The Askar 185 APO optical tube assembly (OTA) features a 185mm aperture and a focal length of 1295mm, yielding a native focal ratio of f/7. The design incorporates a triplet air-spaced apochromatic (APO) lens, including one element made from ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, to correct chromatic aberration and enhance image quality.
The OTA has a retractable lens tube, reducing its total length to 1081mm when contracted and extending to 1222mm with the dew shield fully deployed. The rear retractable section of the lens tube provides an additional 95mm of adjustment. The OTA’s net weight is 14.9kg, with a gross weight of 17.2kg when including the tube rings, dovetail plate, and handle.
The focuser is a dual-speed 3.5-inch rack-and-pinion (R&P) model with 1:10 fine adjustment. It features a 100mm focusing travel with a high-precision scale for accurate adjustments. The focuser barrel is CNC-machined and coated with an anti-reflective matte finish to minimize stray light. The rear of the focuser includes a 360° rotator with precise angle markings and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
The OTA comes equipped with two finder bases mounted on the focuser for simultaneous attachment of multiple accessories. The rear focuser interface supports 2-inch and 1.25-inch visual adapters for compatibility with various diagonals and eyepieces. The retractable design allows for direct use with a binoviewer when the lens tube is contracted.
The OTA includes a pair of heightened CNC-machined tube rings weighing 2.3kg. The rings are secured using enlarged thumb screws and feature a 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate with multiple mounting holes for optimal balancing. The dovetail plate is compatible with most equatorial mounts. A multi-functional handle on the top of the OTA doubles as a mounting base for additional accessories, such as a finder scope.
The external finish of the OTA is CNC-machined with anodized aluminum and a surface spray-paint treatment. The ivory-white tube with orange accents provides durability and aesthetic appeal. Each OTA is fitted with a unique name ring for individual identification.
Optional accessories for the Askar 185 APO include a 0.8x reducer and a 1x flattener. Both accessories feature built-in 2-inch filter threads and come with M68, M54, and M48 adapters for versatile connectivity. The 0.8x reducer decreases the focal ratio to f/5.6 for a wider field of view, while the 1x flattener maintains the native focal ratio and corrects for field curvature.
Standard items included with the Askar 185 APO are the OTA, tube rings, handle, 400mm Losmandy dovetail plate, aluminum carrying case, and a user manual. The product’s packaging ensures secure transportation and storage.
Priced at $5,736, the Askar 185 refractor telescope, an air-spaced triplet refractor, offers exceptional performance for both visual observation and astrophotography. The telescope is housed in a durable aluminum trolley case, valued at approximately $417-$521, which ensures safe storage and transport. Included accessories, such as a Losmandy-type dovetail plate and a versatile cradle with mounting options, enhance usability. The sturdy handle on the cradle simplifies mounting and adjustments, while well-designed locking screws allow for precise positioning of the optical tube.
The mechanics are robust and professional-grade, with a satin white optical tube and orange accents that blend elegance with durability. The interior features blackened surfaces and diaphragms to minimize scattered light, improving contrast.
Compact and portable, the telescope measures 110 cm when collapsed and weighs approximately 17 kg, including standard accessories. A 3.5-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser provides smooth and precise operation, with 360-degree rotation and precise notches for easy adjustments. An electronic focuser is recommended for added stability and precision.
The Askar 185 features a 185 mm objective lens with an air-spaced triplet design and a focal ratio of f/7. Though the exact ED glass composition is unspecified, performance is consistent with high-quality materials like H-FK61. Images are sharp and well-contrasted, with minimal chromatic aberration and a slightly warm tone.
Tests included deep-sky and terrestrial observations, both yielding exceptional clarity and detail. As a giant spotting scope, the telescope performs admirably at medium-to-high magnifications.
In deep-sky observations, the telescope delivers detailed and sharp images, particularly at medium-to-low magnifications. Its lunar and planetary performance is also impressive, providing bright, detailed views, though contrast may not fully match premium refractors like the Takahashi TOA 150. The larger aperture compensates with enhanced brightness and resolution.
The telescope is compatible with binocular viewers without requiring additional correctors, offering an immersive and three-dimensional viewing experience. This feature, combined with the bright and clear optics, adds a unique dimension to observations.
Star tests reveal sharp intrafocal images with well-defined rings and precise focusing. Minor spherical aberration is present but does not significantly impact performance. Multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on all optical surfaces further enhance brightness and contrast. The telescope was mounted on an NEQ6 mount with a Berlebach Planet tripod, providing satisfactory stability for visual use. For astrophotography, more robust mounts like the EQ8 or Losmandy G11 are recommended. The combination of precise mechanics and solid mounting ensures a smooth and enjoyable observing experience.
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