Askar 160 APO Triplet

The recently introduced Askar 160 APO Triplet Air-Spaced Refractor offers an upgraded aperture compared to its predecessor, the 140APO, with a 30% larger effective aperture area. This improvement enhances the telescope's limiting magnitude, reaching 12.79, and provides a native focal ratio of f/7 with a focal length of 1120mm. The 160mm aperture positions it as a capable optical tube assembly (OTA) for astrophotography and visual observation.

Askar 160 APO Triplet refractor telescope

The optical design features a triplet air-spaced APO lens structure that includes one element of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. ED glass minimizes chromatic aberration, a significant factor for achieving accurate color representation and detailed images. The lens structure and combination have been specifically engineered to improve chromatic aberration correction, although this increases design complexity and production costs. The 160APO exemplifies precision through these advanced optical features.

The 160APO incorporates a retractable rear lens tube with a rudder-type locking ring, ensuring optical axis stability when extended or retracted. Additionally, the OTA includes an extended 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate and a 316mm handle designed for mounting convenience and accessory attachment. The handle's special slot design accommodates a finder scope base, adding to its versatility. Despite its large aperture, the 160APO remains portable, with a minimum length of 883mm when contracted and a weight of 11.4kg (13.6kg including accessories).

A dual-speed, rack-and-pinion 3.5-inch focuser enhances the OTA's functionality. This focuser supports most motorized systems, offers a 100mm focusing travel with a high-precision scale, and features two finder bases for accessory mounting. The rear of the focuser includes a 360° rotator with precise scales for rotation angle adjustments, supported by an enlarged locking screw for secure operation under heavier loads. The focuser also accommodates 1.25"/2" adapters, enabling compatibility with various eyepieces and diagonals.

160 APO triplet air-spaced refractor specifications

• Aperture Size: 160mm
• Focal Length: 1120mm
• Focal Ratio: f/7
• Objective Lens: Triplet air-spaced APO (includes one ED glass)
• Total Length: 883mm (dew shield contracted)
• Total Length: 996mm (dew shield stretched)
• Length of Rear Retractable Lens Tube: 115mm
• OTA Weight: 11.4kg
• Gross Weight (including tube ring and dovetail plate): 13.6kg
• Rear-End Thread Type: 2"/1.25" visual adapters
   

Whats included with the Askar 160APO refractor

• 160APO OTA
• Pair of tube rings
• Handle
• Askar 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate
• Aluminum box
• Manual
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Askar 160 APO triplet air-spaced refractor key features

• 160mm aperture with a 1120mm focal length and f/7 focal ratio.
• Triplet air-spaced APO lens design with one ED glass element for reducing chromatic aberration.
• Corrected chromatic aberration for enhanced image quality and color accuracy.
• Retractable rear lens tube with a locking ring for optical axis stability.
• 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate and 316mm handle for improved mounting and accessory use.
• Compact design with a contracted length of 883mm and gross weight of 13.6kg.
• Dual-speed, rack-and-pinion 3.5-inch focuser compatible with motorized systems.
• 100mm focusing travel with precise scales and two finder bases.
• 360° rotator with precise scales and an enlarged locking screw for secure high-load operation.
• Compatible with 1.25"/2" adapters, diagonals, and binoviewers for visual observation.
• Standard package includes the OTA, tube rings, handle, Losmandy dovetail plate, aluminum box, and manual.
   

What Teagan Grable had to say in his review of the new Askar 160 APO triplet air-spaced refractor

Teagan Grable recently conducted a detailed review of the newly launched Askar 160 APO Triplet Air-Spaced Refractor. This premium 160 mm aperture telescope, with a focal length of 1,120 mm and an f/7 focal ratio, was highlighted as an excellent option for both astrophotography and visual observation.

According to Grable, the telescope excels in capturing medium to small nebulae, galaxies, planetary nebulae, and detailed regions of larger nebulae. He noted that the focal length allows users to zoom in on intricate features like the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, making it particularly suited for those prioritizing high-resolution detail over wider fields of view.

For visual astronomy, the telescope’s six-inch aperture provides sharp views of planets, deep-sky objects, and the Moon. Its retractable lens tube allows users to seamlessly switch between imaging and traditional eyepiece viewing. The tube also supports optional bino viewers, enhancing its versatility.

Grable highlighted the telescope’s large, EAF-compatible 3.5-inch focuser, Losmandy D-style mounting plate, and a 360-degree camera rotator as significant features. The scope includes multiple attachment points for accessories such as guide scopes and onboard computers, catering to both astrophotographers and visual observers.

Askar plans to release a dedicated field flattener and reducer to complement the 160 APO. While these accessories were not yet available, Grable assured viewers that updates would be provided as they are announced.

Additionally, the telescope is sold with a durable aluminum hard case, offering protection during transport and storage. Grable praised the Askar 160 APO as a convenient, ready-to-use solution for astronomers seeking a high-performance large-aperture refractor without the complexities of collimation.

In conclusion, Grable recommended the Askar 160 APO for users looking to expand their astrophotography setups or for those seeking a robust refractor for detailed imaging and visual work.