A portable and versatile telescope, the Askar 185 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor is a large aperture and long focal ratio telescope that provides excellent light-gathering power, resolution, brightness, and contrast. It joins the recently introduced Askar 140 as the newest in Askar’s lineup of line of modular telescopes offering triplet refractor apos for visual and imaging.
The Askar 185 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor is a versatile imaging and visual telescope with the option of a 1.0x flattener and 0.8x focal reducer. It utilizes ED glass and yields high contrast images with pinpoint stars when imaging across a full frame imaging sensor. The telescope offers 185mm, a focal length of 1295 mm and a focal ratio of f/7,
The astrograph weighs in at 32.8 lb. (14.9 kg) with a gross weight of 37.9 lb. (17.2 kg) when including the telescope, tube rings, dovetail plate, and carrying handle. The overall construction of the Askar 185APO tube is created through high-quality CNC machining, anodizing, and surface spray paint treatment.
The dew shield, with its retractable design and enlarged locking screws, offers user-friendly functionality. To address concerns about limited space for attaching additional astronomical accessories, the Askar APO185 Triplet Refractor features two finder bases, one on each side of the focuser. This eliminates the need for disassembly when changing the position of the finder scope and provides additional mounting options for other accessories.
The handle of the Askar 185APO incorporates a special slot design, allowing it to serve as a base for installing a finder scope. Additionally, the handle is 400mm long, enhancing the convenience of securing the astrograph with tube rings. The tube rings are lightweight and are equipped with thumb screws for easy opening and locking. The base of the tube rings is elevated to provide additional space.
The standard Losmandy dovetail plate, compatible with most equatorial mounts and bases on the market, is 400mm for improved balance. The handle’s slot allows for adjustable spacing between the tube rings.
The Askar 185APO offers two optional accessories: a 1x flattener and a 0.8x reducer, both equipped with built-in filter threads for direct filter mounting. The 0.8x reducer is equipped with M54/M48 adapters, and the 1x flattener is equipped with M68/M54/M48 adapters for easy connection.
The 1x flattener maintains the telescope’s focal ratio at f/7 when connected to the Askar 185APO. It corrects field curvature and coma, resulting in flatter field edges and more precise star points. The 0.8x reducer can reduce the Askar 185APO’s focal ratio to f/5.6. This standard reducer also offers field flattening capabilities, enabling a wider field of view and shorter exposure times.
For visual observation, the Askar 185APO prioritizes quality and functionality as it easily achieves focus when connected to 1.25″ or 2″ diagonals and various eyepieces. Thanks to its segmented lens tube design, it can also be paired with a binoviewer for immersive visual observation.
The Askar 185APO offers a dual-speed rack and pinion system with a generously sized 3.5-inch rigid focuser. This design is compatible with most motorized focusers available on the market. Additionally, a high-precision scale is integrated into its 10cm focusing range. The entire focuser barrel is CNC machined and incorporates an anti-reflective internal design along with a matte finish, ensuring optimal stray light reduction.
At the rear of the focuser is a 360-degree high-precision rotator, complete with precise scales for easy angle adjustment and recording. This feature facilitates precise rotation and is complemented by an enlarged rotator locking screw that provides secure locking even under high loads. The telescope interface at the rear includes a versatile 1.25″/2″ adapter for added flexibility.
The Askar 185 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor specifications include:
– Focal Ratio: f/7
– Optical Design; Refractor
– Telescope Aperture: 185mm (5.51″)
– Number of Refractor Elements: 3 (Triplet)
– Focal Length (mm): 1295
– Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.1
– Focuser Style: Rack & Pinion
– Focuser Size: 3.5″
– Focuser Speed: Dual Speed
– Telescope OTA Weight (lb.): 32.8 lb. (14.9 kg)
– OTA Length Extended (in.): 48.11″ (1222 mm)
– OTA Length Retracted: 42.56″ (1081 mm)
You can learn more about the Askar 185 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor here.
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