Telescope-Refracting Telescopes-Askar 103APO Triplet Air-Spaced Refractor

Let’s Talk Optics
At a focal ratio of f/6.8 and 700mm’s of focal length, utilizing high contrast, well color corrected glass, the Askar 103mmAPO’s optics are fantastic! They have been designed to provide sharp stars without color fringing across a full frame (when used with a flattener or reducer). You will find that the extra work and masking techniques performed during post processing for correct star color (when using a doublet), is eliminated.

Quality Through and Through
The Askar’s 103APO includes everything that we love about refractor design. The 3.3″ dual speed 10:1 ratio focuser allows for precise focus control when using the scope visually or with an optional bahtinov mask. Adapters are included so that you can use both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepieces and other barreled accessories. The high quality CNC machined rings can be removed and adjusted to install Askar’s optional .6 reducer. The adjustability is also useful for fine tuning declination balance. The included handle bar atop the CNC rings is designed to fit guide scopes, finder scopes, and other accessories utilizing a synta style finder shoe. Askar has included two additional synta brackets atop the focuser providing ample room to add all mountable accessories for a successful imaging rig. The Vixen dovetail is double-mounted to the CNC rings ensuring a stable connection to your equatorial mount and the adjustable dew shield prevents hours lost under clear skies by shielding the ED optics from settling moisture.

Optical Versatility
On top of Askar’s mindful build quality, they have certainly considered the need for versatility in an imaging refactor. Askar offers their Askar 1x Flattener for those who want to photograph nebulae and galaxies at the full 700mm focal length while maximizing resolution from their imaging system by retaining the original focal length. Next, Askar offers their Askar .8 Reducer transforming the f/6.8 refractor into a faster f/5.6 imaging system – A great combination of resolution and light gathering power, especially for the cameras with smaller to medium sized pixels (2.3um – 3.76um). Finally, Askar offers their Askar .6 Reducer to those wishing for sweeping widefield shots without a reduction in aperture size (i.e. a smaller and wider refractor). The Askar .6 reducer increased the speed even further and brings the focal down to an impressive f/4.07, the optimal choice for those with the smallest of pixels or for those who desire the widest framing options. Possessing the trio provides you with 300mm of focal length play.

Perfect Focus
The Askar 103APO meets the standards of accessory compatibility with the option to attach an electronic focuser – the optimal way to ensure every single sub exposure is as crisp as possible. With the easy-to-follow instructions, installing your brand new EAF or simply switching your EAF from another scope to this one is simple. The difference in sharpness from your average bahtinov mask is… well, astronomical.