Sharpstar launches Askar 140 APO with portability in mind

The Askar 140 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 is the latest addition to Askar’s line of modular telescopes joining the recently introduced Askar 103APO and 140APO triplet refractors.

The Askar APO140 utilizes ED glass and yields high-contrast images with pinpoint stars when imaging across a full-frame imaging sensor. The telescope with its 140mm of aperture offers a focal ratio of f/7 with 980 mm of focal length.

Askar 140 APO f7 triplet refractor

The astrograph is both lightweight and compact, with a gross weight of 24 lbs including the telescope, tube rings, dovetail plate, and carrying handle, making it well-suited for astroimaging on the go. The overall construction of the Askar 140APO 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 APO140 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 140 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor incorporates a special slot design, allowing it to serve as a base for installing a finder scope. Additionally, the handle is 220mm long, enhancing the convenience of securing the astrograph with tube rings. The tube rings are lightweight, weighing only 1.7 kg, 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 300mm for improved balance. The handle’s slot allows for adjustable spacing between the tube rings.

The Askar 140APO 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 140APO. It corrects field curvature and coma, resulting in flatter field edges and more precise star points. The 0.8x reducer can reduce the Askar 140APO’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.

The Askar 140 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor prioritizes quality and functionality

For visual observation, the Askar 140 APO f/7 Triplet Refractor 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 140APO 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 APO140 Triplet Refractor specifications include:

• Focal Ratio: f/7
• Optical Design; Refractor
• Telescope Aperture: 140mm (5.51″)
• Number of Refractor Elements: 3 (Triplet)
• Focal Length (mm): 980
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 12.5
• Focuser Style: Rack & Pinion
• Focuser Size: 3.5″
• Focuser Speed: Dual Speed
• Telescope OTA Weight (lb.): 20lbs
• OTA Length Extended (in.): 34.2in
• OTA Length Retracted: 28.9