope with a substantial review history before spending $299.
- Focus Manual Focus
- Dimensions 6 X 2.8 X 5 In
- Priced 40% below the category median ($499.99 across 15 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating5.0/5
5.0 average across 2 owner ratings
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Popularity1.3/5
2 owner reviews, fewer 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
['The Askar 50P is built around an extremely small physical envelope, measuring just 6 x 2.8 x 5 inches. No telescope of this size is going to be a primary deep-sky instrument, but that is clearly not the intent. Compact Askar refractors in the 50mm class serve well as widefield imaging scopes, ultralight guide scopes, or highly portable grab-and-go options for travel where space and weight are the primary constraints.', 'No objective lens diameter is confirmed in the available data, though the 50P designation strongly implies a 50mm aperture. That figure should be verified before purchase, as the pairing of focal ratio and aperture determines what cameras and sensor sizes the scope will serve well without vignetting.', "At $299.00, the 50P is the entry point into the Askar refractor line. Two reviewers have each given it five stars, which is a uniformly positive start, but buyers should treat a two-review sample as preliminary. Askar's general reputation in the community lends credibility to the product even without a large Amazon review count."]
Pros
- Extremely compact at 6 x 2.8 x 5 in, fitting easily into a backpack or carry-on
- Two early reviewers awarded a perfect 5.0 rating
- Askar is a respected brand for small precision refractors
- Manual focus design is simple, lightweight, and durable
- $299.00 is the most accessible entry point in the Askar telescope range
Cons
- Only two reviews, which is insufficient to establish a reliable quality picture
- No objective lens diameter or focal ratio confirmed in available data
- Small aperture limits performance on faint or small deep-sky objects
- No field-of-view or magnification specs listed
Specifications
| Focus | Manual Focus |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 X 2.8 X 5 In |
Performance notes
If the 50P designation reflects a 50mm aperture as expected, this scope falls in the widefield, low-magnification class. At 50mm, light-gathering is modest, making it best suited to bright targets: Moon, brighter planets, and large nebulae or star fields in imaging. The ultra-compact body (6 x 2.8 x 5 in) will balance easily on lightweight travel mounts without straining the payload. Manual focus keeps mechanical complexity minimal. Buyers should confirm focal length and backfocus distance from Askar to determine sensor size compatibility for imaging use.
What buyers say
A perfect 5.0 from two reviewers is a positive signal but statistically tells you very little. Both early buyers are satisfied, which is encouraging given Askar's brand standing, but prospective buyers should research this model in the broader astronomy community before purchase rather than relying solely on the Amazon review count.
Similar optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars to consider
Frequently asked questions
What is the Askar 50P best used for?
The 50P's small size and modest aperture make it most practical as a widefield imaging telescope, a guide scope on a larger imaging rig, or a travel scope for observers who prioritize portability above all else. It is not designed to be a primary deep-sky visual instrument, where larger apertures deliver meaningfully better results.
How does the Askar 50P compare to the Askar 60F?
The 60F is slightly larger at 11 x 3 x 3 inches versus the 50P's 6 x 2.8 x 5 inches, and costs $200 more at $499.00. If the 50P is indeed a 50mm scope and the 60F a 60mm scope, the 60F provides more aperture and likely a longer focal length, which can be an advantage in certain imaging scenarios. The 50P is the better choice when absolute minimum size and weight are the priority.
Does the Askar 50P come with a mount?
No mount information is provided in the available data. Askar compact refractors are typically sold as optical tube assemblies and require a separately purchased mount and rings. For a scope this compact, a lightweight travel alt-az head or a small equatorial mount would be appropriate, and either should handle the weight without difficulty.