Askar (SharpStar) Vs ZWO - Request for opinions

[chris_g]

Hello all,

I'm looking to add a scope in the 1000mm focal range to my kit and am looking at the https://agenaastro.com/askar-130mm-f-7- ... html?qty=1. Now ZWO is putting one out that appears to be exactly the same specifications. https://agenaastro.com/zwo-ff130-apo-re ... html?qty=1

Basic web search tells me that Askar brand is manufactured and designed by Sharpstar and ZWO claims to manufacture and design their own scopes. These scopes appear to be identical in every aspect including accessories so, I seriously don't believe ZWO's marketing claims but really don't know... The ZWO does include a hard case but no tube rings while the Aksar has tube rings but no case...at least according to the marketing...

If you were looking to add a one of these scopes, which company would you choose since these appear to be identical?

Hope for good feedback on this.

Clear Skies,
Chris

[yobbo89]

I would get the askar for the tube ring/losmandy assembly. what are you going to do, use it or store it in a box xd.


also i wounder if the zwo hard case box is from another model and can you actual store the scope in it with tube rings attached to it, you can always make your own and pack it with foam cut out

[AstroBee]

So very few companies are making their own optics so it is probably from the same source on both brands. Judging by the specs and price, that makes me believe this even more.
Maybe ZWO is making the rest of the parts and that's what they mean in their marketing.
If that is the case, I too would go with the ASKAR. As much as I love my ZWO products, they are spreading themselves very thin with ALL of the new products and I feel like their quality control is slipping compared to back when the 1600mm was their main camera. Currently, ASKAR seems to be more focused on optics.

[Juno16]

For what it's worth.
If Askar's customer service is Sharpstar, I have had good experience with Sharpstar. Quite a while after I bought my Sharpstar 61EDPHII, I finally shot some data with a uv/ir filter (as opposed to a dual narrowband filter) and noticed horrible CA on the brighter stars. I contacted Sharpstar (through Facebook) and they asked for photographic proof which I promptly provided. I received a new objective in 10 days (from China). Easy install and corrected the issue.

[chris_g]

For what it's worth.
If Askar's customer service is Sharpstar, I have had good experience with Sharpstar. Quite a while after I bought my Sharpstar 61EDPHII, I finally shot some data with a uv/ir filter (as opposed to a dual narrowband filter) and noticed horrible CA on the brighter stars. I contacted Sharpstar (through Facebook) and they asked for photographic proof which I promptly provided. I received a new objective in 10 days (from China). Easy install and corrected the issue.

I'm thinking Sharpstar (Askar) as well. I had an issue with a ZWO EAF and tried their support forum once. Their response was go to the dealer. Luckily enough, they took care of the issue even though I had purchased the EAF six months prior. And why would you sell a scope with a dove tail but no rings and no way to mount it to the OTA? Crappy marketing. I think I'll stay away from ZWO OTAs and mounts for the time being. They badmouthed their AM5 initially with their own marketing as well...